Understanding your rights under Colorado’s workers’ compensation laws is essential if you’ve experienced an injury or illness related to your work. At Levine Law, we are committed to helping injured workers in Glendale obtain the benefits they deserve.
With years of experience as Glendale workers’ compensation attorneys, we guide our clients through the claims process and aggressively fight for fair compensation.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation provides financial and medical benefits to employees injured or made ill by their work environment. In Colorado, this system is no-fault, meaning employees are entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, the process can be complicated, and claim denials are common. That’s where our accident lawyers in Glendale step in—to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, disability, and death benefits for dependents if an injury proves fatal. According to Colorado law, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance, and failing to do so can result in fines and penalties.
Who Needs Workers’ Compensation Coverage?
Under Colorado law, most businesses must provide workers’ compensation coverage to all employees, including part-time staff.
However, certain workers are exempt from coverage, including:
- Independent contractors without employees
- Real estate agents and brokers working on commission
- Casual maintenance workers earning less than $2,000 annually
- Sole proprietors and LLC members who choose to opt-out
Understanding whether you are covered under your employer’s policy is critical. If you have questions about eligibility, our work injury lawyers in Glendale can help.
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The Importance of Timely Reporting
Filing your workers’ compensation claim quickly is crucial. Injured workers must notify their employer in writing as soon as possible. The employer, in turn, is required to report the injury to their insurance carrier within 10 days (Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act).
Additionally, injured employees who have been injured for up to three years from injury or illness can file a claim with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. Missing these deadlines could jeopardize your benefits.
At Levine Law, our Glendale workers’ comp attorneys will ensure your claim is submitted correctly and on time, helping you avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
Common Workplace Injuries in Colorado
Workplace injuries can range from minor accidents to severe, life-altering conditions. In Colorado, more than 54,800 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in 2022, with 34,600 cases severe enough to result in time off work or job restrictions.
The most frequent injuries reported include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal injuries such as herniated discs
- Repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Mental health conditions like PTSD from traumatic workplace events
- Burns and chemical exposure injuries
The trade, transportation, and utilities sectors had the highest number of reported injuries, along with education and healthcare services. If you’ve been injured on the job, our work injury lawyers in Glendale will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Colorado
In Colorado, injured employees are eligible for several types of benefits:
- Medical Benefits: Coverage for medical expenses, including treatment, therapy, and surgeries.
- Wage Replacement: Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments to cover lost wages. As of 2023, the weekly benefit cap is $1,293.25.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for long-term impairments.
- Death Benefits: Dependents may receive compensation if a worker dies due to a workplace injury.
Colorado imposes limits on the total amount of benefits that can be awarded, depending on the severity of the injury. For example, disability benefits are capped at $113,372.35 for impairments rated at 19% or less and $226,741.83 for impairments above 19%.
How Levine Law Helps with Your Claim
The workers’ compensation process is often more complicated than it appears. Many initial claims are denied because of missed deadlines, incomplete paperwork, or disputes over the severity of the injury.
As top-rated workers’ compensation accident lawyers in Glendale, we assist with the following:
- Filing initial claims: Ensuring your claim is complete and accurate.
- Appealing denied claims: We’ll fight the insurance company’s decision if your claim is denied.
- Handling disputes: If your employer or insurer challenges your injury, we’ll represent you in hearings.
Our experience in handling workers’ compensation disputes means that we know the system inside and out and are committed to helping you get the benefits you deserve.
What Happens if My Claim is Denied?
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Colorado’s workers’ compensation appeal process can be daunting without legal support. The Division of Workers’ Compensation oversees these appeals, and you must respond within 45 days of receiving the denial notice to request a hearing.
Levine Law will guide you through every step of the appeals process, from gathering evidence to preparing for hearings. We aim to overturn unfair denials and secure the compensation you are owed.
How to Maximize Your Compensation
Maximizing your compensation requires more than simply filing a claim. Here are a few strategies to improve your chances:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Prompt treatment documents the severity of your injury.
- Report your injury in writing: Verbal reports may not be enough to protect your rights.
- Follow medical advice: Failing to comply with treatment plans can jeopardize your claim.
- Work with an experienced attorney: An experienced Glendale workers’ compensation attorney will handle your claim correctly and fight for maximum benefits.
Why Choose Levine Law?
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be stressful, especially when dealing with the aftermath of a work injury. At Levine Law, we take the burden off your shoulders.
As a top-rated workers’ compensation accident lawyer in Glendale, we are proud to offer the following:
- Personalized service: We tailor our approach to meet your unique needs.
- Experienced representation: We know the ins and outs of Colorado’s workers’ compensation laws.
- Aggressive advocacy: We fight to secure the maximum benefits for our clients.
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Contact Levine Law Today
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, don’t wait. Our accident lawyers near you are ready to help you secure the benefits you deserve. Levine Law is here if you need assistance filing a claim, handling a dispute, and appealing a denial.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Glendale workers’ compensation attorney. We’re here to help you every step of the way.