Injured at Work in Colorado Springs? Get Help Protecting Your Rights.
A workplace injury can change your life in an instant. One moment you are doing your job, and the next you are dealing with pain, medical appointments, missed paychecks, pressure from your employer, and confusing calls from an insurance company.
If you were hurt on the job in Colorado Springs or the surrounding area, you could be entitled to benefits for your medical care, lost wages, and long-term disability. But getting workplace injury benefits is not always simple. Employers and insurance companies may question how the injury happened, send you to doctors who minimize your condition, delay payments, or push you back to work before you are ready.
At The Law Office of Rodemer | Kane, we help injured workers understand their options and protect their future. Whether your injury happened on a construction site, in a warehouse, at an office, while driving for work, or during a physically demanding job, our Colorado Springs workplace injury lawyers near you are ready to help. Call 719-437-7532 today for a free consultation.
Do I Need a Workplace Injury Lawyer?
Not every minor workplace injury requires the assistance of a workplace injury lawyer, but if your injury is serious, your claim is being denied or delayed, or you feel pressured to return to work before you have healed, it can be smart to speak with a workplace attorney near you.
A workplace injury lawyer can help you:
- Understand what benefits may be available
- Report and document your injury properly
- Deal with the insurance company
- Challenge a denied workers’ compensation claim
- Protect your job-related rights
- Make sure your medical condition is taken seriously
- Review settlement offers before you sign anything
- Determine whether a third-party injury claim may also be available
What Should You Do After a Work Injury in Colorado?
If you have suffered an injury at work, your first priority should be your health. But the steps you take early on after the accident can also affect your legal rights.
1. Get medical help right away
Do not ignore pain or try to tough it out. Some injuries get worse over time, especially back injuries, neck injuries, concussions, and repetitive stress injuries, which can be quite common in the workplace.
2. Report your injury in writing
In Colorado, injured workers are expected to notify their employer in writing within 10 working days of the injury. If more time has passed, you should still report the injury as soon as possible.
3. Be clear about how the injury happened
When speaking with your employer, doctor, or insurance adjuster, explain when, where, and how the injury occurred. Avoid guessing or downplaying your pain.
4. Keep records
Make sure to save copies of all of your medical records, work restrictions, emails, texts, accident reports, pay stubs, and any communication from the insurance company.
5. Do not rush into a settlement
A workplace injury settlement may affect your right to future medical care and wage benefits. Before you sign anything it’s best to talk to a workplace injury attorney in your area.
What Benefits Can Injured Workers Receive?
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help employees who are injured while doing their job. Depending on your situation the benefits may include:
Medical treatment: This could include doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, imaging, prescriptions, specialist care, and other treatment related to your workplace injury.
Loss of wages benefits: If your injury keeps you from working, or if you can only work reduced hours or lighter duties, you may be eligible for partial wage replacement.
Temporary disability benefits: These benefits may apply while you are recovering and unable to return to your normal job duties.
Permanent disability benefits: If your injury causes lasting impairment, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits.
Vocational support: In some cases, a serious injury may prevent you from returning to your previous line of work. Additional support may be available depending on the claim.
Death benefits: If a worker dies because of a job-related injury, surviving family members may be entitled to benefits. It’s important to speak with a wrongful death attorney if you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident.
Common Workplace Accident Injuries in Colorado
Workplace injuries can happen in any industry. Some are sudden and obvious, while others develop over time from repetitive movement, heavy lifting, or unsafe conditions. Our Colorado Springs personal injury firm can help with workplace injuries involving:
- Construction accidents
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or elevated surfaces
- Slip and fall accidents at work
- Heavy equipment injuries
- Warehouse and loading dock accidents
- Delivery driver and work-related vehicle accidents
- Lifting injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Shoulder, knee, and joint injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns and electrical injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Occupational illnesses
- Toxic exposure
- Crush injuries
- Machinery accidents
- Workplace assaults
- Fatal workplace accidents
Even if you are not sure whether your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation, you should still speak with an attorney. Many injured workers assume they do not have a case when they actually do.
What Happens If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied?
A denied worker’s comp claim does not always mean your case is over. Insurance companies deny workplace injury claims for many reasons, including:
- They claim the injury did not happen at work
- They say you missed a reporting deadline
- They argue your injury was pre-existing
- They believe your injury is not as serious as you say
- They dispute the medical evidence
- They say you can return to work
- They claim you were not covered by workers’ compensation
If your worker’s compensation claim was denied, you should speak with a Colorado Springs workplace injury lawyer near you as soon as possible. An attorney can review the denial, gather evidence, communicate with the insurer, and help you challenge the decision.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Workplace Injury?
In many Colorado workplace injury cases, workers’ compensation is the main path for recovering benefits. However, there may be situations where another legal claim is available.
For example, you may have a third-party personal injury claim if someone other than your employer caused your injury. This could include:
- A negligent driver who hit you while you were working
- A subcontractor on a job site
- A property owner
- A manufacturer of defective equipment
- A maintenance company
- Another company working at the same location
Third-party claims can be important because they may allow you to seek damages that workers’ compensation does not fully cover, such as pain and suffering.
Talk to a Colorado Springs Work Accident Lawyer Near You
You should not have to face a workplace injury claim alone. If you were hurt at work, denied benefits, pressured to return too soon, or offered a settlement you do not fully understand, get legal help before making your next move.
The Law Offices of Rodemer | Kane is here to help injured workers in Colorado Springs protect their rights and pursue the benefits they deserve. Call 719-437-7532 today to schedule a free case consultation.
FAQ: Workplace Injury Claims in Colorado Springs
How long do I have to report a workplace injury in Colorado?
You should report your workplace injury to your employer in writing within 10 working days. If you missed that window, report it as soon as possible and speak with an attorney.
What if my employer says I do not have a worker’s comp claim?
Do not rely only on what your employer tells you. If you were hurt while doing your job, you may still have rights under Colorado workers’ compensation law.
Can I choose my own doctor for my workplace injury claim?
Colorado workers’ compensation has rules about authorized treating physicians. Before choosing your own doctor for a work injury, it is a good idea to understand how medical authorization works.
What if I was partly at fault for my injury at work?
Workers’ compensation generally does not require you to prove your employer was at fault. Even if you made a mistake, you may still qualify for benefits.
Should I accept the insurance company’s workplace injury settlement offer?
Not before speaking with an experienced workplace injury lawyer near you. A settlement can affect your future medical care, wage benefits, and overall recovery. Always have an attorney review the offer first.