{"id":1859,"date":"2023-02-12T01:01:29","date_gmt":"2023-02-12T08:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abradleygoodman.com\/index.php\/get-debt-relief-now\/?page_id=1859"},"modified":"2026-09-10T11:37:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T17:37:41","slug":"workers-compensation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/abradleygoodman.com\/?page_id=1859","title":{"rendered":"Worker&#8217;s Compensation"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1859\" class=\"elementor elementor-1859\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8ffb2c8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"8ffb2c8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7dcd38b\" data-id=\"7dcd38b\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b377fbc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b377fbc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">WORKER'S COMP.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8b0871 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d8b0871\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">CONTINGENCY FEES!<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div 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data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/abradleygoodman.com\/?page_id=890\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">CLICK TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY CALL YOU BACK<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ce17c49 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ce17c49\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2d87b70\" data-id=\"2d87b70\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b88b684 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b88b684\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"415\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/abradleygoodman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/workers-comp-cover-image.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2799\" alt=\"Cover image for Colorado Worker&#039;s Compensation informational pamphlet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abradleygoodman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/workers-comp-cover-image.jpg 415w, https:\/\/abradleygoodman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/workers-comp-cover-image-207x300.jpg 207w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 415px) 100vw, 415px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-21278a5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"21278a5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-376beaa\" data-id=\"376beaa\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-425c4de elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"425c4de\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"western\" align=\"center\">YOU AND YOUR COLORADO WORKERS\u2019 COMPENSATION CASE<\/h1>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"center\"><strong>A 2026 Update<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-is-workers-compensation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Is Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#am-i-entitled-to-workers-compensation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Am I Entitled to Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-workers-are-not-covered-by-workers-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Workers Are Not Covered by Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-if-my-employer-says-im-an-independe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What If My Employer Says I\u2019m an \u201cIndependent Contractor\u201d?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-do-i-do-when-ive-been-injured-on-th\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Do I Do When I\u2019ve Been Injured on the Job?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-type-of-benefits-am-i-entitled-to\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Type of Benefits Am I Entitled To?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-if-my-spouse-dies-on-the-job\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What If My Spouse Dies on the Job?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#can-you-describe-the-various-types-of-co\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Can You Describe the Various Types of Compensation for Lost Wages?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#when-do-i-get-paid-my-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When Do I Get Paid My Benefits?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#who-pays-my-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Who Pays My Benefits?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#can-i-pick-my-own-doctor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Can I Pick My Own Doctor?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-if-the-insurer-denies-my-claim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What If the Insurer Denies My Claim?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-if-my-employer-does-not-carry-worke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What If My Employer Does Not Carry Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#can-i-change-doctors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Can I Change Doctors?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-is-an-ime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Is an IME?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-do-i-do-when-the-doctor-releases-me\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Do I Do When the Doctor Releases Me to Go Back to Work, but I Can\u2019t Find Work Within My Restrictions?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-if-i-am-released-to-return-to-work-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What If I Am Released to Return to Work With Restrictions and My Employer Offers Me a Job?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-if-i-dont-agree-with-my-doctors-res\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What If I Don\u2019t Agree With My Doctor\u2019s Restrictions?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-if-i-am-fired-in-retaliation-for-fi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What If I Am Fired in Retaliation for Filing a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#i-just-received-a-final-admission-of-lia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I Just Received a \u201cFinal Admission of Liability\u201d Form. What Do I Do About It?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#how-do-i-get-money-for-my-case\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How Do I Get Money for My Case?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#what-if-i-was-injured-last-year-but-now-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What If I Was Injured Last Year, but Now My Injury Has Worsened and I Need More Medical or Wage-Loss Benefits?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#when-should-i-see-a-lawyer-and-how-much-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When Should I See a Lawyer and How Much Do They Cost?<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><u><a href=\"#request-for-medical-mileage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request for Medical Mileage<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What Is Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Workers\u2019 compensation is a system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill because of their job. It doesn\u2019t matter if your employer was at fault or not\u2014if you\u2019re hurt on the job, you\u2019re entitled to benefits. In exchange, you usually can\u2019t sue your employer for your injury, even if they were negligent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">This system is designed to help you get medical care and wage replacement quickly, without the need for a long legal battle.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Am I Entitled to Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If you are an employee\u2014full-time or part-time\u2014and you\u2019re injured or become ill because of your job, you are likely entitled to workers\u2019 compensation benefits. This includes injuries from accidents, occupational diseases, or repetitive stress.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What Workers Are Not Covered by Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Not everyone is covered by workers\u2019 compensation in Colorado. Here are some exceptions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Sole proprietors, corporate officers, and LLC members (unless they choose to be covered)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Independent contractors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Commission-only real estate agents and brokers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Volunteers (unless they elect coverage)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Federal employees (covered by federal workers\u2019 compensation)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Railroad employees (covered by federal laws)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Drivers under a lease agreement with a common or contract carrier<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Certain volunteers for ski area operators<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">People providing host home services as part of residential support<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If you\u2019re unsure whether you\u2019re covered, consult a lawyer.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What If My Employer Says I\u2019m an \u201cIndependent Contractor\u201d?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your employer claims you\u2019re an independent contractor and refuses to pay workers\u2019 compensation, don\u2019t take their word for it. The law decides your status based on how much control your employer has over your work, not just what your employer calls you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If you believe you\u2019re really an employee, talk to a lawyer right away. The decision is up to a judge, not your employer.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What Do I Do When I\u2019ve Been Injured on the Job?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If you\u2019re injured at work, report it to your employer <strong>immediately<\/strong>. You must notify your employer in writing within <strong>10 working days<\/strong> of the injury. If you don\u2019t, you could lose benefits.<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your injury keeps you from working for more than three days, you\u2019re entitled to compensation. Even if you miss less time, your medical bills should still be covered.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What Type of Benefits Am I Entitled To?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">You\u2019re entitled to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Medical benefits<\/strong>: All medical bills related to your injury are covered, with no limits.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Disability benefits<\/strong>: You\u2019ll receive about <strong>66\u2154%<\/strong> of your average weekly wage if you\u2019re unable to work, up to a maximum of <strong>$1,396.85 per week<\/strong> for injuries occurring between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Other benefits<\/strong>: For catastrophic injuries, you may also receive attendant care or other support services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What If My Spouse Dies on the Job?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your spouse dies because of a work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to benefits for many years, possibly for life, unless you remarry. If the employer doesn\u2019t start paying, contact a lawyer immediately.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Can You Describe the Various Types of Compensation for Lost Wages?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">There are four main types of disability benefits:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Temporary Total Disability (TTD)<\/strong>: If you can\u2019t work at all while recovering, you\u2019ll receive TTD benefits until you return to work, reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), or are released to return to work.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)<\/strong>: If you return to work part-time or with restrictions, you\u2019ll receive TPD benefits to make up for lost wages.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)<\/strong>: If you reach MMI but still have some permanent impairment, you\u2019ll receive PPD benefits based on your impairment rating. The maximum combined benefit for PPD and TTD is <strong>$192,996.79<\/strong> if your impairment rating is 19% or less, and <strong>$312,967.77<\/strong> if your rating is 20% or higher.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Permanent Total Disability (PTD)<\/strong>: If you\u2019re permanently unable to work, you may receive PTD benefits for life.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">When Do I Get Paid My Benefits?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Your employer has <strong>10 days<\/strong> to report your injury to their insurance company. The insurer then has <strong>20 days<\/strong> to start paying benefits or deny your claim. If your claim is accepted, you\u2019ll receive your first payment within <strong>35 days<\/strong> of reporting your injury.<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your employer or the insurer fails to act, you can file a claim yourself with the <strong>Division of Workers\u2019 Compensation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Who Pays My Benefits?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Almost all Colorado employers must carry workers\u2019 compensation insurance. It\u2019s the insurance company\u2014not your employer or the state\u2014that pays your benefits. In rare cases, very large companies may self-insure, but this is uncommon.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Can I Pick My Own Doctor?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>As of 2026<\/strong>, you can now choose your own doctor from the <strong>Division of Workers\u2019 Compensation\u2019s statewide list of Level I or II accredited providers<\/strong>. You are no longer limited to a list provided by your employer. If you don\u2019t select a doctor within <strong>7 days<\/strong> of your injury, your employer or insurer may choose one for you.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What If the Insurer Denies My Claim?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Contact a lawyer immediately to help you navigate the process and fight for your benefits.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What If My Employer Does Not Carry Workers\u2019 Compensation?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your employer doesn\u2019t have workers\u2019 compensation insurance, you can sue them in civil court for negligence. If you win, you can collect damages, including pain and suffering. You can also file a workers\u2019 compensation claim and place a lien on your employer\u2019s assets.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Can I Change Doctors?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Yes. If you\u2019re unhappy with your doctor, you can request a change. You have the right to switch to another accredited provider at any time, but it\u2019s best to notify your insurer in writing.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What Is an IME?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">An <strong>Independent Medical Examination (IME)<\/strong> is a medical evaluation requested by the insurance company. They may ask you to see their doctor to confirm your injury or treatment needs. You must attend, but if you disagree with the IME doctor\u2019s opinion, you can request another evaluation.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What Do I Do When the Doctor Releases Me to Go Back to Work, but I Can\u2019t Find Work Within My Restrictions?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your doctor releases you to return to work with restrictions, but you can\u2019t find a job that fits those restrictions, file for <strong>unemployment benefits<\/strong> within <strong>four weeks<\/strong>. This will help protect your income while you search for suitable work.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What If I Am Released to Return to Work With Restrictions and My Employer Offers Me a Job?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your employer offers you a job that fits your restrictions, you must accept it. If you refuse, your benefits may be cut off. If the job pays less than your previous wage, you may still receive partial benefits.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What If I Don\u2019t Agree With My Doctor\u2019s Restrictions?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If you disagree with your doctor\u2019s restrictions, you can request an <strong>IME<\/strong> at your own expense. If you can\u2019t afford it, your lawyer can ask the court to make the insurance company pay for it.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What If I Am Fired in Retaliation for Filing a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Colorado law protects you from being fired for filing a workers\u2019 compensation claim. If you believe you were fired in retaliation, you can file a complaint with the <strong>Division of Labor Standards and Statistics<\/strong> or sue your employer for wrongful termination. Retaliation is illegal under both common law and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">I Just Received a \u201cFinal Admission of Liability\u201d Form. What Do I Do About It?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">This form lists the benefits the insurance company has paid and what they plan to pay in the future. If you disagree with anything on the form, you must object in writing within <strong>30 days<\/strong>. If you don\u2019t, you may lose your right to challenge their decision.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">How Do I Get Money for My Case?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">You can either accept the insurance company\u2019s offer or negotiate a <strong>settlement<\/strong>. A settlement means you receive a lump sum in exchange for closing your case. Once settled, you can\u2019t reopen your case for more benefits, even if your condition worsens.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">What If I Was Injured Last Year, but Now My Injury Has Worsened and I Need More Medical or Wage-Loss Benefits?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">You can reopen your claim if your condition worsens, as long as you didn\u2019t sign a final settlement waiving this right. You have <strong>six years<\/strong> from the date of injury or <strong>two years<\/strong> from your last medical treatment or benefit payment to reopen your claim.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">When Should I See a Lawyer and How Much Do They Cost?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">If your injury is minor and your employer is cooperating, you may not need a lawyer. However, if your injury is serious or your claim is denied, consult a lawyer immediately.<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Most workers\u2019 compensation lawyers work on a <strong>contingency fee<\/strong> basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Fees are typically <strong>20-25%<\/strong> of your recovery.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Request for Medical Mileage<\/h2>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\">You can be reimbursed for mileage to and from medical appointments. The current reimbursement rate is <strong>$0.63 per mile<\/strong> (as of January 1, 2026). Keep track of your trips and submit a request to your insurer within <strong>120 days<\/strong> of travel.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h3 class=\"western\" align=\"left\">Footnotes<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Reporting Deadline<\/strong>: Colorado Revised Statutes \u00a7 8-43-102<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Disability Benefits<\/strong>: Colorado Division of Workers\u2019 Compensation, Maximum Benefits Order for 2025-2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Physician Selection<\/strong>: Colorado House Bill 25-1300, effective 2026<u>.<\/u><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Retaliation Protections<\/strong>: Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and common law protections<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"left\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> This pamphlet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"center\"><b>A. BRADLEY GOODMAN, ESQ.<br>Attorney at Law<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"center\"><b>abradleygoodman.com<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WORKER&#8217;S COMP. CONTINGENCY FEES! CLICK TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY CALL YOU BACK YOU AND YOUR COLORADO WORKERS\u2019 COMPENSATION CASE A 2026 Update TABLE OF CONTENTS What Is Workers\u2019 Compensation? Am I Entitled to Workers\u2019 Compensation? What Workers Are Not Covered by Workers\u2019 Compensation? What If My Employer Says I\u2019m an \u201cIndependent Contractor\u201d? What Do I [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"Fort Collins & Greeley Workers' Comp | A. Bradley Goodman","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learn about Colorado workers\u2019 compensation benefits, denied claims, workplace injuries and disability benefits. 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