Denver Workers Compensation Attorney Answers FAQs
The law can be difficult to understand sometimes, so we know that many people in the state of Colorado may not be familiar with the ins and outs of workers’ compensation. Learn the basics by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions, provided by a Denver workers compensation attorney.
How Soon Do I Need to Report My Injury?
It’s strongly recommended that you report your injury to your employer as soon as it happens. However, if the injury is severe or life threatening, it’s more important to seek medical attention than it is to talk to your employer right away.
Injured workers have four days from the date of the injury to report the incident to their employer. If you report it after this four-day period, it’s possible that you will lose some of the benefits that you deserve. Make sure that you meet this tight deadline so you receive as much compensation as possible. If you are physically unable to notify your employer within four days, ask someone else to do it on your behalf.
Who Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation Laws?
The vast majority of employees are entitled to receive workers’ compensation if they are injured at work. But, there are some workers who are not eligible, including independent contractors, part-time domestic workers, and individuals who perform farm work or maintenance work for less than $2,000 per year.
How Will You Be Compensated?
If your claim is approved, workers’ compensation will cover all of your healthcare expenses related to your injury. Injured workers are also eligible to receive either temporary disability or permanent disability payments. The former compensates workers who are temporarily unable to work, while the latter compensates workers who will never be able to fully recover from their injuries.
Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits to families who have lost a loved one due to a work-related injury. In this tragic situation, the family would also receive a lump sum from the insurance company to cover funeral expenses.
Can a Workers’ Compensation Claim Be Denied?
Yes. Many claims are denied if the injured party does not provide enough information. To avoid this problem, make sure you provide medical records that clearly show the extent of your injury. Claims can also be denied if the insurance company does not believe that the injury occurred at work. Learn why your workers’ compensation claim could be denied.
Who decides if a claim is approved or denied?
Many injured workers believe their employer decides if a claim is approved, but that’s not the case. It is the insurer’s responsibility to review the information that you have provided in the claim and decide whether to approve or deny it.
If you have been injured at work, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Mark A. Simon will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the benefits that you deserve. Call us or contact Mark A. Simon to discuss your right to recover compensation during a free consultation.