Workers’ compensation, also known as workers’ comp, is designed to protect the injured worker. Medical expenses, lost wages and, if necessary, training or rehab for a new type of job are some of the remunerations made available by workers’ comp coverage.
However, in order to earn these benefits, first you must make sure to follow some important guidelines when reporting your injury.
Below are just a few basics to consider:
- Always report your injury in writing. This is a very necessary step, even if your employer says that they will handle it for you. Let them know that you would like to fill out a form.
- Report your injury to your employer within four days. If you wait longer than this, the employer could always come back and try to reduce some of your workers’ compensation benefits for each day after the four days that it took you to report the incident.
- File a workers comp’ claim with the Colorado Division of Workers Compensation if your employer fails to or they do not have insurance.
- Report first to your direct supervisor. Ask for an injury form to fill out at this time.
- If you are met with any resistance on filling out a form from your supervisor or human resources department, fill out your own information on a piece of paper, make a copy and ask them to put it in your personal file.
- If you run into any problem receiving compensation for a work related injury, either from your employer or their insurance company, consult a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney in your area immediately.
Also, it’s important to note that an injury does not have to be a one-time accident, workers’ compensation also helps those who have experienced injury from an occupational disease, meaning they were injured or harmed over time as a direct result of work duties.
These suggestions do not come close to covering the full scope of workers’ comp and is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to benefits.
The ins and outs of Colorado workers’ compensation laws can be especially tricky, but not for Denver attorney Mack Babcock. If you or one of your loved ones has been injured on the job, schedule a free consultation with him immediately.
Browse our blog and knowledge center to learn more about accurately reporting a Colorado workers compensation injury.