Workplace injuries can catch anyone off guard, even in jobs that seem free of risk. Missing the right steps early on can sometimes cost you paychecks and essential medical care. Colorado sets out specific rules for reporting injuries and deadlines for filing claims. If you get hurt while working contact our Aurora personal injury lawyers, because taking the right actions right away is very important. Consider taking the following steps to protect your health and your rights to a claim:
Prioritize Your Health First
As soon as you’re hurt, seek medical attention right away, no matter how minor or major you think the injury is. Small aches sometimes turn into serious problems, and delaying treatment could allow bosses or their insurance companies to question your claim or say the injury happened somewhere else. Let a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional that you see know the accident happened at work so your treatment is clearly connected to your job.
Report the Injury In Writing to Your Colorado Employer
Colorado has a 10-day deadline for letting your employer know about a work injury, and the notice needs to be in writing. Provide details, dates, and whatever paperwork or evidence you have. If you don’t alert your employer within this timeframe, it can hurt your claim.
Keep a Strong Paper Trail from Your Workers’ Compensation Case
Memories fade and details get lost quickly after an accident. Make detailed notes about how you got hurt, any pain you experience each day, names of coworkers who saw what happened, and ask for their contact info if possible. Take photos or even short videos of any machinery, spills, surfaces, or visible injuries. Keep track of your doctor’s appointments and any communication you have with your medical team.
Follow the Doctor’s Advice
To make sure your injuries heal and you have a strong workers’ compensation claim, follow the directions of your medical provider. If you skip appointments or don’t do recommended treatments, insurers might deny some or all of your benefits.
Understand How Workers’ Comp Works in Colorado
Colorado workers’ compensation helps most people hurt on the job without making a determination about anyone being at fault. You can generally get coverage for treatment, partial replacement for lost pay, and sometimes disability payments. You aren’t required to show the company was negligent but do need to prove the injury or illness happened while doing your work.
Be Careful of What You Say in a Colorado Workers’ Compensation Case
Once an accident claim starts, be smart about what you say at work, in texts, online posts, and even private messages. Insurance teams sometimes search for anything they can use against you. Casual talk about running errands or feeling better can be taken out of context and used against you later.
Consult with a Local Aurora, Colorado Work Injury Attorney
What you do and don’t do after an injury will shape the rest of your case. Talking with a Colorado lawyer familiar with work injuries helps you navigate deadlines, forms, disagreements with insurers, and disputes about necessary medical care. An experienced attorney knows what insurance company tactics to watch for and how to present a strong case.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at (303) 529-9662. We’ll schedule a free case review and help you with your next steps.