How Long Do I Have to Report a Workplace Injury in Colorado?

If you have suffered a workplace injury in Colorado, you should report it to your employer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in this situation, and it makes sense to act now. If you are reading this after a workplace injury, consider contacting your employer sooner rather than later. This article will give more information about your requirements as an injured worker in Colorado. After contacting your employer, get in touch with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Colorado. These legal professionals can help you report your injury in writing, respond to workers’ comp letters, and pursue compensation.

You Have 10 Days to Report Your Injury

Injured workers have 10 days to notify their employers in writing about their injuries and workplace accidents. If you wait longer than 10 days to report the injury in writing, you may still have a claim but you may lose one day of wage benefits for each day you fail to report  That being said, it is best to notify your employer in writing as soon as you can. If possible, notify your employer of your injury as soon as your condition stabilizes. If you cannot leave a hospital or healthcare facility, call a lawyer. A workers’ compensation attorney in Colorado can report the injury on your behalf while you focus on the healing process.

If you suffered a serious injury in a major accident, your employer will probably already be aware of your situation. They might have also filed a report to the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DOWC) before you even had a chance to draft your document. Even if you’re sure your employer knows about your injury, you should still report the incident in writing. Remember, your medical bills and lost wages are on the line – and it always makes sense to play it safe. Theoretically, an insurer could claim that your failure to draft a report shows that your injuries are not serious or work-related.

If you suffered a somewhat minor injury, your employer may not be aware of your accident. This makes it even more important to file an official, written report as soon as possible. A clear example is a repetitive strain injury (RSI), which may not be triggered by a single event. Instead, these injuries occur gradually over time. It is important to document injuries of this nature, and prompt medical attention is just as critical. If you fail to see a doctor, insurers may doubt the legitimacy of your injuries.

How Should I Report a Workplace Injury In Colorado?

You must report your workplace injury in writing. Although it might seem tempting to simply pick up the phone and call your boss from the hospital, this does not “count” as an official work injury report. In general, only written statements are legally valid. The same applies to workplace injury reports, and you may encounter issues if you rely only on oral statements. Theoretically, your employer could claim that you never called them or spoke to them – and you would have no way of refuting these arguments.

It is easy to report an injury in writing, and your workers’ compensation lawyer can help with this step. There are no official guidelines, and even a handwritten note may meet requirements. It is probably best to have your lawyer draft this document on your behalf. They can detail the accident in clear terms and limit potential confusion or errors. Provide a signature and date – and do not forget to keep a few copies for your own records.

Keep copies of any responses you receive.

Should Family Members Report Workplace Fatalities?

If your family member died due to a fatal workplace injury, the employee in question is incapable of reporting their own accident. In this case, the employer must report the injury as soon as possible. Surviving family members can follow up with workers’ compensation lawyers and discuss their next steps.

Contact The Law Offices of W. Dan Mahoney, P.C. Today

Once you have reported your workplace injury in Colorado, it is time to get in touch with a workers’ compensation lawyer. Choose The Law Offices of W. Dan Mahoney, P.C. today – and take your next steps toward fair compensation. Reporting your injury to your employer in a timely manner is only the first part of a larger process. You may need to complete many other tasks as you pursue compensation, and we can help with every phase. Contact Or Reach out today to book a consultation and discuss your next steps in more detail.

Category:

• Personal Injury
• Wrokers' Compensation