Colorado Workers’ Compensation & Third-Party Claims

Colorado’s workers’ compensation system provides no-fault benefits, but injured employees can still pursue third-party personal injury claims when another party caused the incident. This hub ties calculator estimates to comp benefits and subrogation rules.

Key statutes & benchmarks

Notice & filing: Employees must report injuries within four working days and typically have two years to file, though tolling applies if benefits are paid.
Benefit structure: Temporary disability is paid at two-thirds of the average weekly wage, with caps set annually by the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
MMI & impairment: Reaching maximum medical improvement triggers impairment ratings that determine permanent disability awards.
Third-party actions: When a negligent driver, manufacturer, or property owner caused the injury, employees may file a personal injury claim. Expect carrier subrogation or liens on any civil recovery.

Colorado workers compensation laws overview

Colorado workers compensation laws guarantee no-fault medical care and wage replacement when an employee is hurt on the job, but they also impose strict reporting and filing rules. Employees have 10 business days to notify the employer and generally two years to file a claim, while carriers must issue timely admissions or denials. Track every deadline alongside the calculator so benefit flows stay on pace with your third-party demand strategy.

When benefits lag, leverage Division of Workers’ Compensation resources—forms, prehearing conferences, and claims assistance—to keep payments moving. Those records become evidence if you later pursue a negligence claim against a third party.

Workplace injury rights Colorado employees should know

Workplace injury rights Colorado employees can assert include choosing a doctor from the designated provider list, requesting a change of physician, and seeking mileage reimbursement for medical travel. Employees can also contest denials, request hearings, and negotiate lump-sum settlements after maximum medical improvement. Use the calculator to model how comp benefits, impairment ratings, and potential third-party recoveries intersect.

Do not overlook subrogation: comp carriers recoup what they paid from any civil recovery. Model liens in the calculator so clients understand the net number before mediation or settlement conferences.

Colorado workers’ comp FAQs

How to file a workers comp claim in Colorado

Report the injury within 10 business days, verify the employer files the First Report of Injury, and submit the WC 15 claim form if benefits stall. Document every medical visit and keep copies of carrier correspondence so you can challenge improper denials quickly.

Colorado workers comp benefits explained

Temporary total or partial disability pays two-thirds of the average weekly wage, permanent impairment awards depend on scheduled vs. non-scheduled ratings, and MedPay-style benefits cover mileage and reasonable medical care. Input each category into the calculator to show clients how comp offsets a potential personal injury recovery.

What is maximum medical improvement (MMI) in Colorado?

Maximum medical improvement in Colorado marks the point when no further treatment will significantly change the condition. It triggers impairment ratings, potential termination of temporary benefits, and opens the door to settlement discussions. Capture the MMI date in the calculator so your valuation reflects post-MMI wage loss or future care needs.

Guides to read with the calculator

Use these references to align workers’ comp benefits with projected settlement ranges from the third-party calculator.

In-depth articles to explore

These articles walk through claim filing, benefit types, and MMI strategy so you can sync the calculator with Colorado workers’ comp requirements.

Calculator prompts for workplace injuries

List medical specials separately from comp-paid bills to avoid double counting.
Track wage loss using W-2/1099 data to align with average weekly wage calculations.
Assess potential third-party liability (vendors, drivers, property owners) early.
Model settlement scenarios with and without comp lien reductions.

Ready to see what your claim might be worth?