How to File Workers Comp Claim Colorado – Step-by-Step Guide for Injured Workers

If you’ve been hurt on the job in Colorado, you’re probably wondering what comes next. If you are injured on the job in Colorado, you are generally eligible for workers' compensation benefits. This guide gives you a practical, step-by-step roadmap for filing a Colorado workers compensation claim—with a focus on workers in Pueblo and Southern Colorado.

Workers compensation in Colorado is a no-fault insurance system that provides medical care and wage replacement when you suffer a job-related injury or develop an occupational disease. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment oversees workers' compensation regulations and administration in the state. You don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong. But here’s the catch: Colorado has strict deadlines. You must give your employer written notice within 10 days of the injury, and you generally have 2 years to file a formal claim with the state. Miss these deadlines, and you could lose your right to workers compensation benefits entirely.

Johnston Law Firm, LLC in Pueblo helps injured workers across Colorado—including those in Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley Counties—navigate claims and fight back against insurance companies that try to deny or shortchange valid claims.

Need help right now? Call Steve Johnston at (719) 309-9484 or message the firm online through this secure contact form for a free workers’ comp consultation.

Steve Johnston combines workers’ compensation experience with related practice areas—personal injury, automobile accidents, Social Security disability, estate planning, and criminal law—to fully protect an injured worker’s rights from every angle.

Colorado Workers’ Compensation Basics

Here’s how workers compensation works in Colorado: it’s a no-fault system that provides medical treatment and lost wage benefits for work related injuries and illnesses. If you are injured on the job, you don’t sue your employer in civil court. Instead, you file through the workers’ compensation system.

Nearly all Colorado employers with one or more employees—including part-time workers and family members—must carry workers compensation insurance. Some larger companies are self insured, meaning they pay claims directly rather than through a separate insurance carrier.

Because this is a no-fault system, you generally cannot sue your employer for a workplace injury. Workers' compensation benefits are the sole remedy for injured workers under Colorado law, meaning you cannot pursue additional legal action against your employer for the injury. However, you may still have third-party claims against others who contributed to your injury, such as a negligent driver who caused a crash while you were working, or a manufacturer whose defective equipment injured you.

The types of injuries covered include:

• One-time accidents: Falls from scaffolding, machine injuries, vehicle crashes on the job, lifting injuries

• Conditions that develop over time: Repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back problems, lung conditions from dust or chemical exposure

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, contact Johnston Law Firm at (719) 309-9484 for a free case review. Many workers are surprised to learn their condition is covered.

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

After any workplace injury in Colorado, your health and documentation come first. Everything else can wait.

In a true emergency—severe bleeding, broken bones, head trauma, difficulty breathing—go to the nearest hospital or urgent care center immediately. Tell the medical staff clearly that the injury occurred at work. This matters for your records.

For non-emergency situations, ask your employer for the “Designated Provider List” before seeing a physician. Colorado employers must generally provide at least four designated providers within 7 business days of receiving notice of your injury. For the first 91 days, you typically must use one of these authorized treating physicians unless your employer fails to provide the list.

If your employer doesn’t give you a list of designated providers within the required timeframe, you may be able to choose your own doctor.

When you see the doctor:

• Describe all symptoms, even ones that seem minor

• Explain exactly how the injury happened: the date, time, location, and specific work task

• Be thorough—your medical records need to clearly connect your medical condition to your job

• Discuss how your injury may affect your employment, including your ability to return to work, perform modified duties, or any changes to your employment status

Pro tip: Start a dedicated folder from day one. Keep copies of all medical visit summaries, work restrictions, and off-work slips. This documentation becomes critical if your claim is disputed.

Emergency Situations – What to Do if You Need Immediate Care

If you experience a serious work related injury on the job in Colorado, your first priority should always be your health and safety. In emergency situations—such as severe bleeding, broken bones, head trauma, or any injury that requires urgent medical attention—go directly to the nearest hospital or emergency care facility. Don’t wait for permission or try to handle paperwork first; immediate medical treatment is essential.

Once you have received emergency care, it’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible. Provide written notice of your work related injury in a timely manner, even if you’ve already told someone verbally. This written notification helps ensure your employer can report the incident to their workers compensation insurance carrier and the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation, as required by law.

After the emergency phase, your employer should provide you with a list of authorized treating physicians for any follow-up care. In non emergency situations, always ask for this list before seeking medical treatment, as workers compensation insurance typically requires you to see a designated provider for your medical bills to be covered.

Remember, the insurance company is responsible for paying for reasonable medical care related to your work related injury. By following these steps—seeking immediate medical attention, notifying your employer in writing, and using an authorized treating physician—you help protect your right to workers compensation benefits and ensure your medical expenses are handled by the insurance carrier, not out of your own pocket.

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Step 2: Report the Injury in Writing to Your Employer (Within 10 Days)

Colorado law requires injured workers to give written notice of their injury to the employer within 10 days. Delays can reduce or completely jeopardize your benefits. For each day you’re late (beyond 4 working days), you can lose one day’s compensation.

Don’t wait the full 10 days. Report the injury the same day it happens, or as soon as possible. In Pueblo area workplaces where word-of-mouth can be unreliable, putting it in writing protects you.

Your written notification should include:

• Date of injury

• Time the incident occurred

• Location where it happened

• How the injury occurred

• Which body parts are affected

This written notice can be a company injury form, an email to your supervisor or human resources, or a signed written statement. Whatever format you use, keep a copy for yourself.

Give the notice to your direct supervisor or HR department. Ask for a copy of any internal accident report they complete. If a supervisor refuses to document the injury, write your own statement, email HR or company ownership, and immediately contact Johnston Law Firm for guidance.

Missed the 10-day window or worried about late reporting? Call (719) 309-9484 or contact the firm online to discuss your options. Late reporting doesn’t always bar a claim, but you need legal advice quickly.

Step 3: Understand Your Employer’s and Insurer’s Duties

Once your employer receives written notice, several things should happen in a timely manner:

1. Employer reports to insurer: The employer must report the injury to their workers compensation insurance carrier—typically within 10 business days.

2. First Report of Injury filed: If you miss more than three days of work due to the injury, the employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation.

3. File a claim with the Division of Workers' Compensation: You can also file a claim with the Division of Workers' Compensation to ensure you receive all of the benefits you need to treat your injuries and compensate you for lost wages.

4. Insurance company investigates: The insurance company has limited time—typically 20 days after learning of lost time—to investigate and either admit or contest liability for the claim. The insurance company has 20 business days to notify the injured worker about the status of their claim after it has been filed, and 20 days to admit or deny liability after receiving the employer's report.

5. Designated providers confirmed: Once the emergency phase is over, your treatment should be with an authorized treating physician from the designated provider list.

Document everything. Keep a log of all conversations with supervisors, HR, and insurance adjusters: dates, names, and what was said. These notes become valuable evidence if disputes arise later.

Red flags to watch for: If your employer refuses to report the claim, discourages you from seeking medical attention, or pressures you to use your personal health insurance instead of workers’ comp, contact Johnston Law Firm promptly. These tactics are warning signs that your rights are at risk.

Key Parties Involved in a Colorado Workers’ Comp Claim

Navigating a Colorado workers compensation claim involves several key parties, each with specific roles and responsibilities. Understanding who is involved can help you communicate effectively and keep your claim on track.

• Injured Worker: This is you—the employee who has suffered a work related injury or illness. You are responsible for reporting your injury, seeking appropriate medical care, and following the workers comp claim process.

• Employer: Your employer must carry workers compensation insurance if they have one or more employees. They are responsible for providing a safe workplace, reporting your injury to their insurance carrier, and cooperating with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation.

• Insurance Carrier: This is the company that provides workers compensation insurance coverage for your employer. The insurance carrier reviews your claim, pays for medical treatment, and issues wage replacement or disability benefits as appropriate.

• Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation: This state agency oversees the entire workers compensation claim process, ensuring that claims are handled according to Colorado law. The division can also help resolve disputes and answer questions through its customer service unit.

• Customer Service Unit: Acting as a bridge between parties, the customer service unit within the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation helps facilitate communication, provides information, and assists with claim processing.

• Attorney: Either the injured worker or the employer may choose to hire an attorney. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of the workers comp claim process, represent your interests, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Each of these parties plays a vital role in making sure your workers compensation claim is processed efficiently and fairly, from the initial report of injury to the final resolution.

Step 4: File a Workers’ Claim for Compensation Form

Here’s a critical distinction many injured employees miss: notifying your employer is not the same as legally filing a claim.

To fully protect your rights, you usually need to file a “Workers’ Claim for Compensation” (Form WC-15) with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. This formal compensation form puts the state on notice of your claim.

The statute of limitations is typically 2 years from the date of injury. For occupational diseases, it can extend to 3 years from when you knew or should have known the condition was work-related. Miss this deadline, and you may be permanently barred from receiving workers compensation benefits.

The official form is available on the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation website. You can also request it by mail or pick it up at DOWC offices (located at 707 17th St., Suite 2300, Denver, CO 80202).

The form asks for key information including:

• Your contact information

• Employer details

• Date and description of injury

• Body parts injured

• Medical providers you’ve seen

• Lost time from work

Before you file, consult an experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorney—especially if your injury is serious, involves surgery, or may cause permanent limitations. Filing errors can create problems that follow your case for years.

Ready to file correctly the first time? Call (719) 309-9484 or reach out online for help completing and filing your workers claim.

Step 5: What Happens After Your Claim Is Filed

After the Workers’ Claim for Compensation and employer reports are filed, the insurance company must decide whether to accept or deny the claim.

If they accept (Admission of Liability): The insurer agrees the injury is work related and commits to paying for reasonable medical treatment and, when appropriate, lost wage benefits. This is called a General Admission of Liability.

If they deny (Notice of Contest): The insurer is denying some or all of the claim. Common reasons include:

• Alleging the injury is not work-related

• Blaming a pre-existing condition

• Claiming notice was late

• Disputing that you’re actually an employee

The insurer typically has 20 days to respond when you’ve been off work more than three days. Delays or non-responses can sometimes be challenged through the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Wage replacement benefits: If temporary disability benefits are owed, they typically pay two thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a statewide maximum (around $1,191/week in recent years, adjusted annually). These lost wages benefits continue until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.

After MMI: Once your authorized treating physician determines you’ve reached maximum medical improvement—meaning your condition won’t significantly improve with more treatment—the insurer may issue a “Final Admission of Liability.” This document states your permanent impairment rating and attempts to close your claim.

Critical deadline: You usually have only 30 days to object to a Final Admission if you disagree with the rating or benefits offered. Missing this window can lock you into an inadequate settlement.

Step 6: Special Situations – Gradual Injuries and Occupational Diseases

Not all work injuries come from a single incident. Many Pueblo and Southern Colorado workers develop problems over time from repetitive work, heavy lifting, vibrations, or chemical exposure.

Common examples include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions

• Chronic back pain from years of lifting

• Shoulder injuries from overhead work

• Lung conditions from dust, fumes, or mining work

• Hearing loss from long-term noise exposure

These are often called occupational diseases or cumulative trauma injuries—and they’re generally covered under the same Colorado workers’ compensation rules as sudden accidents.

Here’s where it gets tricky: the reporting and filing deadlines usually run from when you knew or reasonably should have known the condition was related to your job. This can be later than when you first noticed symptoms, but determining the correct date requires careful analysis.

Insurance companies frequently challenge these claims more aggressively than sudden injury claims. They may argue your condition is age-related, unrelated to work, or that you waited too long to report it.

If you have a gradually developing work related illness or injury, early legal advice is especially important. Contact Johnston Law Firm at (719) 309-9484 or send an online message to discuss whether your condition may be a compensable workers’ comp case.

Step 7: Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even honest mistakes can seriously damage a Colorado workers’ compensation claim. Understanding your responsibilities—and your rights—helps you avoid common pitfalls.

Your responsibilities as an injured worker:

• Report injuries promptly (within 10 days, in writing)

• Attend all medical appointments

• Follow reasonable treatment recommendations

• Comply with work restrictions your doctor provides

• If you are offered modified work within your restrictions, you should accept the position to avoid losing wage replacement benefits. Refusing suitable modified employment can impact your benefits and employment status.

• Communicate honestly with doctors and the insurer

• Keep the insurer informed of your address and contact information

Common pitfalls that derail claims:

Your rights as an injured employee:

• Necessary and reasonable medical care related to your injury

• Temporary disability benefits when you can’t work

• Permanent disability benefits if you have lasting impairment

• The right to challenge denials or early termination of benefits

• The right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge

If your authorized treating physician’s opinion seems unfair or incomplete, you may have options for second opinions or Independent Medical Examinations under Colorado law. An insurance company may request an IME to challenge your injury—but you have rights in that process too.

Anyone unsure about their rights or worried they’ve made a mistake should immediately seek advice from a Colorado workers’ compensation attorney like Steve Johnston.

Maximum Medical Improvement – What It Means for Your Recovery and Benefits

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is a key milestone in your Colorado workers compensation claim. MMI means that your authorized treating physician has determined your medical condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve significantly with further treatment. Reaching MMI does not necessarily mean you are fully recovered—it simply means your condition has plateaued.

Once you reach MMI, your doctor will evaluate your medical condition and assign a permanent impairment rating if you have lasting effects from your injury. This rating is crucial, as it determines the amount of permanent disability benefits you may be eligible to receive under Colorado workers compensation law.

After your authorized treating physician issues the MMI determination and impairment rating, the insurance company will review your case and issue a final admission. This document outlines the benefits you are entitled to, including any ongoing medical care and compensation for permanent impairment.

It’s important for injured workers to understand the significance of MMI, as it can impact both your recovery options and your financial future. If you disagree with the MMI determination or the impairment rating, you have the right to challenge the decision through the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. Consulting with an attorney at this stage can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the full benefits you deserve.

Final Admission and Settlement – Closing Your Colorado Workers’ Comp Case

The final admission and settlement process marks the conclusion of your Colorado workers compensation claim. After you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), your insurance carrier will issue a final admission, which details the terms of your settlement. This document will specify the amount of permanent disability benefits you are entitled to, outline any ongoing medical care, and formally close your claim.

You will receive a compensation form along with the final admission. It’s essential to carefully review this form and the settlement terms before signing and returning it to the insurance carrier. Signing the compensation form finalizes your settlement and closes your workers comp claim.

If you disagree with any part of the final admission—such as the impairment rating, the amount of benefits, or the closure of your claim—you have the right to request a hearing with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. The division will review your case and make a determination regarding any disputed issues. This hearing process ensures that injured workers have a fair opportunity to contest decisions they believe are incorrect or unfair.

Because the final admission and settlement process can have a lasting impact on your benefits and future medical care, it’s wise to consult with an experienced attorney before accepting any settlement. Legal guidance can help you understand your rights, evaluate the fairness of the offer, and take action if you need to challenge the insurance carrier’s decision. Once the settlement is finalized, you will receive your benefits, and your claim will be officially closed.

Challenging a Denied or Underpaid Colorado Workers’ Comp Claim

Here’s a reality check: many valid Colorado workers’ compensation claims are denied or only partially admitted at first. Industry data suggests around 25% of claims face initial denials, often for serious or expensive injuries where the insurer has financial incentive to fight.

If your claim is denied—or if benefits are cut off too early—you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Courts.

The hearing process involves:

• Strict deadlines for filing applications

• Formal evidence rules

• Medical testimony (often from dueling doctors)

• Legal arguments about causation, treatment, and benefits

Having an attorney often makes a significant difference. Studies suggest represented claimants have substantially better outcomes—some firm analyses show attorney representation can boost approval rates by 70% for initially denied claims.

Key procedural steps to keep your case alive include:

• Filing applications for hearing

• Objecting to Final Admissions of Liability within 30 days

• Responding to discovery requests appropriately

• Gathering supporting medical evidence and witness statements

If you receive any bills directly from a provider, you should contact the provider with your claim number and then contact your adjuster.

The Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation (DOWC) is aware of a scam targeting Colorado workers, where individuals falsely claim to represent the DOWC or the courts. In these scams, workers are contacted and told they must pay money to receive workers' compensation benefits or to settle their claims. These communications may appear official and may falsely identify the caller as a judge, attorney, or government representative. If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate, do not send money or personal information and verify before you act. If you believe a scammer has contacted you, report it to the DOWC as soon as possible to help prevent others from becoming victims. You can contact the DOWC toll free at 1-888-390-7936 for assistance or to report suspected scams.

Johnston Law Firm represents injured workers in Pueblo and across Colorado in hearings and appeals, building strong cases through medical evidence, wage documentation, and witness testimony.

Has your claim been denied or stalled? Call (719) 309-9484 or send a confidential message through this online form for help fighting back.

How Johnston Law Firm, LLC Helps Colorado Injured Workers

Johnston Law Firm, LLC is based in Pueblo and represents workers throughout Colorado, including Otero, Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Crowley Counties. Steve Johnston understands the industries that drive Southern Colorado—construction, manufacturing, agriculture, mining—and the injuries that come with them.

Steve Johnston’s six core practice areas often intersect with workers’ compensation cases:

• Workers’ Compensation: Fighting for medical benefits, wage replacement, and fair settlements

• Personal Injury: Pursuing third-party claims when someone else’s negligence contributed to your injury

• Automobile Accidents: Handling work-related vehicle crashes that involve both comp and liability claims

• Social Security Disability: Coordinating benefits when a work injury leads to long-term disability

• Estate Planning: Protecting families when catastrophic injuries require long-term planning

• Criminal Law: Defending workers facing retaliation or false accusations

This broad experience means your case gets examined from every angle—not just the workers’ comp paperwork, but potential claims you might not know you have.

The firm’s commitment to personalized service includes direct attorney contact, clear explanations of each step, and realistic assessments of the value and risks in your case. You won’t be handed off to a paralegal and forgotten.

Cost concerns? Initial consultations for Colorado workers’ compensation cases are free. The firm typically works on a contingency basis—meaning fees are paid only if benefits or a settlement are recovered, subject to Colorado fee rules.

If you’re worried about medical bills, lost paychecks, employer retaliation, or long-term disability, don’t wait to get legal advice. The deadlines in workers’ comp cases are unforgiving, and early action protects your options.

Call Steve Johnston at (719) 309-9484 now or contact the firm securely online to discuss your Colorado workers’ comp claim and next steps. The consultation is free, and it could make all the difference in your case.