Colorado work-related injuries can leave individuals and their families in financial distress. At Flaxman Law Group, our Colorado workers' comp attorneys often hear from worried employees who have been injured on the job, and paying the bills is often forefront on their minds. One of the most common questions we hear is "How much will I get paid for workers' compensation in Colorado?"
It's no surprise that people are worried about paying the bills when they can't work due to a workplace injury or illness, especially with the rising cost of living. If you've been injured on the job and are worried about making ends meet, contact the workers' comp lawyers in the Denver office of Flaxman Law Group. You can always reach us at 970-999-0530 to arrange a free, no obligation consultation with a Colorado workers' comp lawyer.
Understanding Benefits: How Much Will I Get Paid for Workers' Compensation in Colorado?If you're wondering how much you will get paid in workers' compensation for your work injuries or occupational illness, we need to look closer at how much you may be eligible for in benefits:
Wage Replacement BenefitsThese compensate for the wages lost due to your work-related injury or illness. How much you get will depend on your injury and how much you made before your accident or illness. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are generally two-thirds (66 2/3%) of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum limit set by the state. If you can return to work at a reduced capacity or with restrictions, you may be eligible for Temporary Partial Disability benefits. These benefits are generally two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the wage difference between your current wage and previous wages.
In cases where your work-related injury or illness causes permanent impairment, you may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability benefits. These are calculated using a complex formula that considers the severity of the impairment, the affected body part, and the impairment rating assigned by a medical professional.
Colorado imposes maximum limits on workers' compensation benefits. No matter what wage replacement benefits you are eligible for, it's important to understand the current limits under Colorado law. You can also consult with a Colorado workers' comp attorney if you are concerned that your benefits may not cover your bills.
Medical BenefitsWorkers' compensation in Colorado also covers medical expenses if you're injured on the job or are diagnosed with an occupational illness. While this benefit will not put money in your pocket, it helps cover all necessary and reasonable medical costs, including future medical expenses related to your work injury or illness.
Given that medical expenses are a major worry for injured workers, having all your medical costs covered with no need for a co-pay can help you financially.
Additional BenefitsIn Colorado, injured workers may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, which can help them get training and job-hunting support. If you can't return to your previous job, this benefit can help ensure you can secure good income in the future.
Colorado workers' compensation laws also may offer compensation for disfigurement or scarring that occurs on the job. Currently, workers can receive up to $5,686.96 or even up to $11,371.92 for scars or severe disfigurement. These limits will likely increase in the future.
Death benefits in Colorado are paid out to surviving dependants if a worker is killed on the job. These benefits can be between sixty-six and two-thirds percent of the average weekly wage of the employee, up to a state limit. These ongoing benefits help a family cover the bills after losing a loved one and a contributor to family income.
When to Contact a Colorado Workers' Comp LawyerAfter a workplace injury or illness, every dollar counts. You'll need to make sure you get every rightful benefit you're entitled to so you can pay for medical costs and can replace lost wages. Unfortunately, employers and their insurance companies sometimes work to minimize injuries and deny benefits.
This is why many injured employees work with a Colorado workers' comp attorney to seek fair compensation for their work-related injury or illness. If you're injured, contact the Denver offices of Flaxman Law Group today at 970-999-0530 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a Colorado workers' comp lawyer.