Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Centennial, CO

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Centennial, Colorado?

  Call the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office at 303-795-4711 for non-emergency situations in Centennial.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Centennial, Colorado?

  Make a request at the portal https://recordsrequest.arapahoegov.com/. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office will inform you once the report is ready and if you need to go to the station at 13101 E. Broncos Parkway in Centennial.

• How do you start a workers' compensation claim in Centennial?

  You must provide a written notice to your employer before filing a workers' compensation claim in Centennial. Complete Form WC 15 - Worker's Claim for Compensation and mail or deliver two copies to the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation Customer Service Unit 633 17th Street, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80202-3626. Take note that you are given only two years from the day you got injured to file the claim.

• Can you receive compensation for a Centennial workplace injury that was your fault?

  Yes, because the state has a no-fault system in compensating workers. This means that you can still receive some benefits from your employer's insurer for your workplace injury in Centennial, no matter who is at fault for the accident. Some situations wherein an injured employee may receive limited benefits are failing to use company-provided safety equipment or disobeying reasonable company rules on purpose. Workers may also receive limitations in the benefits if they are injured while under the influence of controlled substances.

• What is the meaning of Impairment Rating and Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) in a Centennial claim?

  In Centennial, an Impairment Rating is a value assigned to an individual's injury that indicates a body part's loss of function. When the doctor believes the individual has been impaired, the impairment rating will be indicated in the claim. On the other hand, a Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the period wherein an individual's injury has become stable and no further treatment can improve it. The doctor may advise maintenance treatments to keep the individual in a stable position upon reaching the MMI state.

• What kind of death benefits can family members get from workers' compensation claims in Centennial?

  Family members of employees who died from workplace injuries in Centennial can recover two types of benefits: burial and dependents'. The burial benefits will provide coverage for funeral costs up to a specific limit. The dependents' benefits will be given to the surviving spouse and children until the spouse remarries and the children reach a certain age.

• What kinds of cases in Centennial are covered under workers' compensation claims?

  Any injury that happened in the workplace will be covered under the workers' compensation claim in Centennial. These injuries can come from slip-and-fall accidents, repetitive motions in tasks, and exposure to chemicals, fire, and explosions. Work-related car accidents, back-and-neck trauma, and falling objects injuries are also covered. The claim can include cases involving workplace accident fatalities and partial or total disability.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.