Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Highlands Ranch, CO

FAQs

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

  The phone number of the Highlands Ranch Substation of the Douglas County Sheriff’s office is (303) 660-7505.

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

  You can request an incident report at the Online Citations and Reports Portal of the Douglas County Sherriff’s website at https://www.msbpay.com/DouglasCountyCitationsReports/. You can also visit the Highlands Ranch Substation or Douglas County Justice Center and request the report in person.

• If your workers’ compensation disability insurance claim in Highlands Ranch is denied, can you make an appeal?

  Yes, you may file an appeal as a Highlands Ranch worker. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 is the law that governs benefits in life, health, and disability insurance plans. It provides workers the right to file an appeal against the decision to deny a claim by the employee’s insurance administrator, whether it is the insurance provider or their employer.

• How long do you have to file an appeal against a denied workers’ compensation claim in Highlands Ranch?

  You can file an appeal against a denied workers’ compensation claim in Highlands Ranch for up to 180 days starting from the day of your denial letter. After this, the insurance provider has 45 days starting from the date they received the appeal to make their decision. They are also allowed to ask for two extensions of 30 days each if they have good cause to request an extension of the deadline.

• What are some of the problems in workers’ compensation claims in Highlands Ranch that a lawyer can help resolve?

  Problems in Highlands Ranch workers’ compensation claims that lawyers can help resolve include:

  • Severe workplace illness or injury, such as partial or total disability, where the victim faces significant medical expenses and loss of time from work; such cases are usually contested by employers and insurance carriers;
  • The employer denies that your injury or illness is work-related, such as repetitive strain injuries, chronic conditions, occupational disease, and the presence of pre-existing conditions;
  • Employer retaliation and delays in payments;
  • Insufficient settlement amount.

• What are some of the mistakes that employees make in their workers’ compensation claims in Highlands Ranch?

  Some mistakes employees make in Highlands Ranch workers’ compensation claims include:

  • Unable to inform their employer about their injuries as soon as possible or within four days in cases of injuries that are too severe;
  • Did not consult the physician chosen by the employer, which can cause their claim to be denied;
  • Did not disclose to the doctor the extent of the symptoms, which can substantially reduce compensation amounts;
  • Failed to obtain a second medical opinion.

• How can an employee determine if they are eligible for a workers’ compensation claim in Highlands Ranch?

  As an employee in Highlands Ranch, you could be eligible for a workers' compensation claim if four or more of the following conditions apply to you:

  • You were injured at your workplace;
  • You were injured during your working hours;
  • Your workplace injury limited your capacity to do your job;
  • You received medical care for your injury;
  • You incurred medical or hospital bills due to your injury; You lost wages due to your injury.

• 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.