Before workers' compensation laws, workers injured on the job had few options for obtaining the medical and financial assistance they needed to recover from their injuries. In many cases, employees were left with little choice other than to sue their employers to recover much-needed compensation.
Today, under Colorado's workers' comp laws, injured workers cannot sue their employers for injuries sustained at work. Instead, workers file a claim against a worker's compensation insurance policy.
But if I can't sue my employer, why do I need a workers' comp lawyer
Although workers' compensation laws have made the process of obtaining compensation for on-the-job injuries much easier, there are still numerous procedures that must be followed to successfully file a claim and obtain benefits. Unfortunately, most people simply don't understand what's expected of them. When they try to handle a claim on their own, their claim is denied for reasons that could have been avoided with the help of a lawyer.
By working with an attorney experienced in handling Colorado workers' comp claims, injured workers can avoid some of the common errors that occur when pursuing benefits.
A few mistakes that an attorney can help you avoid include:
- Failing to report an injury that occurred on the job in a timely manner to your employer
- Failing to go to a doctor or physician approved by your employer
- Failing to fully understand the scope of your injuries - which if left untreated, could result in future health problems
- Failing to get a second opinion regarding your medical condition
- Failing to determine if a negligent third party can be held accountable for your injuries
- Failing to understand the various types of workers' compensation benefits you may be entitled to receive
After an on-the-job injury, you may not want to alert your employer. Perhaps your actions contributed to the cause of the accident or you're worried about the repercussions of missing a few paychecks while you try to recover. Workers' compensation laws are in place to protect you, not punish you. It's important to report injuries and determine how filing a workers' compensation claim can help you get the benefits you are entitled to receive.
With the help of an attorney, you can feel confident knowing you have someone to guide your next move.
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