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The Merkel Law Firm, LLC
303-276-8665
Fighting Relentlessly For The Compensation You Deserve
Attorneys Penny Merkel and Joseph Merkel

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys In Colorado

While Colorado law guarantees that every employee has workers’ compensation insurance, obtaining that benefit after a workplace injury can come with unexpected problems. If you recently suffered a workplace injury, you can improve the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim by getting the help of skilled workers’ comp attorneys.

At The Merkel Law Firm, LLC, from our offices in Denver and Castle Rock, we offer clients throughout Colorado the representation they need to pursue the ideal outcome in their injury claim. Because we exclusively practice workers’ compensation law, we are fluent in the complex state laws surrounding these cases.

When Does An Employer Have To Offer Workers’ Comp?

Colorado law mandates that every employer must have workers’ compensation insurance, no matter how many employees work for a company. An employer must also provide this coverage to every employee, whether they are part-time or full-time.

If an employer has even a single person in their employment, regardless of hours worked or relation, they must provide the worker with workers’ compensation insurance. An employer also cannot push the cost of the insurance onto the employee. Some industries that are more dangerous, such as construction, have additional requirements for compensation coverage.

What Benefits Does Colorado Workers’ Comp Cover?

Workers’ compensation in Colorado provides comprehensive financial support to you and your family after an injury. Your benefits generally fall into four primary categories:

1. Medical Coverage

Colorado law guarantees that the insurer must cover all necessary and reasonable medical treatment for your work-related injury. These benefits are uncapped and can last for life, covering critical services such as:

  • Visits to your authorized treating doctor (ATP) and specialists
  • Hospital stays, surgeries and rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy, prescriptions and medical equipment
  • Reimbursement for mileage to and from appointments

While workers’ comp ensures that you receive complete medical care, insurers frequently challenge the necessity of specific treatments. This is where our representation becomes essential.

2. Temporary Disability Benefits (Lost Wages)

If your injury temporarily prevents you from earning your full paycheck, you may receive benefits to replace a portion of your lost wages:

  • Temporary total disability (TTD): The insurer pays this when your doctor takes you completely off work.
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD): The insurer pays this if you return to work but at reduced hours or a lower wage. These benefits are generally paid at a rate of two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum.

You must keep these two rules in mind:

  • Waiting period: You will not receive benefits for the first three regular working shifts you miss.
  • Reimbursement trigger: If your disability lasts for more than 14 calendar days, the insurer will then reimburse you for those first three missed shifts.

These payments provide crucial income stability while you are recovering from your injuries.

3. Permanent Disability Benefits

Once your medical condition stabilizes – a point called Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – your doctor determines if you have a lasting impairment. If you do, you may be entitled to permanent benefits:

  • Permanent partial disability (PPD): This compensates you for a permanent loss of function or use (an impairment rating). A specific state formula calculates these benefits based on the rating your doctor assigns.
  • Permanent total disability (PTD): This is reserved for workers who are permanently and completely unable to perform any type of work. PTD benefits are paid at your temporary disability rate and can potentially last for the rest of your life.

These benefits provide financial recognition for any long-term functional loss caused by the workplace injury. Because the impairment rating is often disputed by the insurer, our attorneys are prepared to fight to protect your right to maximum available benefits.

4. Death Benefits And Funeral Costs

If a work injury tragically results in a fatality, the deceased worker’s dependents (a spouse or minor children) may qualify for ongoing death benefits paid at the temporary disability rate. Workers’ comp also helps with a benefit for reasonable funeral expenses up to a state-set limit. These critical benefits provide financial stability to the family members who depend upon the deceased worker.

Our Workers’ Comp Services: How We Fight For Workers in Denver And Throughout Colorado

When dealing with a workplace injury, you need an advocate to handle the legal complexities and fight for your benefits. At The Merkel Law Firm, LLC, we step in to take control of your case and diligently pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Colorado law.

  • Handling the insurer: We become your voice, managing all communication with the insurance company and your employer. We protect you from pressure tactics and advocate for your rights from day one.
  • Maximizing benefits: We meticulously track and organize your evidence to properly document the severity of your injury. This helps ensure that every dollar you may be entitled to – from medical bills and lost wages to permanent disability – is effectively represented in your claim.
  • Fighting denials: If your claim is denied or benefits are cut off, we act immediately. We build a powerful case for appeal, aggressively representing you before the Division of Workers’ Compensation to seek a reversal of unfair decisions.
  • Securing your future: We carefully review all settlement offers and negotiate on your behalf. Our goal is to work toward a resolution that provides fair and adequate long-term compensation for your injury and future medical needs.

Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.

Who We Represent – Colorado Workers’ Comp Help For All Industries

Every worker in Colorado deserves protection, regardless of their job. Because we exclusively practice workers’ compensation law, our attorneys have experience handling the specific injuries common across virtually every sector. We are here to fight for clients in industries including:

If you were injured on the job in Denver or elsewhere in the state, trust our focused experience to understand your case and pursue all benefits you are eligible for.

Learn More About Workers’ Compensation In Colorado

Protect Your Workers’ Comp Rights

If you suffered a workplace injury and your employer is telling you that you do not qualify for workers’ compensation, that they do not have compensation insurance or anything else that may keep you from filing a claim, contact us immediately. We can review your case and provide you with guidance on the funds you need to make ends meet after your workplace accident.

You can call us at 303-276-8665 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today. There is never a better time than the present to contact an attorney, so do not wait to reach out to us to fight for the money you need. Hablamos español.