Common Workers’ Comp Questions
Suffering an injury at work can quickly leave you with more questions than answers. Thankfully, our Colorado lawyers at The Merkel Law Firm, LLC can give you the information you need. In fact, we want to help by answering some of your preliminary questions here.
I have been hurt at work; what should I do?
If you are hurt at work, follow these initial steps. First, if your injury required emergent medical care get medical treatment at the closest hospital immediately; Second, report your injury to your employer in writing within 10 days of your injury; Third, if your injury is a non-emergency select a provider from the designated provider list given to you by your employer (if you did not receive a list of medical providers from your employer call our firm immediately for guidance); Fourth, call our office for legal assessment of your case.
How much is it going to cost me to work with you?
We offer free initial consultations to all of our potential clients. Additionally, in most cases, we work on a contingency basis. This means that we only get paid from the benefits we obtain for you.
Will I get fired for speaking with my own attorney about my workplace injury?
Most employees in Colorado are considered to be “at-will” employees. In essence, this means that an employee may be terminated at any time and for any reason. However, employers must follow the law when it comes to firing employees. If you have been threatened with termination after getting injured on the job, or if you were fired for seeking workers’ compensation benefits following an injury, you may have a legal claim against your employer.
How long is it going to take to get benefits?
There are multiple factors that determine how long it will take to obtain benefits including: the severity of the accident, if the claim is being contested by the employer and/or insurance carrier, the type of benefits you are seeking, and many other factors. Contact our firm for a free consultation to get a better understanding as to how long it will take to received the benefits you seek.
How much financial compensation can I expect to receive?
If you suffer a workplace injury you may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Reimbursements: If you spend money on your medical care, the insurance carrier should reimburse you in most cases;
- Lost wages: If you claim in accepted by the employer / insurance carrier and you lost time from work because of your injury, you may be entitled to a percentage of your lost wages;
- Permanent Disability Benefits: Once your doctor determines that your are at maximum medical improvement, your doctor determines if your injury resulted in a permanent disability. Your doctor will determine the percentage of loss, which will be used to calculate your permanent disability benefit amount;
- Permanent Total Disability: You may be entitled to your 2/3rds of your average weekly wage for life, you are unable to earn any wage for the rest of your life;
- Disfigurement: You may be entitled compensation for any related scaring visible to the public or a permanent limp;
- Death Benefits: If someone dies because of injuries received on the job, workers’ compensation provides for bi-weekly payment to the surviving dependent(s) and reimbursement for at least some funeral costs.
Get The Answers You Need Here
If you are ready to schedule your free initial consultation with our committed and driven attorneys, call 303-276-8665 or email us here today. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can begin fighting for you. Hablamos español.