Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Denver
Alverson + O’Brien dedicates our practice to helping injured workers navigate the Colorado Workers’ Compensation system. Suffering a work injury can leave you overwhelmed. Between the medical challenges, the paperwork, and the pressure from the insurance company, it’s easy to feel lost. We work with clients throughout Colorado, protecting their rights and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve for their injuries, medical care, and ongoing treatment.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
Many clients ask us about the difference between a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit. In Colorado, workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for employees who suffer a work injury on the job. This system covers medical bills, medical treatments, and partial wage replacement, regardless of fault. By contrast, a personal injury lawsuit requires proving liability in court and isn’t limited to work-related accidents. Choosing an attorney from Alverson + O’Brien helps you determine which type of claim applies to your situation, and then we guide you through the proper process.
Claim Requirements in Denver
The Colorado Department of Labor and the Division of Workers’ Compensation establish specific rules for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Failure to follow these steps can jeopardize your recovery and result in delays or denial of benefits.
In Denver and throughout the state of Colorado, injured workers must:
- Report their injury as soon as possible.
- Seek authorized medical care from providers approved by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
- Follow all prescribed treatment plans and keep accurate records of medical bills and medical treatments.
Initial Steps to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Alverson + O’Brien advises our clients to take the following actions immediately after a work injury. These steps protect your right to coverage and create a record that supports your claim if the insurance company attempts to dispute it.
The steps to follow when filing a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Notifying your employer of your workers’ compensation claim in writing
- Requesting information about the company’s workers’ compensation insurance and approved providers
- Beginning your treatment immediately to document the extent of your injury accurately
- Keeping copies of all medical bills, prescriptions and recommendations for ongoing medical care.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The attorneys at Alverson + O’Brien observe many injured workers making avoidable mistakes during the workers’ compensation claim process, underscoring the importance of seeking legal guidance when workplace injuries occur. These mistakes can compromise your benefits and limit your recovery efforts. With our guidance, you can avoid errors and move your case forward with confidence.
Avoid these common mistakes when filing a workers’ compensation claim:
- Delaying medical treatment or ignoring follow-up medical care
- Not reporting your work injury quickly enough or during the allotted time frame
- Speaking directly with the insurance company without an attorney present
- Assuming your employer will handle your claim without adequate oversight
Employer Denial or Lack of Insurance: What to Do
Some employers attempt to deny a legitimate workers’ compensation claim or may fail to carry workers’ compensation insurance altogether. To comply with Colorado law, employers must maintain coverage for their employees. Alverson + O’Brien can assist you in filing the necessary petitions with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment if your employer fails to carry workers’ compensation insurance or if the insurance company denies your claim.
These cases may feel overwhelming, especially when you’re healing from a work-related injury. Employers may use delay tactics or hope their employees give up rather than pursue the coverage they’re legally entitled to under Colorado law. Acting quickly and understanding your rights can make a significant impact when your employer stonewalls your claim, helping you achieve a positive outcome for your case with the proper legal guidance.
The role of Alverson + O’Brien as your attorney is to hold your employer accountable, challenge wrongful denials and ensure injured workers have access to the medical treatments, benefits and recovery resources they need — and deserve.
The Importance of Legal Guidance — Why Choose Alverson + O’Brien
Navigating workers’ compensation insurance claims alone can stress you out with the complex rules and other challenges. Both your employers and their insurance company may look for ways to reduce their liability and leave you in a lurch. Having an experienced attorney like those at Alverson + O’Brien makes all the difference when you’re dealing with an employer attempting to slow-walk your claim.
Contact Alverson + O’Brien today to:
- Maximize your available benefits, including wage replacement and payment of medical bills
- Manage ongoing medical care and ensure approval for all your necessary medical treatments
- Guide injured workers through the return to work process smoothly and confidently
- Communicate directly with the Division of Workers’ Compensation and the Colorado Department of Labor when disputes arise
- Protect your rights when employers or their insurance companies fail to follow the law
Alverson + O’Brien prides itself on being more than just legal representatives — we’re your advocates, fighting for your health, your financial security, and your future. Whether you’re just beginning your workers’ compensation claim, dealing with denied benefits, or facing mounting medical bills, we’re here to help you move forward with your claim and your life.