What Benefits Can You Receive Through Workers’ Compensation in Colorado?

If you’ve been injured at work in Colorado, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated program designed to provide financial support and medical care to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses at work. For many workers, this system can be a lifeline during a challenging time. However, understanding the specific benefits available can be confusing.

1. Medical Benefits

Medical benefits are one of the cornerstone components of workers’ compensation in Colorado. These benefits cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your workplace injury or illness. This can include:

• Doctor’s visits and specialist consultations.
• Hospital stays and surgeries.
• Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs.
• Prescription medications.
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
• Medical equipment, such as braces or wheelchairs.

It’s important to note that Colorado law requires injured workers to use a healthcare provider authorized by their employer or the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. If you seek care from an unauthorized provider, your expenses may not be covered. An experienced attorney can help ensure you’re accessing the appropriate medical resources and that all your treatment is covered under workers’ compensation.

2. Wage Replacement Benefits

If your workplace injury leaves you unable to work or limits your ability to earn your usual wages, you may be eligible for wage replacement benefits. In Colorado, there are two main types of wage replacement benefits:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

TTD benefits are paid to workers who are completely unable to work while recovering from their injury. These benefits typically equal two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage, up to a state-imposed maximum. TTD benefits continue until you are able to return to work or have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), which means your condition is unlikely to improve further with additional treatment.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

TPD benefits apply if you are able to return to work in a limited capacity but cannot earn your full pre-injury wages. For example, if your injury forces you to work reduced hours or accept a lower-paying position, TPD benefits can help make up the difference. These benefits are calculated as two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wages and your current earnings.

3. Permanent Disability Benefits

If your injury results in a long-term or permanent impairment, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits. In Colorado, these benefits are categorized into two types:

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

PPD benefits are awarded when an injured worker suffers a permanent impairment but is still able to perform some type of work. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your impairment and whether it is classified as “scheduled” or “non-scheduled.”

• Scheduled Injuries: These include impairments to specific body parts, such as an arm, leg, or hand. Compensation is determined based on a schedule outlined in Colorado workers’ compensation law.
• Non-Scheduled Injuries: These include impairments that affect other parts of the body or your overall ability to work, such as a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury. Non-scheduled injuries are evaluated using the “whole person impairment” rating system.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

PTD benefits are available to workers whose injuries prevent them from ever returning to any form of gainful employment. These benefits provide ongoing compensation to help cover lost wages and other financial needs. Because PTD cases involve significant benefits, they can be complex and often require the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure a fair outcome.

4. Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

In cases where a worker’s injury prevents them from returning to their previous job, vocational rehabilitation benefits may be available. These benefits are designed to help injured workers transition into new employment by covering the costs of:

• Job retraining or skills development programs.
• Career counseling and job placement assistance.
• Educational programs to prepare for a new career.

Vocational rehabilitation can be an essential resource for workers who need to adapt to new job opportunities after a life-changing injury.

5. Death Benefits

If a workplace injury or illness results in the death of a worker, their surviving family members may be entitled to death benefits under Colorado workers’ compensation law. These benefits include:

• Funeral and Burial Expenses: Coverage for reasonable funeral and burial costs, up to a state-mandated maximum.
• Wage Replacement for Dependents: Surviving dependents, such as a spouse or children, may receive ongoing payments to help replace the deceased worker’s income. These payments are typically calculated as two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to state limits.

Death benefits are a crucial source of support for families coping with the loss of a loved one due to a workplace accident or illness.

Call Larson Law Firm for Help With Workers’ Compensation 

Navigating the workers’ compensation system in Colorado can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional impact of a workplace injury. At Larson Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping injured workers in Alamosa and across Colorado get the benefits they deserve. From filing your claim to appealing a denial, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

If you’ve been injured at work and need assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation and support you need to recover and move forward.