Overcoming Obstacles in the Workers' Compensation System
If you've been injured on the job in Colorado, you may be facing challenges regarding benefits meant to help you cover medical costs associated with your accident, as well as replace lost wages during your recovery. In fact, many recovering workplace accident victims find the workers' compensation system quite complicated and difficult to navigate. Workplace injuries often occur when a sudden and unexpected event takes place, such as a fall from a high place or a situation where a piece of machinery malfunctions.
In other cases, injuries develop over time, such as those associated with carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive motion stress injuries. Either way, many injured workers rely on the workers' compensation program to help the make ends meet when they're unable to return to their duties.
Things you should know about workers' compensation
There are several crucial steps to take if you're injured in a workplace accident. Remembering to carry each out in a timely manner may help prevent benefits problems from arising. Here are the main issues to address in such situations:
First and foremost, inform your employer that you have suffered an injury on the job. Even if you think your employer is already aware of the situation due to the seriousness of the accident, you must formally report the injury to cover all bases in the workers' compensation system.
Ask to visit a doctor for medical attention.
As soon as you're able, fill out all appropriate workers' compensation forms to report the injury and request benefits, and hand them in to the appropriate officials.
Your employer isn't obligated to provide benefits unless you follow through with the last step listed here. Even if you believe your injury is minor, waiting to report it may cause significant complications down the line. Some people wait until their conditions have declined to the point when they are no longer able to work and face tremendous problems when their claims are denied or other challenges arise in the process. Many turn to outside parties for assistance to avoid such stress.
Another person you can reach out to for support is an experienced attorney who is well-versed in workers' compensation law. Acting alongside this type of representation may help you get the benefits you need in as timely a manner as possible.