Colorado Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights
Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in Colorado.
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.
Who Is Covered?
Key Deadlines
Benefit Overview
Workers' compensation in Colorado provides several categories of benefits:
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Temporary Total Disability (TTD) | 66.67% of average weekly wage, subject to statutory maximum; Until employee reaches MMI or returns to work §8-42-105 |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) | Yes; scheduled impairment benefits for specific body parts; whole-person impairment for unscheduled injuries §8-42-107 |
| Death Benefits | 66.67% of average weekly wage to dependents; burial allowance up to statutory maximum §8-42-114 |
| Medical Treatment | All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury |
Medical Treatment
Employer designates the authorized treating physician; employee may petition for a change §8-43-404. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.
- All employers with one or more employees
- 66.67% of average weekly wage, subject to statutory maximum
- Until employee reaches MMI or returns to work
- Employee must notify employer promptly, in writing, within the short statutory window set by Colorado law (a matter of days, not weeks) — confirm the current deadline with a lawyer or the Division of Workers' Compensation; exceptions may apply for late written notice (e.g., where the employer had actual notice or good cause is shown)
- 2 years from date of injury or last payment of compensation