Workers Compensation in Colorado
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Colorado requires employers to carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify as self-insured; employees must report injuries within 30 days.
How Colorado treats Workers Compensation
Colorado employers must provide workers' compensation coverage unless they are self-insured or meet specific exemptions. Employees have 30 days from the date of injury to notify their employer, though the deadline may be extended if the employer had actual knowledge of the injury. Benefits cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, and wage replacement at two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to state maximum and minimum rates. Disputes over claims are resolved through the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation.
The general definition of Workers Compensation
Insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured during work.
Workers compensation is a form of insurance that employers are required to carry to protect employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. When an employee is hurt at work, workers compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages while the employee recovers. In exchange, the employee generally gives up the right to sue the employer for the injury. The system is designed to provide quick, predictable benefits without the need for a lawsuit. Benefits vary by state and depend on the severity of the injury.
Read the full Workers Compensation entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.