Work is one of the most dangerous places to be. Every year, countless workers suffer injuries and occupational illnesses, requiring time off and expensive medical care. Unfortunately, many people suddenly become afraid that their money will run out before they feel well enough to return to their jobs.
The team at Cimarron Ridge Legal Group understands your struggles. Our Telluride workplace injury lawyers have assisted clients navigate the state’s workers’ compensation system and maximize the amount of compensation they can receive.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
Types of Workplace Injuries
Workers can suffer injuries in dramatic explosions or falls from great heights. They might also be injured in more quiet ways, accumulating injuries and niggling pain that eventually becomes disabling.
Our Telluride workplace injury lawyers have helped workers injured by:
- Fires and explosions
- Falls
- Equipment failures
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Crush injuries
- Falling objects
- Building collapse
- Toxic exposure
- Repetitive stress injuries
To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you must have been injured while working. However, this does not mean you must be injured in the workplace. If you run errands or travel for work, your injuries could stem from an accident away from the office. Nevertheless, the touchstone is whether you were working at the time you were hurt.
Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation System
Our state’s workers’ compensation system was designed to streamline the benefits process. Formerly, workers had to show that their employer was negligent to receive any compensation. But workers’ comp benefits are paid on a no-fault basis, which means it does not matter who was to blame. Of course, you cannot intentionally injure yourself, but injuries due to carelessness are covered.
Workers’ compensation will pay for the following:
- All necessary and reasonable medical care to treat your injuries
- Up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage if you are disabled
- Death benefit if a loved one died on the job
Workers’ comp benefits come with a string, however: you can’t sue your employer, even if you were injured by a careless safety lapse.
Third Party Lawsuits
The workers’ compensation system does not limit all lawsuits, only those against your employer. Someone else might have contributed to your injuries, and you could possibly sue them. This would be ideal, since you could receive more compensation, such as 100% of your lost wages and money to make up for your pain and suffering.
Some common third party lawsuits include:
- Suing a driver of a motor vehicle who hit you. For example, you could have traveled for a conference and been struck on the way.
- Suing a client or vendor who injured you. For example, a supplier’s truck could have backed into you at work, and you might sue the negligent driver.
- Suing the manufacturer of a defective piece of equipment. As an example, a stepladder you used at work could have been defective and collapsed on you.
Our team always looks to see if we can bring one of these lawsuits on our client’s behalf.
Contact One of Our Lawyers Today
Injured workers should know that they are not alone. The lawyers at Cimarron Ridge Legal Group are here to help. Please call (970) 644-5194 to schedule a free consultation.
Contact Us