Workers Comp.?

Question

I got my finger caught in a press. I ended up losing the tip. Thaey had to do a V-Y for my repair. They where able to recover most of my length by foving fat around. I will be permanently dis figured. And my workers comp officer says they only have to pay for my medical.
I have missed close to 40 hrs of work due to this and am now back with light duty.
I'm curious what my rights are as an employee in the state of Colorado.
As now I am falling behind on my bills with all my operations and missed time due to all my doctors appointments.

I'm not looking for a huge settlement. And I dont want to sue my employer. It was an accident from the get go. All I'm looking for is to make my bills.

Answer 1

I am not familiar with The State of Colorado Work Comp Laws regarding Loss of time and disability payments...But in our state If a worker is of duty for more than three days do to a compensable work place injury...the work comp carrier (if properly notified) will pay Lost wages ( disability) back to the date of injury for 2/3 of your weekly wages.

This will continue until you are Back to your "normal" job wage. Or until you have another Job.

Since you are on light duty you should (between your employer and the Work comp carrier be making The same wage as before you were injured.

I would question whether your employer filed the claim on time. Also....contact your State dept of Work force development (workers Comp division) they will let you know your rights.

Answer 2

The other posts give you some good advice. The only other thing I would suggest you do prior to contacting a lawyer is to contact Colorado's Insurance Department which should be a branch of it's Department of Commerce. Their job is to oversee these insurance companies and if you contact them and explain your situation they can help you better understand what you are owed and what options you have from that point.

Since you are back to light-duty work and only missed 40 hours of work I wouldn't expect the insurance company owes you a lot or that you are due a huge settlement, which is why I would go to the Insurance Department prior to a lawyer.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

I agree with DFKs post entirely but I would carry it one step further and say at this point you should see a Workers Comp Attorney pronto. Each state is different but one thing all states have in common regarding Workers Comp is that the system can be and usually is VERY INTIMIDATING. And it sounds like someone is trying to intimidate you........namely the workers comp officer.

You apparently are not getting any help from your employer so it would be a good idea to seek legal counsel.

Answer 4

True, they only pay medical and lost wages - and the lost wage time has to be consecutive.

In Colorado, you cannot sue the employer, if you collected medical benefits under workers comp. If someone else was goofing around and that caused your injury, you can try to sue them personally, but your employer is immune. That's the deal, when they carry workers comp insurance. No fault coverage for you, lawsuit immunity for them.

Answer 5

"you lost 40 hours of work." Chances are, comp in Colorado dows not cover the first week of diability. Did you ask your employer???

Why don't you stop worrying about your right for now and worry about beingi nformed.