Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Colorado
The deadlines to report a work injury and file a claim in Colorado, how to file, and how to appeal a denial.
Short answer: An injured employee must notify the employer in writing within ten days after the injury. If the employee fails to report in writing, the employee may lose up to one day's compensation for each day's failure to report. C.R.S. § 8-43-102(1)(a)
| Deadline to report the injury | An injured employee must notify the employer in writing within ten days after the injury. If the employee fails to report in writing, the employee may lose up to one day's compensation for each day's failure to report. The deadline is paused if the employer did not post the required workers' compensation notice or did not give the employee a copy of the written notice, and actual notice by the employer or good cause can excuse a late report. Source: C.R.S. § 8-43-102(1)(a) |
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| Deadline to file a claim | The right to compensation is barred unless a written notice claiming compensation is filed with the Division within two years after the injury or death. The limit does not apply if compensation has already been paid, or if the Director finds within three years that there was a reasonable excuse for the delay and the employer was not harmed by it. Payment of medical bills alone does not count as compensation. Longer rules apply to certain occupational diseases (such as radiation exposure, asbestosis and silicosis). Source: C.R.S. § 8-43-103(2) |
| How to file | Give your employer written notice of the injury within ten days. The employer must report the injury to the Division and its insurer within ten days. To protect your right to benefits, file a written notice claiming compensation (a worker's claim) with the Division within two years; any party may also file the claim on the worker's behalf. Claim forms are published by the Division of Workers' Compensation (cdle.colorado.gov/dwc). Source: C.R.S. §§ 8-43-102, 8-43-103 |
| Appealing a denial | Disputes are heard by administrative law judges of the Office of Administrative Courts (or by the Division Director); mediation and settlement conferences are also available. A party dissatisfied with an order on compensability, benefits or penalties may file a petition to review within 20 days after the date of the certificate of mailing of the order; otherwise the order becomes final. Petitions on ALJ orders are filed at the Denver office of the Office of Administrative Courts. |
| Filing or checking a claim online | In Colorado the employer must give notice of a compensable injury to the Division of Workers' Compensation and its insurance carrier (unless self-insured) within ten days after the injury; if the employer does not, anyone may give the notice. The worker's right to compensation is barred unless a notice claiming compensation is filed with the Division within two years after the injury (with limited exceptions, including when compensation has been paid or a reasonable excuse is shown within three years). Notices are made in writing on forms prescribed by the Division. |
Where to get help in Colorado
More Colorado workers' compensation
- How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Colorado
- Workers' Comp Settlements in Colorado
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in Colorado
- Suing Over a Work Injury in Colorado
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Colorado
- All Colorado workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How long do you have to report a work injury in Colorado?
An injured employee must notify the employer in writing within ten days after the injury. If the employee fails to report in writing, the employee may lose up to one day's compensation for each day's failure to report. The deadline is paused if the employer did not post the required workers' compensation notice or did not give the employee a copy of the written notice, and actual notice by the employer or good cause can excuse a late report.
What is the deadline to file a workers' comp claim in Colorado?
The right to compensation is barred unless a written notice claiming compensation is filed with the Division within two years after the injury or death. The limit does not apply if compensation has already been paid, or if the Director finds within three years that there was a reasonable excuse for the delay and the employer was not harmed by it. Payment of medical bills alone does not count as compensation. Longer rules apply to certain occupational diseases (such as radiation exposure, asbestosis and silicosis).
How do you file a workers' comp claim in Colorado?
Give your employer written notice of the injury within ten days. The employer must report the injury to the Division and its insurer within ten days. To protect your right to benefits, file a written notice claiming compensation (a worker's claim) with the Division within two years; any party may also file the claim on the worker's behalf.
How do you appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Colorado?
Disputes are heard by administrative law judges of the Office of Administrative Courts (or by the Division Director); mediation and settlement conferences are also available. A party dissatisfied with an order on compensability, benefits or penalties may file a petition to review within 20 days after the date of the certificate of mailing of the order; otherwise the order becomes final. Petitions on ALJ orders are filed at the Denver office of the Office of Administrative Courts.
How do I file or check a workers' comp claim online in Colorado?
In Colorado the employer must give notice of a compensable injury to the Division of Workers' Compensation and its insurance carrier (unless self-insured) within ten days after the injury; if the employer does not, anyone may give the notice. The worker's right to compensation is barred unless a notice claiming compensation is filed with the Division within two years after the injury (with limited exceptions, including when compensation has been paid or a reasonable excuse is shown within three years). Notices are made in writing on forms prescribed by the Division.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.