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Are your payments late?  It often seems so, but there are a variety of things to consider in answering this question.  Temporary disability and permanent impairment benefits are due within 3 business days of the date on the order or admission which grants them.  The insurer is considered to be in compliance with this as […]

If there is a dispute about whether your injury is work-related or if medical treatment is related to the work injury, the insurance company will likely require you to go to a doctor of their choosing who will perform an Independent Medical Examination (IME).  Colorado Law requires that you attend the IME.  Here is some

Shoulder injuries are no joke.  The shoulder is the most versatile joint in the human body.  Shoulder injuries are tough to recover from.  Once you’re at MMI, your doctor will give you an impairment rating.  In Colorado, impairment ratings are based on the American Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 3rd Ed. Revised.  The doctor

Here are some questions to consider about proceeding without an attorney: Am I required to disclose my medical history and sign releases? How will my preexisting condition affect my WC claim? Who are the best treating physicians?  Can I change my physician?  How do I get my doctor to address all of my complaints?  What

General Outline/Timeline for an Average Workers’ Compensation Claim I am frequently asked to provide a general outline/timeline for an average workers’ compensation claim. I hope this is helpful: Disclaimer This is a high-level, generic timeline and not legal advice for any specific situation or question. The Workers’ Compensation Act and Rules of Procedure contain caveats

I have represented hundreds of injured workers.  A significant percentage of whom faced a full denial of benefits by their employer’s insurance company which could have been avoided.  Here is some practical advice to avoid common mistakes made following the injury: “I felt what I thought was a minor strain and it would get better.” 

Unless your employer is a health care provider who has their own occupational health care system or any other employer with its own qualified on-site health care facility, all Colorado employers are required to provide employees with a “designated provider list” upon notice of a work-related injury.  The injured worker must be given a copy

A variety of factors affect the value of a workers’ compensation claim.  Which factors affect any individual case depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding that claim.  Generally, case valuation is done in preparation for making a settlement demand.  Disputed issues guide the evaluation.  Is the case fully contested?  Was back surgery denied?  Is the

Not surprisingly, preexisting conditions present issues that frequently complicate workers’ compensation claims.  Most employees have preexisting conditions, whether it is a 60 year-old with degenerative arthritis in a shoulder joint or a 25 year-old with previous spine injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident.  These preexisting conditions present insurance companies with opportunities to deny benefits

Personal Injury and Workers Comp 3rd Party Negligence Typically, if you are injured at work, you are limited to the benefits provided by the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. These benefits are specifically defined and do not include other damages associated with personal injury claims, such as pain and suffering. However, there are situations in which

Businesses often hire independent contractors (IC). ICs can be another business or an individual. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for the IC to not have workers’ compensation coverage. If that is the case, the injured worker could be in a difficult situation. However, the mere labeling of an individual as an IC does not necessarily

If you are not working because of restrictions resulting from a work-related injury, you are entitled to temporary disability benefits. Temporary disability benefits are payable until various things happen, at which point they will cease. One of those things is an offer of modified employment by your employer. Refusal of the offer, or failure to

Within 10 days of an employer’s knowledge of an employee’s work-related injury, the employer must notify their insurer. If the injury results in more than 3 days of lost time from work, a First Report of Injury must be filed. The insurer then has 20 days to either admit or deny liability for the claim.

Compensation benefits can be reduced by 50% if an employee’s injury is caused by a willful failure to use a safety device or follow a reasonable safety rule established by the employer. The reduction in benefits can be catastrophic for the injured worker, temporary disability benefits are already reduced to 2/3rds of the average weekly

In Colorado, injured workers are entitled to benefits for disfigurement.  Disfigurement takes many forms but commonly includes scarring and burns.  Disfigurement benefits can be payable for injuries resulting in a limp, or other changes in your appearance that are caused by the injury.  Generally, the disfigurement has to be to body parts normally exposed to

If you are injured at work you need to report the injury to the employer, preferably right away. By statute, you need to report it in writing within 10 days otherwise you may lose your right to be compensated for each day you are late in reporting. In some situations, this is easier said than

January 2025 – Greeley, CO — The Law Offices of Regina Walsh Adams is pleased to announce the addition of Brett Busch to their team of experienced attorneys. A Northern Colorado native, Brett brings nearly 15 years of expertise in workers’ compensation and social security claims, enhancing the firm’s ability to serve injured workers with the highest