The Director of the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation announced new maximum benefit rates for injured workers injured on or after July 1, 2013. Because most workers’ compensation benefits are defined and limited, these increases in benefit rates can affect injured workers three important ways:
First, the law reimburses injured workers two-thirds of their gross lost wages while treating. While this benefit is not reduced by payroll taxes, it still means a loss of purchasing power. For injuries occurring after July 1, 2013 the maximum wage loss benefit is $875.42 (Up from last year’s maximum benefit of $848.42.) You must earn $1,313.13 a week prior to your injury to qualify for the maximum rate. Earning above $1,313.13 a week are not compensation.
Second, the permanent impairment benefits for arm and leg injuries has raised to $275.00 a week. This means that a 10% impairment of the arm or leg is now worth $5,720.00 up from $5553.18.
Third, benefits for disfigurements from work injuries has been increased to $4,640.90 or $9,280.84 for extensive facial or body scars, burns or stumps resulting from loss of limbs.
Fourth, there is a limitation on the total amount of lost wage (TTD/TPD) and impairment (PPD) benefits workers may receive, called the cap. For those injured on or after July 1, 2013, the most in TTD/TPD/PPD benefits you can receive is 80,868.10. If your impairment rating surpasses twenty five percent of your person then your benefit cap rises to $161,734.15.
These changing benefit rates illustrates how workers’ compensation injuries in Colorado can be incredibly complex. If you have been injured on the job and are entitled to receive Colorado workers’ compensation benefit payments contact our Denver and Greeley workers’ compensation attorneys. We have helped thousands of injured workers get the maximum benefits they are entitled to under the law.
Kaplan Morrell has helped thousands of injured Colorado workers since 1997 get the benefits they deserve. Contact us here or call us at 303-780-7329 for your FREE CONSULTATION.