# Kaplan Morrell > Colorado Workers' Compensation Lawyers --- ## Pages - [Truck Accident](https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/truck-accident/): Truck Accidents Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers Who Hold Big - [Rideshare Accident](https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/rideshare-accident/): Rideshare AccidentsUber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Serving ColoradoRideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Colorado easier than... - [Pedestrian Accident](https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/pedestrian-accident/): Pedestrian AccidentsColorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Who Fight for the InjuredYou were walking. Following the rules. Minding your own business. And... - [Gina Morrell](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/gina-morrell/): Meet Gina, Office Manager Gina Morrell is the Office Manager at Kaplan Morrell, where she oversees a wide range of operational... - [Aemille Grace Loren Esperas](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/aemille-grace-loren-esperas/): Meet Aemille Grace, Document Manager Aemille Grace Loren Esperas is the Document Manager at Kaplan Morrell, where she oversees the organization... - [Motorcycle Accident](https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/motorcycle-accident/): Motorcycle Accident Colorado Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who Understand - [Paramedic and Emt Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/first-responders/paramedic-and-emt-claims/): Paramedic and EMT Claims Workers’ Compensation for - [Grocery Worker Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/grocery-worker-claims/): Grocery Worker Claims Workers’ Compensation for Grocery - [Agriculture and Meat Processing Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/agriculture-and-meat-processing-claims/): Agriculture and Meat Processing ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Agriculture and Meat Processing Workers in ColoradoColorado’s agriculture and meat processing industries are... - [Deidra Deery](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/deidra-deery/): Meet Deidra Deery, Senior Paralegal Deidra Deery is a Senior Paralegal at Kaplan Morrell who assists injured workers throughout every... - [Eulalia Juarez Vera](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/eulalia-juarez-vera/): Meet Eulalia “Lalie”, Paralegal Eulalia “Lalie” Juarez Vera is a bilingual paralegal at Kaplan Morrell who assists injured workers in... - [Andrea Ruiz Massieu](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/andrea-ruiz-massieu/): Meet Andrea, Paralegal Andrea Ruiz Massieu is a dedicated paralegal at Kaplan Morrell, where she assists attorneys in managing workers’... - [Nayeli-Enriquez](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/nayeli-enriquez/): Meet Nayeli, Receptionist Nayeli A Enriquez serves as the Receptionist at Kaplan Morrell, proudly holding the role of the firm’s... - [Teresa Vazquez](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/teresa-vazquez/): Meet Teresa, Client Accounts Assistant Teresa Vazquez is a Client Accounts Assistant at Kaplan Morrell, where she ensures that clients receive... - [Regina Carlin](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/regina-carlin/): Meet Regina, Legal Assistant Regina Carlin is a dedicated Legal Assistant at Kaplan Morrell, where she plays a key role in... - [Football Player Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/football-player-claims/): Football Player Claims Workers’ Compensation for NFL - [Baseball Player Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/baseball-player-claims/): Baseball Player ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Major League Baseball Players in ColoradoBaseball may not be a contact sport — but that... - [Lacrosse Player Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/lacrosse-player-claims/): Lacrosse Player Claims Workers’ Compensation for Professional - [Hockey Player Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/hockey-player-claims/): Hockey Player Claims - [Pro Athletes](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/): Injured Playing the Game? We Fight for Professional Athletes' Rights! Call us303. 780. 7329From the field to the court to... - [Law Enforcement Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/first-responders/law-enforcement-claims/): Law Enforcement Claims Workers’ Compensation for Law - [Police Officer Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/first-responders/police-officer-claims/): Police Officer Claims Workers’ Compensation for Police - [Firefighter Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/first-responders/firefighter-claims/): Firefighter ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Firefighters in ColoradoYou run toward danger when everyone else is running away. Fires, chemical spills, collapsed... - [Airline Worker Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/airline-worker-claims/): Airline Worker Claims Workers’ Compensation for Airline - [Truck Driver Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/truck-driver-claims/): Truck Driver Claims Workers’ Compensation for Truck - [Nurse CNA Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/nurse-cna-claims/): Nurse and CNA Claims Workers’ Compensation for - [Undocumented Worker Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/undocumented-worker-claims/): Undocumented Worker Claims Workers’ Compensation for Immigrant - [Underage Worker Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/underage-worker-claims/): Underage Worker Claims Workers’ Compensation for Minors - [Teacher Educator Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/teacher-educator-claims/): Teacher – Educator Claims Workers’ Compensation for - [Construction Worker Claims](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/construction-worker-claims/): Construction Worker Claims Workers’ Compensation for Construction - [Car Accident](https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/car-accident/): Car Accident Car Accident Attorneys in Colorado Who Put You First - [Denver Workers’ Compensation Claims Process Attorney](https://kaplanmorrell.com/denver-workers-compensation-claims-process-attorney/): A workplace injury can disrupt your life in a multitude of ways. Beyond the physical pain and limitations, medical bills... - [Denver Workers’ Compensation Attorneys](https://kaplanmorrell.com/denver-workers-compensation-attorneys/): Have you been injured on the job? You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a type... - [Derechos y Beneficios de Compensación al Trabajador](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/derechos-y-beneficios-de-compensacion-al-trabajador/): Abogados de Compensación al Trabajador en Colorado Protegiendo Sus Derechos y Beneficios - [Preguntas Frecuentes](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/preguntas-frecuentes-abogados-accidentes-laborales/): Preguntas FrecuentesRespuestas a preguntas frecuentes sobre compensación laboral en español por nuestros abogados de accidentes laboralesSí, en Kaplan Morrell tenemos... - [Abogados en Colorado Springs de Accidentes de Trabajo y Compensación al Trabajador](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/abogados-en-colorado-springs-en-espanol/): Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente: sólo aceptamos correo y notificación de proceso en la dirección de Greeley. Reservar Consulta303. 780.... - [Abogados en Denver Colorado para Accidentes de Trabajo](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/abogados-en-denver-colorado/): Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente: sólo aceptamos correo y notificación de proceso en la dirección de Greeley. 2373 Central Park... - [Abogados en Loveland Colorado para Accidentes de Trabajo](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/abogados-en-loveland/): Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente: sólo aceptamos correo y notificación de proceso en la dirección de Greeley. 903 N. Cleveland... - [Sheila Toborg](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/sheila-toborg-attorney/): Meet Sheila Toborg, Assistant Attorney Sheila began her law career in Albany, New York, after graduating from Syracuse University with... - [Abogados en Greeley Colorado de Compensación del Trabajador](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/abogados-en-greeley-colorado-de-compensacion-del-trabajador/): Abogados en Greeley Colorado de Compensación del Trabajador - [Sobre Kaplan Morrell](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/sobre-kaplan-morrell-abogados-de-accidentes-de-trabajo/): Sobre Kaplan Morrell Nuestro equipo de abogados accidentes de trabajo y compensación al trabajador Kaplan Morrell tiene más - [Comunidades que servimos](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/): Comunidades que servimos Abogados de accidentes de trabajo en español en Colorado Ofrecemos consultas gratuitas. Puede pasar por cualquier de... - [Recursos Educativos](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/): Compensación LaboralRecursosENCUENTRA RESPUESTASArtículos y Videos EducativosRecursos de compensación laboral que hemos creado para nuestros clientes. Ver canal Suscribirse - [Locations](https://kaplanmorrell.com/locations/): Locations Kaplan - [Educational Resources](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/): Workers’ Compensation Resources - [Loveland Office](https://kaplanmorrell.com/locations/loveland-workers-compensation-attorney/): Loveland Workers’ Compensation Attorney - [Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law](https://kaplanmorrell.com/) - [Jacqui Condon](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/jacqui-condon/): Meet Jacqui CondonWorkers’ Compensation Attorney Jacqui Condon is a dedicated attorney at Kaplan Morrell who passionately stands up for hardworking... - [Ronda Cordova](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-ronda-cordova/): Meet Ronda CordovaWorkers’ Compensation Attorney As a Colorado Native, I feel very blessed to be able to use my 20-plus... - [Tammy Roberts](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-tammy/): Meet Tammy, Sr. Paralegal Tammy Roberts is a Senior Paralegal and Case Manager at Kaplan Morrell, where she plays a... - [Brandy Halley](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-brandy/): Meet Brandy, Sr. Paralegal Brandy Halley is a Senior Paralegal and Team Manager at Kaplan Morrell, where she plays a vital... - [Covid-19](https://kaplanmorrell.com/covid19/): Kaplan Morrell is safely serving clients and potential Worker's Comp and COVID-19 Worker's Comp clients. Kaplan Morrell COVID-19 Resources and... - [Testimonios](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/testimonios/): Testimonios de Clientes Historias de éxito trabajando con nuestro abogado de compensación laboral en Colorado en español - [Abogados de Accidentes de Trabajo](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/) - [Disclaimer](https://kaplanmorrell.com/disclaimer/): Website Disclaimer This website is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. This information is... - [The National Football League Players Association](https://kaplanmorrell.com/nfl-players-association-lawyer-colorado/): Michael H. Kaplan is one of only three NFLPA Workers’ Compensation Panel Counsel representing the NFL in Colorado. As Panel... - [Social Security Disability Lawyers](https://kaplanmorrell.com/disability-lawyers/): Denver Disability Lawyers Working Hard On Your Side If you’ve recently become disabled, know that you have rights. You have... - [Outside Of Colorado: Recommended Workers Compensation Attorneys](https://kaplanmorrell.com/outside-of-colorado-recommended-workers-compensation-attorneys/): Recommended Workers Compensation Attorneys Out Of State: Jeffrey S. GrossLaw Offices of Batt & GrossWebsite: www. philaworkerscomp. com Sean T.... - [NHL Players Association Colorado](https://kaplanmorrell.com/nhl-players-association-colorado/): Kaplan Morrell is proud to be the endorsed Colorado Attorney of The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) for Workers Compensation... - [Michael Kaplan](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-michael-kaplan/): Michael Kaplan Meet Michael Kaplan, Attorney At Law Licensed to practice law - [Britton Morrell](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-britton-morrell/): Meet Britton Morrell Workers’ Compensation & Disability Attorney Britton Morrell is a founding partner, managing partner, and attorney at Kaplan... - [Denver Office](https://kaplanmorrell.com/locations/denver-workers-compensation-attorneys/): Denver Workers’ Compensation Attorney PLEASE NOTE: WE ONLY ACCEPT MAIL AND SERVICE OF PROCESS AT THE GREELEY ADDRESS. - [Your Worker's Compensation Rights and Benefits](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-compensation-rights-benefits/): Workers Compensation in Colorado: Know Your Rights Workers Compensation Insurance is the result of a mutual “exchange” between employees and... - [Greeley Office](https://kaplanmorrell.com/locations/greeley-workers-comp-lawyers/): Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law, Greeley, CO - [5 Workers Comp Mistakes Injured Workers Can Avoid With An Attorney](https://kaplanmorrell.com/5-workers-comp-mistakes-injured-workers-can-avoid-attorney/): With an experienced attorney, injured workers can avoid these 5 Workers’ Compensation Mistakes Try as we might to prevent them,... - [Contact Us](https://kaplanmorrell.com/contact-us/): Contact UsKaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law are Workers’ Compensation Attorneys serving clients throughout ColoradoIf you’ve been injured on the job,... - [Personal Injury Attorney](https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/) - [Community Involvement](https://kaplanmorrell.com/kaplan-morrell-community-involvement/): Kaplan Morrell Attorneys At Law care about our clients and the community we serve. Each week we proudly donate $250.... - [Review Us](https://kaplanmorrell.com/review-us/): All we do, all we work for is for our clients. Each and every client of ours, no matter how... - [Client Reviews](https://kaplanmorrell.com/denver-workers-comp-lawyer-testimonials/): What Our Clients and the Community Say Realistically, when you need to hire an attorney like Mr. Kaplan something is... - [Filing Workers' Compensation in Colorado](https://kaplanmorrell.com/filing-workers-compensation-in-colorado/): If you’ve recently been injured at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Workers compensation is an employer-paid insurance... - [Professional Player Associations](https://kaplanmorrell.com/professional-player-associations/): All Colorado injured workers have the same access to the same outstanding and respected attorneys that professional athletes trust: Kaplan... - [Meet Kaplan Morrell](https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/): Meet Kaplan Morrell --- ## Posts - [Demandar a mi jefe en Colorado por lesión de trabajo](https://kaplanmorrell.com/demandar-a-mi-jefe-en-colorado-por-lesion-de-trabajo/): Demandar a mi jefe en Colorado por lesión de trabajo – Cuando un trabajador sufre un accidente o lesión en... - [Your Rights to Lost Wages Explained for a Work Injury](https://kaplanmorrell.com/your-rights-to-lost-wages-explained-for-a-work-injury/): Your Rights to Lost Wages Explained for a Work Injury – When you’re injured on the job, one of the... - [Derechos para lesión de trabajo en Colorado](https://kaplanmorrell.com/derechos-para-lesion-de-trabajo-en-colorado/): Derechos para lesión de trabajo en Colorado – Si se lesiona en el trabajo usted tiene derecho a muchos beneficios.... - [¿Contratista independiente o empleado?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/contratista-independiente-o-empleado/): ¿Contratista independiente o empleado? – Muchas veces los patrones quieren evitar ciertos impuestos y seguros que se generan por tener... - [¿Te cobran atención médica por tu lesión laboral?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/te-cobran-atencion-medica-por-tu-lesion-laboral/): ¿Te cobran atención médica por tu lesión laboral? – Normalmente el tratamiento médico es la parte más costosa de un... - [Denied Social Security Disability? How a Denial Can Lead to Homelessness](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/denied-social-security-disability-homelessness/): Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be an overwhelming process—one that far too... - [¿Se Lastimó en el Trabajo Bajo la Influencia del Alcohol?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/se-lastimo-en-el-trabajo-bajo-la-influencia-del-alcohol/): ¿Se Lastimó en el Trabajo Bajo la Influencia del Alcohol? – Si usted se lesiona en el trabajo y se... - [Lo Que Tu Empleador No Debe Decirte Tras un Accidente de Trabajo](https://kaplanmorrell.com/lo-que-tu-empleador-no-debe-decirte-tras-un-accidente-de-trabajo/): Lo Que Tu Empleador No Debe Decirte Tras un Accidente de Trabajo – Cuando usted reporta una lesión, su empleador... - [What Can Reduce Your Work Comp Benefits in Colorado?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/what-can-reduce-your-work-comp-benefits-in-colorado/): What Can Reduce Your Work Comp Benefits in Colorado? – Your non-medical benefits can be affected if a claim is... - [What is a Workers' Compensation Injury?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/what-is-a-workers-compensation-injury/): What is a Workers’ Compensation Injury? – For an injury to be compensable, it needs to have one of two... - [Can Independent Contractors Get Workers' Compensation in Colorado?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-independent-contractors-get-workers-compensation-in-colorado/): Can Independent Contractors Get Workers’ Compensation in Colorado? – Employees get unemployment insurance, they’re often covered through Social Security, Medicare,... - [Getting Medical Bills After a Work Injury?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/getting-medical-bills-after-a-work-injury/): Getting Medical Bills After a Work Injury? – Medical benefits are costly; typically, it’s the most expensive part of any... - [Are Intentionally Self-Inflicted Injuries Covered by Work Comp?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/are-intentionally-self-inflicted-injuries-covered-by-work-comp/): Are Intentionally Self-Inflicted Injuries Covered by Work Comp? – The general rule is that intentionally inflicted injuries are not covered... - [Final Admissions Are a Legal Landmine for Injured Workers ](https://kaplanmorrell.com/final-admissions-are-a-legal-landmine-for-injured-workers/): Final Admissions Are a Legal Landmine for Injured Workers – In the majority of Workers’ Compensation cases, when the injured... - [What to Do If Your Employer Lies About Your Work Injury](https://kaplanmorrell.com/what-to-do-if-your-employer-lies-about-your-work-injury/): What to Do If Your Employer Lies About Your Work Injury – There might be people at work that you... - [¿Qué hacer si tu patrón miente sobre tu accidente laboral?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/que-hacer-si-tu-patron-miente-sobre-tu-accidente-laboral/): ¿Qué hacer si tu patrón miente sobre tu accidente laboral? – Puede haber gente en el trabajo a quien conoce... - [Sueldos perdidos por lesiones laborales en Colorado](https://kaplanmorrell.com/sueldos-perdidos-por-lesiones-laborales-en-colorado/): Sueldos perdidos por lesiones laborales en Colorado – Uno de los beneficios que puede recibir si tiene una lesión laboral... - [Why Workers' Compensation Is Like the Red Cross?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/why-workers-compensation-is-like-the-red-cross/): Why Workers’ Compensation Is Like the Red Cross? – The number one reaction we get from injured workers is how... - [Can You Get Workers’ Comp for Chemical Exposure at Work?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-you-get-workers-comp-for-chemical-exposure-at-work/): Can You Get Workers’ Comp for Chemical Exposure at Work? – Injuries due to chemical exposures at work are covered... - [Frases de tu empleador que son señal de alerta tras una lesión](https://kaplanmorrell.com/frases-de-tu-empleador-que-son-senal-de-alerta-tras-una-lesion/): Frases de tu empleador que son señal de alerta tras una lesión – Cuando un trabajador reporta una lesión de... - [Are Prosthetics Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Colorado?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/are-prosthetics-covered-by-workers-compensation-in-colorado/): Are Prosthetics Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Colorado? – In general, Workers’ Compensation will cover medical care you need after... - [Traveling To And From Work Injuries](https://kaplanmorrell.com/traveling-to-and-from-work-injuries/): Traveling to and from work Injuries – In general, injuries that occur while coming and going from work are injuries... - [Are you getting better from your work injury?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/are-you-getting-better-from-your-work-injury/): Are you getting better from your work injury? – “Is the medical care helping you? ” is a critical question... - [How does workers’ comp work for seasonal employees?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp-for-seasonal-employees/): In Colorado, a “seasonal worker” refers to an employee who is hired on a temporary basis to perform work that... - [Can I move to another state while on workers’ comp?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-i-move-to-another-state-while-on-workers-comp/): What you need to know about leaving Colorado as an injured worker When you’re receiving workers’ compensation benefits and considering... - [How long after a workers’ comp settlement do I get paid?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/how-long-after-workers-comp-settlement-do-i-get-paid/): Dealing with a workers’ compensation claim can be as daunting as it is tedious, especially during the anxious wait for... - [What Does It Mean To Be Released Back To Work?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-does-it-mean-to-be-released-back-to-work/): What Does It Mean To Be Released Back To Work? – What happens when the doctor releases you back to... - [Can a part-time employee get workers’ comp?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-a-part-time-employee-get-workers-comp/): Understanding workers’ compensation for part-time workers Have you ever wondered whether part-time employees qualify for workers’ compensation in Colorado? It’s... - [We Track Your Money In A Work Comp Claim](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/we-track-your-money-every-penny-in-a-workers-comp-claim/): We Track your Money In A Work Comp Claim – One of the big differences between Workers’ Compensation cases and... - [What can shut down your Colorado work injury wage loss benefits?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-can-shut-down-your-colorado-work-injury-wage-loss-benefits/): What can shut down your Colorado work injury wage loss benefits? To get wage loss benefits in Colorado, you must... - [Understanding Unemployment & Workers' Compensation In Colorado](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/understanding-unemployment-workers-compensation-in-colorado/): Understanding Unemployment & Workers’ Compensation In Colorado – A lot of times, injured workers will lose their jobs because of... - [Despedirme después de lesionarme en el trabajo](https://kaplanmorrell.com/despedirlo-despues-de-lesionarme-en-el-trabajo/): Despedirme después de lesionarme en el trabajo – Sí pueden despedirlo después de una lesión, pero existen muchas limitaciones dependiendo... - [Understanding a Final Admission of Liability](https://kaplanmorrell.com/understanding-a-final-admission-of-liability/): Understanding a Final Admission of Liability – When injured workers contact our office, the number one thing we’re most concerned... - [Su empleador dice que usted violó una regla de seguridad y se lesionó](https://kaplanmorrell.com/su-empleador-dice-que-usted-violo-una-regla-de-seguridad-y-se-lesiono/): Su empleador dice que usted violó una regla de seguridad y se lesionó – Por lo general, los trabajadores lesionados... - [¿Me estoy recuperando de mi lesión laboral?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/me-estoy-recuperando-de-mi-lesion-laboral/): ¿Me estoy recuperando de mi lesión laboral? – Una de las preguntas más peligrosas que le hará el doctor es:... - [Injured Part-time, Seasonal, and Temp Agency Workers](https://kaplanmorrell.com/injured-part-time-seasonal-temp-agency-workers/): People who work less than 40 hours a week are generally considered part-time workers. People who work for a temporary... - [What Happens If You Settle And Get Injured Again Later?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/what-happens-if-you-settle-and-get-injured-again-later/): What Happens If You Settle And Get Injured Again Later? – When you settle your claim, you give up your... - [Don't Let the Clock Run Out on Your Work Injury Claim](https://kaplanmorrell.com/dont-let-the-clock-run-out-on-your-work-injury-claim/): Don’t Let the Clock Run Out on Your Work Injury Claim – We commonly receive calls from clients when it’s... - [Interest: The Most Overlooked WorkComp Benefit](https://kaplanmorrell.com/interest-the-most-overlooked-workcomp-benefit/): Interest: The Most Overlooked WorkComp Benefit – If you’re entitled to lost wages, but the insurance company doesn’t pay it... - [Are Assaults at Work Covered?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/are-assaults-at-work-covered/): Are Assaults at Work Covered? – In Colorado, assaults may be covered by Workers’ Compensation if they’re considered work-related; however,... - [Can You Sue Your Employer For A Work Injury?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-you-sue-your-employer-for-a-work-injury/): Can you sue your employer for a work injury? – In general, if your employer has Workers’ Compensation insurance you... - [Can I be fired while on Workers' Compensation?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-i-be-fired-while-on-workers-compensation/): Can I be fired while on Workers’ Compensation? – You can be fired after a work injury, but there are... - [¿Te atacaron en el trabajo?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/te-atacaron-en-el-trabajo/): ¿Te atacaron en el trabajo? – En Colorado, los ataques, las peleas, los asaltos físicos, podrían estar cubiertos por Compensación... - [Medical Set Aside Account (MSA)](https://kaplanmorrell.com/medical-set-aside-account-msa/): Medical Set Aside Account (MSA) – Part of your compensation for a work injury is medical care. With serious injuries,... - [¿Qué significa Valor Actual Neto?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/que-significa-valor-actual-neto/): ¿Qué significa valor actual neto? – Si tuvo una lesión en el trabajo uno de sus beneficios podría ser recibir... - [They say my work injury claim is closed!](https://kaplanmorrell.com/they-say-my-work-injury-claim-is-closed/): They say my work injury claim is closed! – When people say your claim is closed oftentimes it’s misunderstood. People... - [Can You Be Fired Because of a Work Injury?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-you-be-fired-because-of-a-work-injury/): Can You Be Fired Because of a Work Injury? – You can get fired even if you’re off work because... - [Su abogado debe hablar su idioma](https://kaplanmorrell.com/su-abogado-debe-hablar-su-idioma/): Su abogado debe hablar su idioma – Si busca un abogado en los Estados Unidos y su primer idioma es... - [Contratado en otro estado PERO te lesionado en Colorado](https://kaplanmorrell.com/contratado-en-otro-estado-pero-te-lesionado-en-colorado/): Contratado en otro estado PERO te lesionado en Colorado – Compensación al Trabajador es un programa estatal, por lo cual... - [Why you need an attorney for your work injury now](https://kaplanmorrell.com/why-you-need-an-attorney-for-your-work-injury-now/): Why you need an attorney for your work injury now – When you’re injured on the job everything is stacked... - [Scheduled Injuries Workers' Compensation](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/scheduled-injuries-workers-compensation/): Scheduled Injuries Workers’ Compensation – There are 2 categories of injuries that injured workers can sustain. The first is called... - [Work Injuries, Liens, and Taxes](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/work-injuries-liens-and-taxes/): Work Injuries, Liens, and Taxes – Who can go after your work injuries? Typically, injured workers get concerned because they... - [Advice on How to Testify](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/advice-on-how-to-testify/): Advice on How to Testify -If you’re involved in a lawsuit, one of the procedures you will be involved in... - [What Happens If You Die At Work?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-happens-if-you-die-at-work-2/): What Happens If You Die At Work? – Typically for an injury, including fatality, to be covered under Workers’ Compensation,... - [Understanding the Disfigurement Benefit](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/understanding-the-disfigurement-benefit-2/): Understanding the Disfigurement Benefit – The disfigurement benefit can cover a handful of different categories. It can be from scarring... - [Injured during a Coffee Break?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/injured-during-a-coffee-break/): Injured during a Coffee Break? – Injuries during what is called a personal comfort moment like a coffee break throughout... - [Is Getting Sick at Work Covered Under Workers' Comp](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/is-getting-sick-at-work-covered-under-workers-comp/): Is Getting Sick at Work Covered Under Workers’ Comp – When you get sick, if you can prove that you... - [The Most Costly & Fatal Work Injuries](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/the-most-costly-fatal-work-injuries/): The Most Costly & Fatal Work Injuries – The division of Workers’ Compensation in Colorado creates a massive report on... - [The Sooner You Get An Attorney The Better Off You Are](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/the-sooner-you-get-an-attorney-the-better-off-you-are/): The Sooner You Get An Attorney, The Better Off You Are – We had an injured client, and her claim... - [¿Si mi jefe me ataca me cubre Work Comp?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/si-mi-jefe-me-ataca-me-cubre-work-comp/): ¿Si mi jefe me ataca me cubre Work Comp? – Compensación al Trabajador usualmente cubre las lesiones causadas intencionalmente por... - [How To Choose The Best Lawyer For Your Case](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/how-to-choose-the-best-lawyer-for-you-case/): How To Choose The Best Lawyer For Your Case – You should look for 5 things when hiring an attorney:... - [Hired in Colorado and Injured elsewhere](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/hired-in-colorado-and-injured-elsewhere/): Hired in Colorado and Injured elsewhere – To get covered under Colorado law for Workers’ Compensation there are 3 things... - [Acoso sexual por parte de mi jefe y Work Comp](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/acoso-sexual-por-parte-de-mi-jefe-y-work-comp/): Acoso sexual por parte de mi jefe y Work Comp – Desafortunadamente la ley es muy complicada si su lesión... - [El beneficio menos conocido de Work Comp](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/el-beneficio-menos-conocido-de-work-comp/): El beneficio menos conocido de Work Comp – Uno de los beneficios más importantes pero menos conocido, que dependiendo el... - [¿Qué pasa si me lesiono fuera de Colorado pero trabajo ahí?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/que-pasa-si-me-lesiono-fuera-de-colorado/): ¿Qué pasa si me lesiono fuera de Colorado pero trabajo ahí? – Para saber si estas cubierto si te lesionas... - [¿Compensación al Trabajador cubre lesiones autoinfligidas?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/compensacion-al-trabajador-cubre-lesiones-autoinfligidas/): ¿Compensación al Trabajador cubre lesiones autoinfligidas? – La regla general es que si usted se lastima intencionalmente no está cubierto... - [¡Mi caso por lesiones laborales dicen que está cerrado!](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/caso-por-lesiones-laborales-esta-cerrado/): ¡Mi caso por lesiones laborales dicen que está cerrado! – Muchas veces cuando la gente dice que su caso está... - [¿Me pueden despedir de mi trabajo si me lastimo en el trabajo?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/me-pueden-despedir-de-mi-trabajo-si-me-lastimo-en-el-trabajo/): ¿Me pueden despedir de mi trabajo si me lastimo en el trabajo? – Así como usted tiene derecho para dejar... - [ The Colorado Uninsured Employer Fund And Uninsured Employers](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/colorado-uninsured-employer-fund/): The Colorado Uninsured Employer Fund And Uninsured Employers – We’ve been talking about what happens if you get injured on... - [Watch Out If You Are On Social Media And Have A Work Injury!](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/watch-out-if-you-are-on-social-media-and-have-a-work-injury/): Watch Out If You Are On Social Media And Have A Work Injury! – When you’re injured you need to... - [Safety Rule Violations](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/safety-rule-violations/): Safety Rule Violations – One of the ways that insurance companies make money is by not paying the benefits that... - [Impairment Rating](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/impairment-rating/): Impairment Rating – When someone’s injured at work their injuries result, more often than not, in either a physical or... - [Ataque al corazón en el trabajo](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/ataque-al-corazon-en-el-trabajo/): Ataque al corazón en el trabajo – Un ataque al corazón, cuyo término oficial es infarto al miocardio, es cuando... - [Permanent Total Disability Benefits](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/permanent-total-disability-benefits/): Permanent Total Disability Benefits – One of the biggest concerns injured workers have is what will they do if they... - [Derechos laborales en México y los Estados Unidos](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/derechos-laborales-en-mexico-y-los-estados-unidos/): Derechos laborales en México y los Estados Unidos – Hablemos de los derechos laborales que existen en México y en... - [Colorado Injured Workers Pharmacy Explained](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/colorado-injured-workers-pharmacy-explained/): Colorado Injured Workers Pharmacy Explained – The number one priority when serving injured workers is getting them quality care, and... - [¿Las prótesis están cubiertas por Compensación al Trabajador?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/las-protesis-estan-cubiertas-por-compensacion-al-trabajador/): ¿Las prótesis están cubiertas por Compensación al Trabajador? – En general, Compensación al Trabajador cubre todo el tratamiento que usted... - [What are Case Managers and Why Are They Involved in My Case?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-are-case-managers-and-why-are-they-involved-in-my-case/): What are Case Managers and why are they involved in my case? – When you are injured on the job... - [¿Qué pasa si llego a un acuerdo y me vuelvo a lastimar en la misma parte del cuerpo?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/que-pasa-si-llego-a-un-acuerdo-y-me-vuelvo-a-lastimar/): ¿Qué pasa si llego a un acuerdo y me vuelvo a lastimar en la misma parte del cuerpo? – Una... - [Are You Covered Under Workers' Compensation When Injured Off-Premises?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/are-you-covered-under-workers-compensation-when-injured-off-premises/): Are You Covered Under Workers’ Compensation When Injured Off-Premises? – A lot of people think that if you are not... - [¿El salario de mi segundo trabajo lo cubre Compensación de Trabajador?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/el-salario-de-mi-segundo-trabajo-compensacion-de-trabajador/): ¿El salario de mi segundo trabajo lo cubre Compensación de Trabajador? – ¿Qué pasa si usted tiene 2 trabajos y... - [Negligencia médica y Compensación del Trabajador](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/negligencia-medica-compensacion-del-trabajador/): Negligencia médica y Compensación del Trabajador – ¿La negligencia médica está cubierta por compensación del trabajador? Si usted tiene una... - [Calculating Average Weekly Wage for Workers' Compensation in Colorado](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/calculating-average-weekly-wage-colorado/): Calculating Average Weekly Wage for Workers’ Compensation in Colorado – One of the most important areas in any Workers’ Compensation... - [Is An Off-the-Clock Injury Covered By Work Comp?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/injured-off-the-clock/): Is An Off-the-Clock Injury Covered By Work Comp? – Many people think that if you’re not clocked in and you... - [What Does it Mean to be Released Back to Work?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/to-be-released-back-to-work/): What Does it Mean to be Released Back to Work? – What happens when the doctor releases you back to... - [If My Employer Is Uninsured Can I Still Get Work Comp Insurance?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/if-my-employer-is-uninsured-can-i-still-get-work-comp-insurance/): Employer Is Uninsured If My Employer Is Uninsured Can I Still Get Work Comp Insurance? – We will discuss how... - [What is My Work Injury Case Worth?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-is-my-work-injury-case-worth/): What is My Work Injury Case Worth? – Let’s talk about something that almost every injured worker wonders, “What is... - [Has The Insurance Company Admitted Liability For Your Work Injury?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/liability-for-your-work-injury/): Has the insurance company admitted liability for your work injury? - The most important thing we look for at the... - [Medical Benefits with Colorado Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/medical-benefits-with-colorado-workers-compensation-insurance/): Medical Benefits with Colorado Workers’ Compensation Insurance – When you’re injured on the job the major benefit you can get... - [Injured At Work And Your Employer Has No Insurance?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/injured-at-work-and-your-employer-has-no-insurance/): Injured At Work And Your Employer Has No Insurance? – What happens when an injured Colorado worker finds out their... - [Reporting A Work Injury](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/reporting-a-work-injury/): Reporting A Work Injury – One of the most critical times of an injury is when you report it to... - [What Is Average Weekly Wage?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-is-average-weekly-wage/): What Is Average Weekly Wage? – In Workers’ Compensation a lot of your benefits, particularly the money benefits, depend upon... - [I Finished My Work Injury Treatment, Now What?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/i-finished-my-work-injury-treatment-now-what/): I Finished My Work Injury Treatment, Now What? – In previous blogs, we’ve addressed Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), which is... - [I Got A Final Admission Of Liability. What Do I Do?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/i-got-a-final-admission-of-liability-what-do-i-do/): I Got A Final Admission Of Liability, What Do I Do? – The final admission of liability is one of... - [Disability and Disfigurement Benefits in Colorado](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/disability-and-disfigurement-benefits-in-colorado/): Disfigurement Benefits – How Much Is An Individual Entitled To – In Colorado, disability laws allow for injured individuals with... - [¿Qué significa 'causalidad' en las lesiones laborales?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/que-significa-causalidad-en-las-lesiones-laborales/): ¿Qué significa ‘causalidad’ en las lesiones laborales? – Compensación al Trabajador cubre las lesiones derivadas del trabajo, así que usted... - [4 cosas que pueden cancelar tus beneficios de salarios perdidos](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/4-cosas-que-pueden-cancelar-tus-beneficios-de-salarios-perdidos/): 4 cosas que pueden cancelar tus beneficios de salarios perdidos – En Colorado cuando tienes una lesión en el trabajo,... - [¿Dicen que mi lesión laboral se debe a tener artritis? ¿Ahora qué?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/mi-lesion-laboral-se-debe-a-artritis/): ¿Dicen que mi lesión laboral se debe a tener artritis? ¿Ahora qué? – Después de sufrir una lesión en el... - [Enfermedades ocupacionales, ¿qué son? ¿Están cubiertas como lesiones de trabajo?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/enfermedades-ocupacionales-lesiones-de-trabajo/): Enfermedades ocupacionales, ¿qué son? ¿Están cubiertas como lesiones de trabajo? – Hay 2 tipos de lesiones en el trabajo, uno... - [Colorado Workers' Compensation Law and Settlement Conference Tips with Administrative Law Judge](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/settlement-conference-tips-with-administrative-law-judge/): Colorado Workers’ Compensation Law and Settlement Conference Tips with Administrative Law Judge – When you’re about to go to a... - [I Have a Second Job I Can't Work Because of a Work Injury From My First Job. What do I do?](https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/second-job-i-cant-work-because-of-a-work-injury-from-my-first-job/): I Have a Second Job I Can’t Work Because of a Work Injury From My First Job. What do I... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-08-26 - Modified: 2025-09-02 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/truck-accident/ Truck AccidentsColorado Truck Accident Lawyers Who Hold Big Rigs AccountableCollisions with large commercial trucks — 18-wheelers, semis, delivery vehicles — are rarely “minor. ” These crashes often leave devastating injuries, totaled vehicles, and a long road to recovery. And while the damage may be obvious, getting fair compensation is anything but simple. Trucking companies and their insurers are quick to protect their bottom line. They have lawyers, adjusters, and investigators working against your claim from the moment the crash happens. At Kaplan Morrell, we work just as fast — and just as hard — to protect you. We represent individuals across Colorado who’ve been injured in truck crashes caused by negligence, fatigue, improper training, and more. You take care of yourself and your family — we’ll take care of the legal fight.  What Makes Truck Accidents More Complex? Unlike standard car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple layers of responsibility and insurance. In any given case, liable parties may include: The truck driver (for distracted, impaired, or reckless driving) The trucking company (for poor training or unsafe scheduling) A freight loader (for improperly secured cargo) A maintenance company (for mechanical failure or neglect) The manufacturer of a faulty truck part In Colorado, commercial drivers and their companies must follow strict state and federal safety regulations. We know how to find violations, secure black box data, and expose negligent practices that contributed to your crash. Common Truck Accident Causes Many of the truck accident cases we handle involve: Driver fatigue or... --- - Published: 2025-08-26 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/rideshare-accident/ Rideshare AccidentsUber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Serving ColoradoRideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Colorado easier than ever — but when something goes wrong, it gets complicated fast. Whether you were injured as a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver in a rideshare-related accident, you may suddenly find yourself dealing with multiple insurance policies, corporate silence, and confusing fine print. At Kaplan Morrell, we help people across Colorado who’ve been injured in rideshare accidents get the compensation they’re entitled to — without getting lost in the shuffle. You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest. Who’s Liable in a Rideshare Accident? One of the trickiest parts of a rideshare injury case is figuring out who’s responsible. Unlike traditional car accidents, these cases may involve multiple parties and overlapping insurance coverage: The rideshare driver (if they were at fault) The other driver (if you were in a rideshare as a passenger) Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurance (which may apply depending on the app status) Third parties, like vehicle manufacturers or municipalities with unsafe roads We work quickly to identify the liable parties, preserve evidence (including app logs), and build a strong case on your behalf. We Represent All Types of Rideshare Injury Victims Whether you were a rider, another driver, or just walking across the street, we can help. We represent: Passengers injured during an Uber or Lyft ride Drivers struck by a rideshare vehicle Pedestrians hit by a distracted or speeding Uber/Lyft driver Bicyclists involved in rideshare... --- - Published: 2025-08-26 - Modified: 2025-08-26 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/pedestrian-accident/ Pedestrian AccidentsColorado Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Who Fight for the InjuredYou were walking. Following the rules. Minding your own business. And then, in an instant — you were hit. Pedestrian accidents are some of the most devastating we handle. When a vehicle strikes someone on foot, the injuries are almost always serious. And yet, victims often face a difficult legal path to recovery — insurance companies looking to shift blame, drivers claiming they “didn’t see” them, and mounting medical bills without a paycheck coming in. At Kaplan Morrell, we represent pedestrians across Colorado who’ve been hit by careless, distracted, or reckless drivers. From downtown Denver to suburban neighborhoods, we’re here to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.  Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios Pedestrian crashes don’t just happen at busy intersections. In fact, some of the most severe accidents occur in places you’d expect to be safe: Crosswalk collisions Vehicles running red lights or stop signs Driveway or parking lot accidents School zones or residential streets Speeding in pedestrian-heavy areas Failure to yield when turning Many of these accidents happen because a driver simply wasn’t paying attention. But the law is clear: drivers must exercise extra caution around pedestrians. Injuries We See in Pedestrian Accidents Pedestrians have zero protection against the impact of a vehicle. The injuries are often catastrophic — and recovery can take months, years, or a lifetime. We help clients recover from: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Spinal cord injuries and paralysis Broken bones and fractures... --- - Published: 2025-08-25 - Modified: 2025-08-25 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/gina-morrell/ Meet Gina, Office Manager Gina Morrell is the Office Manager at Kaplan Morrell, where she oversees a wide range of operational responsibilities that keep the firm running smoothly. Over the years, her role has included everything from purchasing office supplies and managing expenses to overseeing employee benefits, payroll, HR, and business banking. Gina’s work ensures that both the office and the team are well-supported, allowing the attorneys and staff to focus on what matters most—serving injured workers. What Gina enjoys most about her role is supporting the Kaplan Morrell team. Whether it’s helping employees understand their benefits or making sure they have the tools they need to work comfortably and effectively, she finds great satisfaction in making a positive impact on those around her. She takes pride in responding quickly to the needs of her coworkers and providing encouragement as they grow their skills, believing that happy, supported teammates make the entire workplace more rewarding. Born in Texas and raised in Colorado, Gina proudly calls Colorado home. A graduate of Greeley Central High School, she went on to study Business in college. Outside of the office, she loves traveling and has most recently taken up cycling. One of her greatest personal accomplishments has been completing a 3,000-mile cycling journey across five countries—from Athens to Lisbon. Gina is proud of the growth Kaplan Morrell has achieved through the years, recognizing that the firm’s success is truly a team effort. --- - Published: 2025-08-25 - Modified: 2025-08-25 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/aemille-grace-loren-esperas/ Meet Aemille Grace, Document Manager Aemille Grace Loren Esperas is the Document Manager at Kaplan Morrell, where she oversees the organization and processing of client medical records and documentation. For the past six years, Aemille has played a crucial role in ensuring that the medical records tied to each workers' compensation case are accurately sorted and easily accessible. While the task may be never-ending, Aemille approaches it with joy and dedication, knowing that her work contributes directly to helping injured workers navigate their claims more smoothly. Aemille is originally from the Philippines, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. A full-time freelancer since 2011, she joined Kaplan Morrell remotely and says the experience has been the highlight of her freelancing career. Despite living halfway across the world, Aemille feels deeply connected to the KM team, appreciating the respectful, supportive, and flexible work environment. She describes her role as a “dream job”—one that combines her love for organization with the freedom to work independently and contribute meaningfully from afar. Outside of work, Aemille enjoys listening to music, watching documentaries, films, and series, and traveling with her husband, daughter, and two Shih Tzus. She also stays active and focuses on living a healthy lifestyle. Known for being efficient, organized, and deeply self-motivated, Aemille embraces her identity as an introvert with a creative heart and boundless dreams. She takes pride in being a team player who contributes thoughtfully and passionately to the shared success of Kaplan Morrell. Favorite Quote: "The future... --- - Published: 2025-08-18 - Modified: 2025-09-02 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/motorcycle-accident/ Motorcycle AccidentColorado Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Who Understand What You’re Up AgainstIf you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you already know the road to recovery is different — and often harder — for riders. Not only are the injuries usually more severe, but riders are also more likely to face blame, bias, and pushback from insurance companies. At Kaplan Morrell, we know what you’re up against. We’ve helped riders across Colorado — from Denver to Fort Collins to the Front Range — get the medical care, financial compensation, and legal support they need after devastating crashes. You shouldn’t be treated like a “reckless biker. ” You deserve to be treated like a human being who was hurt — and needs help. Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road — and often more cautious than people realize. But accidents still happen. Many of the cases we handle involve: Drivers failing to yield or turn in front of a motorcyclist Lane changes without checking blind spots Distracted or impaired driving Sudden stops and rear-end collisions Dooring from parked vehicles Poorly maintained roads or debris Whether you were riding a sport bike, cruiser, or touring bike — if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, we’re here to help. Motorcycle Accident Injuries Are Often Severe Without the protection of a car frame, motorcycle riders suffer injuries that are often catastrophic or life-changing. We’ve helped clients recover compensation for: Road rash and soft tissue injuries Broken bones and... --- - Published: 2025-08-18 - Modified: 2025-08-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/first-responders/paramedic-and-emt-claims/ Paramedic and EMT ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Paramedics and EMTs in ColoradoParamedics and EMTs are the first line of defense in medical emergencies, showing up when lives hang in the balance. From responding to violent accidents to managing chaotic, high-stress situations, these professionals put their own safety on the line to care for others. But when you get injured on the job, who takes care of you? At Kaplan Morrell, we’re here to protect the people who protect us all. If you’ve been injured while working as an EMT or paramedic, you have rights — and we’ll fight to make sure you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. Unique Risks for EMTs and Paramedics Being an EMT or paramedic means facing unpredictable and dangerous situations every single day. Common workplace injuries in this field include: Back and shoulder injuries from lifting patients or heavy equipment Exposure to infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens Slip and fall accidents while working on uneven terrain or wet floors Vehicle accidents during high-speed responses Assault-related injuries when responding to volatile situations Stress-related injuries like PTSD and anxiety from repeated trauma exposure Even a seemingly “minor” injury can leave you unable to perform the physically demanding duties required by your role. That’s where Colorado’s workers’ compensation system steps in. Workers’ Compensation Benefits You May Qualify For As a paramedic or EMT injured in the line of duty, you may be entitled to: Medical treatment covered at no cost to you Partial wage replacement while you’re unable... --- - Published: 2025-08-18 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/grocery-worker-claims/ Grocery Worker ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Grocery Store EmployeesGrocery store workers are the backbone of our communities. Whether stocking shelves, checking out customers, unloading shipments, or handling food prep, these essential employees keep our households running — often without recognition. But when you’re injured on the job, everything changes. A workplace injury can put your health, income, and future at risk. If you’re a grocery store employee injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. And we’re here to help you get them. Grocery Work is Physically Demanding — and Risky The physical nature of grocery work is often underestimated. Day after day, you might lift heavy boxes, reach overhead, bend, twist, and move quickly to meet customer demand. Common on-the-job injuries for grocery workers include: Back and shoulder injuries from lifting or repetitive motion Slips and falls on wet or debris-covered floors Cuts and lacerations from box cutters, slicers, or broken glass Burns or scalds in deli or bakery departments Strains, sprains, and repetitive stress injuries from checkout scanning or restocking Workplace violence or robberies that lead to physical or emotional trauma Whether your injury is sudden or developed over time, you deserve care and compensation. Your Rights Under Workers’ Compensation As a grocery worker in Colorado, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim for injuries that happen on the job — even if you are part-time, seasonal, or new to your position. Benefits may include: Medical treatment with no out-of-pocket costs Temporary wage... --- - Published: 2025-08-18 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/agriculture-and-meat-processing-claims/ Agriculture and Meat Processing ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Agriculture and Meat Processing Workers in ColoradoColorado’s agriculture and meat processing industries are essential to keeping the country fed — and no place knows that better than Greeley, where farms and processing plants run day and night. But behind every full truckload or packaged cut of meat are the workers making it all happen — often in dangerous, exhausting, and physically demanding environments. If you were hurt on the job while working in agriculture or meatpacking, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits — even if you're not sure how the process works, or your employer is telling you otherwise. At Kaplan Morrell, we help injured workers throughout Colorado understand their rights, get medical treatment, and receive the compensation they’re legally owed. Injuries Are Common — But That Doesn’t Mean They’re Simple Agricultural and meat processing workers often face some of the most hazardous working conditions in the state. The most common workplace injuries in this field include: Deep lacerations and amputations from cutting tools or conveyor belts Back and joint injuries from heavy lifting or standing long hours Slip and falls on wet or uneven surfaces Crush injuries from forklifts, large animals, or machinery Respiratory issues due to dust, fumes, or poor ventilation Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel and tendonitis Exposure to chemicals or cleaning agents These injuries can keep you off the job for days, weeks, or even permanently. But no matter how severe your injury is — if... --- - Published: 2025-08-07 - Modified: 2025-08-07 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/deidra-deery/ Meet Deidra Deery, Senior Paralegal Deidra Deery is a Senior Paralegal at Kaplan Morrell who assists injured workers throughout every stage of their claims. She communicates regularly with clients, adjusters, medical providers, and opposing counsel to ensure all necessary medical treatments and benefits are authorized and paid promptly. Deidra’s thoroughness and dedication help keep claims moving smoothly from start to finish. Her favorite part of the job is supporting injured workers during what can be one of the toughest times in their lives. She genuinely cares for each client and takes pride in helping them navigate these difficult moments. Deidra values her close working relationships with every team member and is proud to be part of Colorado’s leading workers’ compensation firm. Deidra earned her Paralegal Certificate in 2010 and has worked in various areas of law, but has specialized exclusively in workers’ compensation since 2014, finding her true professional niche. Outside of work, she enjoys paddle boarding, camping, hiking, and soaking up the sunshine. She also loves gardening and growing a sunflower garden each summer. Deidra has been married for ten years and is a proud mother of two daughters. Her coworkers affectionately call her “the client whisperer” because of her deep commitment to being caring and supportive to every client. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/eulalia-juarez-vera/ Meet Eulalia "Lalie", Paralegal Eulalia "Lalie" Juarez Vera is a bilingual paralegal at Kaplan Morrell who assists injured workers in securing medical and monetary benefits under Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation Law. She works closely with attorneys to provide the best possible legal representation as part of a dedicated team. Lalie’s compassionate approach and attentive listening skills make her an invaluable resource for clients navigating difficult situations. Born in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico, Lalie immigrated to Colorado in 1989. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science in 1995 and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2020. Having survived the COVID-19 pandemic, she brings resilience and grace to both her personal and professional life. Lalie’s ability to offer calm and empathetic support, sometimes simply guiding clients through breathing exercises or letting them “vent,” helps clients feel heard and cared for during stressful times. Lalie enjoys traveling and has created beautiful memories visiting cities such as London, Paris, Mexico City, New York, and many national parks, including Glacier, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain. Known for her down-to-earth nature, compassion, and strong sense of responsibility, she approaches each day with diligence and respect, providing dependable and heartfelt support to every client she serves. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-25 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/andrea-ruiz-massieu/ Meet Andrea, Paralegal Andrea Ruiz Massieu is a dedicated paralegal at Kaplan Morrell, where she assists attorneys in managing workers’ compensation claims and supports injured workers throughout every stage of the legal process. She understands how challenging these times can be and works tirelessly to ensure clients receive the benefits they deserve. Originally from Mexico, Andrea studied Political Science and is nearing completion of her law degree. She brings both academic knowledge and practical experience to her role. Andrea is passionate about providing excellent customer service and aims to help clients navigate the workers’ compensation system as smoothly and effortlessly as possible. Outside of work, Andrea loves running and is currently training for her third marathon. She enjoys exercising, spending quality time with her loved ones, traveling, and continuously learning new things. Her determination and compassion make her a valued member of the Kaplan Morrell team. --- - Published: 2025-08-06 - Modified: 2025-08-25 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/nayeli-enriquez/ Meet Nayeli, Receptionist Nayeli A Enriquez serves as the Receptionist at Kaplan Morrell, proudly holding the role of the firm’s director of first impressions. She warmly welcomes every client and visitor, ensuring their experience starts on a positive and professional note. Nayeli takes great pride in being the friendly face and supportive presence that helps set the tone for excellent client service. Nayeli is currently a History major, reflecting her passion for learning and understanding the past. She enjoys reading in her free time, which enriches her knowledge and adds depth to her perspective. Her enthusiasm for helping others shines through in all she does, making her a valued member of the team. Known for her great sense of humor, Nayeli has a natural ability to make everyone around her laugh and feel comfortable. Her warmth and lightheartedness contribute to a welcoming office environment where clients and colleagues alike feel at ease. --- - Published: 2025-08-05 - Modified: 2025-08-25 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/teresa-vazquez/ Meet Teresa, Client Accounts Assistant Teresa Vazquez is a Client Accounts Assistant at Kaplan Morrell, where she ensures that clients receive their payments promptly and that all case-related expenses are paid on time. From verifying that admitted benefits have been issued to completing final accounting after settlement, Teresa plays a vital role in keeping clients informed and financially supported throughout their workers’ compensation cases. Her attention to detail and commitment to timeliness help make a stressful process a little more manageable for the people we serve. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Teresa spent her childhood between Las Vegas and Mexico. At age 14, her family relocated from Morelia, Michoacán, to Virginia, where she completed high school and met her husband, Ovidio. In 2014, the couple moved to Colorado, where they now raise their three children. Teresa began working at Kaplan Morrell in 2019 and takes great pride in her role, knowing that for many clients, timely payments are critical for maintaining stability in the face of a work injury. Outside of the office, Teresa enjoys crocheting, bike riding, and reading. She’s known on the team for her positive energy, contagious humor, and ability to keep things light, even on the busiest days. Whether cracking jokes or sneaking in a “Team Edward! ” reference, Teresa brings warmth and joy to every interaction with clients and coworkers alike. --- - Published: 2025-08-05 - Modified: 2025-08-07 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/regina-carlin/ Meet Regina, Legal Assistant Regina Carlin is a dedicated Legal Assistant at Kaplan Morrell, where she plays a key role in supporting injured workers through the complex workers’ compensation process. She is responsible for calculating Average Weekly Wage (AWW) and monitoring treatment-related issues to ensure medical recommendations are approved in a timely manner. Regina thrives on achieving these “small wins” throughout what can often be a long and uncertain journey for clients. Whether it’s increasing a client’s AWW or getting critical treatment authorized, she’s proud to be part of the team that stands behind each individual from start to finish. Originally from Celaya, a small town in Mexico, Regina studied political science and brings a thoughtful, analytical perspective to her work. She has a deep understanding of what clients may be feeling as they navigate a confusing system, especially because she learned the ins and outs of the workers’ compensation world from scratch. This personal experience allows her to empathize with those who are overwhelmed or unsure, and she works hard to simplify the process, helping clients feel informed, confident, and supported. Outside the office, Regina is a creative spirit who enjoys painting, photography, cooking, and traveling. She’s also a movie lover who appreciates the power of storytelling—something she channels in her work by listening to each client’s unique story and needs. Regina is proud to bring patience, empathy, and determination to the Kaplan Morrell team, helping ensure that no one feels alone in their journey toward healing. --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/football-player-claims/ Football Player ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for NFL Players in ColoradoThe average NFL career is less than four years — but the injuries can last a lifetime. Whether you're a starter, backup, practice squad member, or recently retired, the physical demands of professional football are among the highest in any industry. And when you’re injured on the field, the long-term effects can go far beyond your playing days. If you were injured while playing for a team based in Colorado — whether in a game, practice, or training session — you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under state law. That includes active, waived, and even retired players. At Kaplan Morrell, we help NFL athletes secure medical treatment, wage support, and compensation for permanent damage sustained during their career — so they can recover with dignity and plan for life beyond the game. Common Injuries in Professional Football Injuries are a reality of football — but that doesn’t mean you should shoulder the burden alone. We help players recover compensation for: Concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) Knee injuries (ACL, MCL, meniscus tears) Shoulder and rotator cuff damage Herniated discs and spinal cord injuries Torn Achilles and hamstring strains Broken bones and joint dislocations Hand and foot injuries from turf impact or blocking PTSD and mental health struggles after repeated trauma Even injuries you “played through” may still qualify for workers’ compensation if they later interfere with your health or career. Do You Qualify to File in Colorado? You may be... --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/baseball-player-claims/ Baseball Player ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Major League Baseball Players in ColoradoBaseball may not be a contact sport — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy on the body. From torn rotator cuffs to blown-out knees and chronic back pain, professional baseball players face long seasons, constant travel, and the relentless pressure to perform — often while playing through injury. If you’ve been hurt while playing for a Colorado-based team — or while training, traveling, or competing under a Colorado contract — you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. That applies to MLB and MiLB players, and even those who are no longer on the roster. At Kaplan Morrell, we help injured baseball players access the benefits and medical care they deserve, with full understanding of how pro sports — and long-term injuries — intersect with Colorado law. Common Injuries in Professional Baseball Baseball players are especially prone to injuries caused by repetition, high velocity, and sudden movements. We’ve worked with players who suffered: Rotator cuff tears and labrum injuries UCL tears requiring Tommy John surgery Herniated discs and spinal compression Hamstring, quad, or groin pulls Meniscus and ACL tears from sudden stops or pivots Chronic hand, wrist, and elbow inflammation Concussions from collisions, hit-by-pitches, or wall impacts Overuse injuries from year-round play in minor leagues or winter ball Even “non-catastrophic” injuries can shorten or end a baseball career if they go untreated — or if players feel pressured to return too soon. Do You Qualify for a Colorado Workers’ Comp Claim?... --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/lacrosse-player-claims/ Lacrosse Player ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Professional Lacrosse Players in ColoradoLacrosse is fast, physical, and unforgiving. Whether you’re grinding through a training camp, taking hits in an NLL arena, or competing under the sun for a PLL team, your body is constantly at risk. The injuries are real — and so are your rights. As a professional lacrosse player, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation if you were injured while competing, practicing, or traveling with a team based in Colorado. That includes indoor and field lacrosse leagues, regardless of your contract length or current roster status. At Kaplan Morrell, we help injured lacrosse players get the medical care and financial support they deserve under Colorado law — so you can recover without worrying about who’s covering the bills. Common Injuries Among Pro Lacrosse Players Lacrosse combines the impact of football with the constant motion of soccer — and the injury list reflects that intensity. We’ve helped athletes with: ACL and meniscus tears Concussions and post-concussive syndrome Shoulder dislocations and labrum injuries Hip impingement and groin strains Broken hands, fingers, and wrists Rib and collarbone fractures Spine and neck injuries Chronic pain from overuse or high-impact play Even if your injury seems minor now, lasting damage or re-injury can occur without proper treatment and time off — both of which workers’ compensation is designed to support. Do You Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Colorado? You may be eligible if: You were injured while playing for or affiliated with a Colorado-based team... --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/hockey-player-claims/ Hockey Player ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Professional Hockey Players in ColoradoHockey isn’t just a game — it’s one of the most physically punishing careers an athlete can pursue. From blocked shots and full-speed collisions to relentless travel and off-ice training, your body takes the brunt of the job. But when injury forces you off the ice, what happens next? If you’re a professional hockey player who was injured while playing, training, or traveling with a team based in Colorado, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits — regardless of whether you play in the NHL, AHL, ECHL, or another league. At Kaplan Morrell, we help hockey players recover physically and financially by making sure they receive the benefits Colorado law entitles them to. This isn’t about stepping away from the game — it’s about protecting your health and your future. Common Injuries in Professional Hockey Hockey players face nonstop risk for both acute and long-term injuries, including: Concussions and post-concussion syndrome Shoulder separations and rotator cuff tears Knee injuries (MCL/ACL) Spinal injuries and herniated discs Fractures from hits, blocks, or falls Chronic hip and groin injuries Broken teeth, facial fractures, and vision damage Mental health issues related to trauma or forced retirement Even if you returned to play after the initial injury, that doesn’t disqualify you from filing a claim — especially if you’re now facing lasting effects or forced medical retirement. Are You Eligible to File in Colorado? You may qualify for Colorado workers’ compensation benefits if: You were... --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-09-14 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/pro-athletes/ Injured Playing the Game? We Fight for Professional Athletes' Rights! Call us303. 780. 7329From the field to the court to the rink — we’ve got your back when injury puts your career on the line. Pro Athletes Workers' Comp Lawyers in ColoradoFor a pro athlete, an injury isn't just a physical setback but a threat to your entire future. Your career is defined by what your body can do, and when an injury takes that away, so does your earning potential. Whether it was a hockey stick to the face, a hard tackle, or a repetitive stress injury that finally gave out, a workplace injury can feel like the end. But with workers' compensation laws, it doesn't have to be. Kaplan Morrell is dedicated to protecting pro athletes and ensuring they receive the full financial and medical support they are entitled to. We understand the unique demands of your profession and are here to help. Pro Athlete ProfessionsProtect your career, your health, and your future. Talk to a team that knows what it takes to fight for pro athletes like you. Contact Kaplan Morrell today for experienced legal guidance and the support you need. --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/first-responders/law-enforcement-claims/ Law Enforcement ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Law Enforcement Professionals in ColoradoYou may not wear a city police badge — but the risks you face are just as real. Corrections officers, sheriff’s deputies, parole officers, detention center staff, and other law enforcement professionals work in high-stress, high-risk environments. Physical violence, emotional trauma, and dangerous working conditions are part of the job. But when that job leads to injury, illness, or burnout, too many law enforcement employees are left to navigate the system on their own. At Kaplan Morrell, we understand the unique demands of law enforcement work — and we know how Colorado’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to protect you. Whether you were injured during a jail incident, a transport gone wrong, or due to cumulative trauma, we’re here to make sure your claim is taken seriously and your future is secure. Who Falls Under Law Enforcement? This page is for Colorado law enforcement professionals who aren’t classified as “police officers” but still work in public safety and legal enforcement. We represent: Sheriff’s deputies County detention officers Correctional facility staff (state and private) Parole and probation officers Jail medical and transport staff Juvenile justice officers State troopers and investigators Fugitive recovery agents and warrant officers If your injury happened while performing your law enforcement duties — regardless of uniform or rank — you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Common Law Enforcement Injuries We Handle Whether you're working behind bars or in the field, law enforcement professionals face intense physical... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/first-responders/police-officer-claims/ Police Officer ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Police Officers in ColoradoEvery day, police officers face situations that most people can’t imagine — split-second decisions, unpredictable dangers, and constant physical and emotional strain. Whether you’re patrolling the streets, responding to emergencies, or de-escalating threats, your job takes a toll. When that toll turns into an injury — physical or psychological — Colorado’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to protect you. But too often, injured officers are left fighting for the care and wage support they deserve. At Kaplan Morrell, we proudly represent police officers across Colorado who have been hurt in the line of duty. From sprains and back injuries to PTSD and trauma-related claims, we understand the risks that come with your badge — and we know how to help you get the benefits you’re entitled to. Common On-the-Job Injuries for Police Officers Law enforcement work is physically demanding and emotionally intense. The injuries we see most often include: Sprains, strains, and joint injuries from foot pursuits or altercations Gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma Head injuries from falls, crashes, or assaults Back, neck, and knee injuries from repetitive strain or gear wear PTSD and other mental health conditions after violent incidents Hearing loss from firearm or siren exposure Vehicular injuries from crashes or roadside stops gone wrong These injuries may happen in a split second — or develop over time from years on the job. Mental Health Injuries Are Covered by Colorado Law In 2018, Colorado expanded its workers’ compensation laws... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/first-responders/firefighter-claims/ Firefighter ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Firefighters in ColoradoYou run toward danger when everyone else is running away. Fires, chemical spills, collapsed structures, and medical emergencies — firefighters face serious risks in every shift, often without a second thought. But when the job takes a toll on your health — whether it’s a broken bone, a chronic illness, or a mental health condition — it’s not always easy to get the support you need. At Kaplan Morrell, we believe Colorado firefighters deserve more than just applause. They deserve proper medical care, wage protection, and workers’ compensation benefits when their work leads to injury or illness. For over 25 years, we’ve been standing with firefighters across Colorado to make sure their claims are taken seriously — and their future is protected.  Unique Injuries and Illnesses Firefighters Face The dangers firefighters face aren’t always immediate or visible. In addition to falls, burns, and physical trauma, firefighters are at higher risk for: Heart attacks and cardiovascular events after high-stress calls Respiratory injuries and chronic lung conditions Exposure to hazardous chemicals and smoke Certain cancers linked to firefighting (such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain, or bladder cancer) PTSD, anxiety, and mental health struggles following traumatic events Heatstroke and overexertion Musculoskeletal injuries from heavy equipment or rescues Even volunteer firefighters and wildland crews may be eligible for compensation under Colorado law. Colorado’s Presumptive Coverage Laws for Firefighters One of the most important protections Colorado offers firefighters is presumptive coverage for specific health conditions. That means: If you are... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/airline-worker-claims/ Airline Worker ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Airline Workers in ColoradoWhether you’re 35,000 feet in the air or helping passengers at ground level, airline work comes with serious risks. Flight attendants, mechanics, pilots, and ground crew all face unique physical and emotional challenges. When injuries happen on the job — even seemingly minor ones — they can lead to long-term consequences and complicated claims. At Kaplan Morrell, we understand how stressful and confusing it can be to navigate Colorado’s workers’ compensation system — especially when dealing with a corporate employer, a union contract, or a nationwide airline policy. That’s why we’re here to help injured airline workers get the medical care, wage support, and peace of mind they deserve. Common Airline Worker Injuries We See Airline workers operate in high-stress environments where injuries are unfortunately common. We’ve helped clients file workers’ compensation claims for: Injuries from turbulence (flight attendants and pilots) Luggage lifting injuries (shoulder, back, and neck strain) Slip and falls on jetways or tarmacs Exposure to toxic chemicals or jet fuel Hearing damage from constant engine noise Repetitive motion injuries from long shifts and tight quarters Workplace violence or assault from unruly passengers Mental stress and PTSD from traumatic flight events Whether your injury happened in the air or on the ground — in Denver International Airport or during a layover in another state — you may still qualify for workers' compensation in Colorado. Who’s Covered Under Workers’ Comp? Colorado law provides workers’ compensation protection for most airline employees, including:... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/truck-driver-claims/ Truck Driver ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Truck Drivers in ColoradoWhether you’re hauling freight across state lines or making local deliveries around Denver, trucking is one of the most physically demanding — and dangerous — jobs in Colorado. Long hours, heavy lifting, hazardous roads, and tight schedules make injuries not just possible, but likely. If you’ve been injured while working as a truck driver, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits — even if you’re an independent contractor or were driving across state lines at the time of the injury. At Kaplan Morrell, we help truckers navigate the Colorado workers’ comp system so they can get medical treatment, lost wage benefits, and long-term care after a work-related injury. We handle the legal fight — so you can focus on getting back on the road or planning what comes next. Common Injuries Among Truck Drivers Truck driving puts enormous stress on the body, and accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common claims we handle for truckers include: Back and neck injuries from long hours sitting and lifting cargo Shoulder and knee injuries from loading/unloading Slips and falls from truck beds, trailers, or icy lots Crush injuries or fractures from shifting cargo or equipment Repetitive motion injuries (wrists, elbows, spine) Injuries from traffic accidents — whether you're at fault or not Sleep disorders, hypertension, and stress-related illness PTSD or anxiety after a serious crash or near miss Even if you weren’t “on the clock” at the time of your... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/nurse-cna-claims/ Nurse and CNA ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Nurses and CNAs in ColoradoAs a nurse or CNA, you’re trained to put others first — lifting, bending, calming, comforting, and pushing through exhaustion to meet your patients’ needs. But who takes care of you when the job leaves you injured? Whether you’ve hurt your back lifting a patient, been exposed to illness, or reached a breaking point from constant stress, you have the right to workers’ compensation in Colorado. And you deserve a legal team that understands how physically and emotionally demanding healthcare work really is. At Kaplan Morrell, we help nurses, certified nursing assistants, and other medical staff across Colorado get the care, time, and compensation they need to recover from on-the-job injuries — without fear, shame, or delay. The Hidden Toll of Healthcare Work Working in healthcare isn’t just “hard” — it’s high-risk. We help nurses and CNAs with injuries like: Back and neck strain from lifting or repositioning patients Shoulder and joint injuries from repetitive motion Exposure to COVID-19, Hepatitis, or other infectious diseases Slips and falls in wet or cluttered hospital or nursing home floors Needlestick injuries and bloodborne pathogen exposure Assaults by combative patients or family members Burnout, anxiety, and PTSD from chronic trauma or crisis care Many nurses feel guilty asking for time off or care — but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Workers’ comp is there to protect you, not just your patients. Who Is Covered? Colorado workers’ compensation law protects most healthcare workers,... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/undocumented-worker-claims/ Undocumented Worker ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Immigrant and Undocumented Workers in ColoradoIf you’ve been hurt at work in Colorado and you’re an immigrant — whether documented or undocumented — you still have rights. And that includes the right to workers’ compensation. Many immigrant workers are afraid to report injuries because they worry about their job, their immigration status, or retaliation from their employer. But here’s the truth: Colorado law protects injured workers — no matter where you’re from or what your legal status is. At Kaplan Morrell, we’ve proudly represented immigrant and undocumented workers for over 25 years. We don’t ask where you were born. We ask how we can help you heal, support your family, and get the compensation you’re legally entitled to. Can Undocumented Workers File for Workers’ Compensation in Colorado? Yes. In Colorado, you do not need to be a U. S. citizen or have legal immigration status to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re working — legally or not — and you’re injured while doing your job, you are covered. It is illegal for an employer or insurance company to deny your claim based solely on immigration status. You are entitled to: Medical treatment Wage replacement (with some restrictions) Compensation for permanent disability Mileage reimbursement for travel to doctors Protection from retaliation for filing a claim And most importantly: filing a workers’ compensation claim is not the same as reporting your immigration status. The system is separate from immigration enforcement. Types of Injuries Immigrant Workers Often Face... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/underage-worker-claims/ Underage Worker ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Minors and Underage Workers in ColoradoTeenagers and young adults make up a vital part of Colorado’s workforce — working in restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, construction, agriculture, and more. But when an underage worker gets hurt on the job, the path forward isn’t always clear. Are minors entitled to workers’ compensation? What if they were working too many hours — or doing tasks they shouldn’t legally be doing? Do the rules change because of their age? At Kaplan Morrell, we help young workers and their families navigate Colorado’s workers’ compensation system with clarity and compassion. Whether your child is 15 or 17 — working after school or full-time in the summer — they deserve protection. And we’ll make sure they get it. Yes, Minors Are Covered Under Colorado Workers’ Compensation In Colorado, any employee — regardless of age — is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they’re injured on the job. That includes: Part-time workers Seasonal workers Paid interns or apprentices Undocumented minors Minors working in violation of labor laws (yes, they’re still covered) In fact, if a minor was injured doing work they legally shouldn’t have been assigned (such as operating heavy machinery or working excessive hours), the employer may be subject to penalties and the injured minor may be eligible for additional compensation. Common Injuries Among Young Workers Young employees often work in fast-paced, physically demanding jobs — and they may not know how to speak up about unsafe conditions. As a result,... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/teacher-educator-claims/ Teacher - Educator ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Educators and Teachers in ColoradoEducators shape our communities — guiding students, managing classrooms, and showing up every day with heart and dedication. But behind the scenes, teachers and school staff often face serious challenges that can take a toll on their physical and mental health. Whether it’s a slip in a crowded hallway, a violent incident in the classroom, or repetitive stress from years of grading and computer use, work-related injuries in schools are real — and often overlooked. At Kaplan Morrell, we believe Colorado educators deserve the same protection and respect as any other profession. If you’ve been hurt while performing your duties as a teacher, aide, or administrator, we’re here to make sure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to. Common Work-Related Injuries in Colorado Schools Educators face a wide range of risks at work, even if they’re not doing heavy labor. The most common school-based injuries include: Slip and fall injuries in classrooms, cafeterias, or playgrounds Back, neck, and shoulder strain from lifting students or materials Repetitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel) from grading or typing Student-inflicted injuries (kicks, bites, pushes, or punches) Exposure to mold, cleaning chemicals, or poor ventilation Emotional trauma from violent incidents, lockdowns, or threats Mental stress-related conditions, including anxiety and burnout Whether you’re teaching kindergarten or college prep, injuries can disrupt your ability to work — and live your life. Who’s Covered? Colorado’s workers’ compensation laws cover most public and private school employees, including:... --- - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-08-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp/construction-worker-claims/ Construction Worker ClaimsWorkers’ Compensation for Construction Workers in ColoradoConstruction workers build Colorado — from downtown Denver skyscrapers to rural infrastructure projects. But with that essential work comes serious risk. Whether you’re scaling scaffolding, operating heavy machinery, or lifting materials all day, you face physical danger on the job every single shift. If you’re injured while working in construction, Colorado’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to help. But getting the benefits you’re legally entitled to can be surprisingly difficult — especially when your employer pushes you to return early, denies your claim, or refuses to cover the treatment you need. At Kaplan Morrell, we’ve helped thousands of injured workers — and construction professionals are among the clients we’ve fought hardest for. Common Construction Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Colorado. We regularly help workers with injuries from: Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops Back and neck injuries from heavy lifting Crush injuries from equipment or collapsing structures Eye injuries from flying debris or chemical exposure Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from falling objects Joint damage from repetitive motion or vibration tools Electrical burns and shock injuries Heat exhaustion, frostbite, or weather-related health issues Even injuries that develop slowly — like back pain or joint strain — may qualify for workers' comp if they’re related to your work duties. Who’s Covered in the Construction Industry? You don’t have to be a union journeyman or full-time employee to be covered. In Colorado, workers' compensation may apply... --- - Published: 2025-05-21 - Modified: 2025-09-02 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/car-accident/ Car AccidentCar Accident Attorneys in Colorado Who Put You First A car accident can flip your life upside down in seconds. You may walk away thinking you're fine — only to wake up the next day with pain, confusion, and mounting bills. Whether the crash happened on I-25 in Denver, a rural road near Greeley, or a neighborhood street in Aurora, the reality is the same: you're hurt, you need help, and the insurance company is not on your side. At Kaplan Morrell, we help everyday Coloradans get the care and compensation they deserve after a serious car accident. We don’t just “file claims. ” We build strong cases, stand up to aggressive insurance adjusters, and help you reclaim control over your future. Common Types of Car Accidents We Handle Not all crashes are the same. Some are minor fender-benders, while others result in life-altering injuries. We represent clients involved in: Rear-end collisions T-bone and intersection accidents Head-on crashes Multi-vehicle pileups Hit-and-run accidents Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Under Insured Motorist (UIM) Even if you’re partially at fault, Colorado’s modified comparative negligence laws may still allow you to recover compensation. We’ll walk you through what that means and how it applies to your case. Injuries from Car Accidents Can Be Life-Changing Car accidents don’t just leave dents in vehicles — they can leave lasting effects on your health and livelihood. We help clients who are suffering from: Whiplash and soft tissue injuries Back and neck injuries Concussions and traumatic brain injuries... --- - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2024-07-10 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/denver-workers-compensation-claims-process-attorney/ A workplace injury can disrupt your life in a multitude of ways. Beyond the physical pain and limitations, medical bills pile up, lost wages create financial strain, and the uncertainty of the future can be overwhelming. Understanding the workers’ compensation claims process is essential if you're injured on the job. At Kaplan Morrell, a dedicated Denver workers’ compensation attorney will guide you through each step and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Call (303) 780-7329 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Workers in Denver trust us, and you can too Dedication, compassion, and expertise matter in workers’ comp claims. Here’s why clients choose Kaplan Morrell for their workers’ compensation claims process cases. Experience and expertise Our workers’ compensation claims process attorneys have over 20 years of experience representing injured workers in workers’ compensation cases. We have in-depth knowledge of the workers’ compensation claims process, including the rules and regulations governing claims filing, benefit eligibility, and appeals. We are prepared to handle even the most complex and challenging cases. Compassion We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a work-related injury can take on you and your family. We approach each case with empathy, compassion, and sensitivity, providing personalized attention and support to help you navigate the claims process with confidence and peace of mind. Aggressiveness We are fierce advocates for our clients’ rights and interests, fighting tirelessly to ensure they receive the benefits and compensation they deserve. We’re not afraid to take on insurance companies or... --- - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2025-04-21 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/denver-workers-compensation-attorneys/ Have you been injured on the job? You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a type of benefits system where employers offer compensation and benefits to workers injured on the job. These benefits may include covering the associated medical bills and any resulting time off work. Our experienced Denver workers’ compensation attorneys can help you get the benefits you deserve. Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law proudly serves workers in Denver, Colorado, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn how we can work for you.   Kaplan Morrell is the most trusted name in Denver workers’ compensation Our firm has served the legal needs of injured and disabled workers for over two decades. We work with people all over the United States, focusing on Colorado locations like Limon, Grand Junction, Durango, and Denver. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve quickly and efficiently. When you work with a workers’ compensation attorney from Kaplan Morrell, you can expect full support throughout the process, including: Careful preparation: Your lawyer will review all aspects of your injury and ensure the paperwork is completed correctly. Based on your unique situation, we will identify all benefits you should receive. Collaboration with healthcare providers: You may experience issues getting the necessary care. Your Denver workers’ compensation lawyer will push to ensure you can access the necessary medication, therapy, or specialized treatment.   Experienced guidance as you recover: Maintaining benefits depends on following the... --- - Published: 2023-11-13 - Modified: 2023-12-01 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/derechos-y-beneficios-de-compensacion-al-trabajador/ Abogados de Compensación al Trabajador en ColoradoProtegiendo Sus Derechos y BeneficiosSeguro de Compensación a Trabajadores El seguro de compensación laboral es un acuerdo entre empleadores y empleados. Los trabajadores ceden su derecho a demandar por lesiones laborales, y a cambio, los empleadores ofrecen un seguro que cubre todos las lesiones laborales, sin importar quién tuvo la culpa. En situaciones donde los derechos del trabajador no son claramente respetados o el seguro no cubre adecuadamente los daños, los abogados de compensación al trabajador desempeñan un papel importante en asegurar una justa compensación. Tipos de Lesiones en el Trabajo Existen dos clases de lesiones laborales: accidentes y enfermedades laborales. Los primeros ocurren en un momento específico, mientras que las segundas se desarrollan con el tiempo. Beneficios Según la Ley de Colorado Los trabajadores lesionados tienen derecho a tres beneficios principales: tratamiento médico, beneficios por sueldos perdidos, y beneficios por incapacidad permanente. También hay beneficios secundarios como costos de transporte y beneficios por desfiguración. Tratamiento Médico Los gastos médicos son cubiertos completamente por el seguro. Esto incluye medicamentos, terapia física y transporte a citas médicas. Beneficios por Incapacidad Temporal Si la lesión resulta en sueldos perdidos, la ley otorga compensaciones temporales, calculadas como dos tercios de su salario semanal promedio. Beneficios por Incapacidad Permanente Hay dos tipos de beneficios para lesiones permanentes. La primera, y más común, es el cálculo de la pérdida de uso de movilidad de la parte del cuerpo lastimada. Esto lo determina su médico. El segundo beneficio es el... --- - Published: 2023-11-01 - Modified: 2023-11-03 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/preguntas-frecuentes-abogados-accidentes-laborales/ Preguntas FrecuentesRespuestas a preguntas frecuentes sobre compensación laboral en español por nuestros abogados de accidentes laboralesSí, en Kaplan Morrell tenemos abogados especializados en compensación laboral que hablan español y están preparados para asistirle en cada paso del proceso. Entendemos la importancia de comunicarnos en su idioma natal para garantizar que comprenda completamente su caso y sus derechos. La cantidad que puede recibir por un accidente de trabajo varía según la gravedad de sus lesiones, el tiempo que necesite para recuperarse y otros factores relacionados con su empleo y su capacidad para trabajar en el futuro. Es esencial tener una evaluación completa de un abogado de accidentes de trabajo para entender mejor el valor potencial de su caso. Más informaciónSi su jefe no le permite recibir atención médica después de un accidente de trabajo, es crucial que se comunique con un abogado de accidentes laborales lo antes posible. Negar la atención médica necesaria puede ser una violación de sus derechos como trabajador, y un abogado puede ayudarle a entender y proteger sus derechos en esta situación. Obtén ayuda hoy. La duración de un caso de compensación al trabajador puede variar ampliamente, desde algunos meses hasta varios años, dependiendo de la complejidad de su caso, la gravedad de sus lesiones, la cooperación de su empleador y la compañía de seguros. Es fundamental trabajar con un abogado para ayudarle a navegar por el proceso legal de manera efectiva y en busca de una resolución oportuna. Más información. Para cerrar un caso de compensación... --- - Published: 2023-10-17 - Modified: 2023-10-26 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/abogados-en-colorado-springs-en-espanol/ Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente: sólo aceptamos correo y notificación de proceso en la dirección de Greeley. Reservar Consulta303. 780. 7329mail@kaplanmorrell. com2373 Central Park BlvdSuite 100Denver, CO 80238Cómo LlegarColorado SpringsSi está buscando abogados en Colorado Springs para compensación laboral, nuestros abogados de habla hispana pueden ayudarlo. Los abogados de Kaplan Morrell han servido con orgullo a las comunidades latinoamericanas en Colorado Springs y Pueblo durante más de 25 años. Servimos a comunidades latinoamericanas en todo el estado de Colorado. Si sufrió una lesión en el trabajo, es posible que tenga derecho a recibir beneficios de compensación para trabajadores. Reúnase con nosotros de forma rápida, confidencial y cómoda utilizando su teléfono o computadora. Usamos Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Video, Google Duo y Google Meets. También ofrecemos consultas en persona en nuestras oficinas en Denver, Greeley y Loveland. Si no está seguro de si tiene derecho a los beneficios de compensación laboral, podemos ayudarlo a determinar su elegibilidad. Si califica para recibir beneficios, nuestros abogados con experiencia en compensación laboral pueden ayudarlo a obtener los beneficios que se merece. --- - Published: 2023-10-16 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/abogados-en-denver-colorado/ Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente: sólo aceptamos correo y notificación de proceso en la dirección de Greeley. 2373 Central Park BlvdSuite 100Denver, CO 80238Cómo LlegarReservar Consulta303. 780. 7329mail@kaplanmorrell. comOficina Denver¿Se ha lesionado en el trabajo? Es posible que pueda optar a una indemnización por accidente de trabajo. La compensación de los trabajadores es un tipo de sistema de beneficios en el que los empleadores proporcionan compensación y beneficios a los trabajadores que se lesionan en el trabajo, que puede incluir cubrir el costo de las facturas médicas relacionadas y cualquier tiempo resultante fuera del trabajo. Nuestros experimentados abogados de compensación de trabajadores de Denver pueden ayudarle a obtener los beneficios que merece. Los abogados de Kaplan Morrell se enorgullecen de servir a los trabajadores en Denver, Colorado y sus alrededores. --- - Published: 2023-10-16 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/abogados-en-loveland/ Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente: sólo aceptamos correo y notificación de proceso en la dirección de Greeley. 903 N. Cleveland Ave. Conjunto ALoveland, CO 80537Cómo LlegarReservar Consulta970. 356. 9898mail@kaplanmorrell. comOficina de Abogados en Loveland ColoradoSi necesita abogados especializados en compensación laboral en Loveland, Colorado, nuestro equipo de abogados hispanohablantes está listo para asistirlo. Si se lesionó en el trabajo, puede ser elegible para los beneficios de compensación para trabajadores. Nuestros abogados con experiencia en compensación laboral en Loveland pueden ayudarlo a obtener los beneficios que merece. Ahora atendemos a trabajadores lesionados en Loveland, Colorado, anteriormente Busch Law. Estamos orgullosos de anunciar que Kaplan Morrell ha sido reconocido por Expertise. com como uno de los despachos más destacados en Loveland en el ámbito de compensación laboral. --- - Published: 2023-09-05 - Modified: 2025-08-07 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/sheila-toborg-attorney/ Meet Sheila Toborg, Assistant Attorney Sheila began her law career in Albany, New York, after graduating from Syracuse University with her Juris Doctorate in 1989. She first clerked at the State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department. Following completion of her clerkship, she was a civil defense trial attorney in Albany for 13 years, representing clients in areas including medical malpractice, products liability, toxic tort, labor law, and employment law. In 2003, Sheila decided to move to Colorado after traveling in her pick-up truck with her two dogs throughout this country for 6 months. She then entered the area of Worker’s Compensation. She first represented injured workers for 6 years followed by representing employers and insurance companies for 12 years. After taking a couple of years to travel and return to Upstate New York for a bit, Sheila moved back to Colorado. She is excited to once again represent the injured worker. Sheila brings her vast legal ( as well as life) experience to help her clients. When not working, Sheila enjoys spending time with her 2 rescue dogs, Arthur and Dolly Madison and 2 horses, Mickey and Castan. --- - Published: 2023-07-05 - Modified: 2023-11-14 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/abogados-en-greeley-colorado-de-compensacion-del-trabajador/ Abogados en Greeley Colorado de Compensación del Trabajador6801 West 20th StreetSuite 201Greeley, CO 80634Cómo LlegarReservar ConsultaCall: 970. 356. 9898Fax: 970. 356. 9899mail@kaplanmorrell. comOficina Greeley¿Ha estado involucrado en una lesión de trabajo? Nuestro equipo de abogados en Greeley, Colorado, está preparado para ayudarte. Nuestros abogados ofrecen consultas en persona en nuestra oficina en Greeley, así como consultas virtuales para ayudarles a evitar el tráfico. Si no está seguro si usted es elegible para los beneficios de compensación para trabajadores, el equipo de Kaplan Morrell puede aclarar su estado de elegibilidad. Si califica para los beneficios, nuestros abogados con experiencia en compensación laboral pueden ayudarlo a obtener los beneficios que merece. --- - Published: 2023-06-19 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/sobre-kaplan-morrell-abogados-de-accidentes-de-trabajo/ Sobre Kaplan Morrell Nuestro equipo de abogados accidentes de trabajo y compensación al trabajadorKaplan Morrell tiene más de veinte años ayudando a trabajadores lesionados e incapacitados a obtener los derechos, compensaciones y beneficios que se merecen, dada su lesión de trabajo, bajo las leyes laborales de Colorado. En Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Pueblo y en alrededor de todo el estado, nuestros abogados accidentes de trabajo en español están listos para ayudar a los trabajadores lesionados en Colorado a obtener la ayuda que merecen hoy.   Nacido y criado en la Ciudad de México, México, Britton Morrell habla español con fluidez y está familiarizado personalmente con las costumbres, prácticas y cultura latinoamericana. Estudió Derecho Mexicano en la Universidad de Guanajuato bajo los auspicios de la Universidad de San Diego. Su experiencia y conocimiento del sistema legal de los Estados Unidos le permiten servir a las comunidades de inmigrantes y residentes en todo Colorado. “Estoy orgulloso de haber sido capaz de utilizar mi experiencia en México y mi fluidez en español para ayudar a que mis clientes latinoamericanos obtengan los beneficios que se merecen legalmente. Trabajo duro para que todos mis clientes entiendan el sistema, eviten errores comunes y se concentren en lo que es realmente importante: mejorar su salud y mantener a sus familias. ” Escanea el código QR para agregarme a tus contactos. Michael Kaplan recibió su licenciatura de la Universidad de Michigan y su Doctorado en Jurisprudencia de la Facultad de Derecho de Detroit en la Universidad Estatal de... --- - Published: 2023-05-20 - Modified: 2023-11-10 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/comunidades-que-servimos/ Comunidades que servimos Abogados de accidentes de trabajo en español en Colorado Ofrecemos consultas gratuitas. Puede pasar por cualquier de nuestras oficinas o podemos reunirnos de forma remota a traves de una videollamada confidencial. Esto incluye a los trabajadores que no se encuentran residiendo en Colorado Usted puede reunirse con nosotros de forma rápida y segura a través del medio que más le convenga ya sea utilizando su teléfono o computadora. Tenemos acceso a Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Video, Google Duo y Google Meet. Comunidades atendidas por Kaplan Morrell, sus abogados de accidentes de trabajo en español en Colorado Servimos a comunidades en todo Colorado, incluyendo las que se encuentran en Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Pueblo y más. Contamos con oficinas en Denver, Greeley y Loveland. Asimismo, ofrecemos consultas en persona y virtuales para ayudarles a evitar el tráfico. Atendemos a trabajadores lesionados en todas partes de Colorado, incluyendo a los trabajadores que ya no viven dentro del estado. Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente: sólo aceptamos correo y notificación de procesos a la dirección de Greeley. Nuestras Oficinas2373 Central Park Blvd Suite 100 Denver, CO 80238 303. 780. 7329 Cómo Llegar 6801 West 20th Street Suite 201 Greeley, CO 80634 970. 356. 9898 Cómo Llegar 903 N. Cleveland Avenue Suite A Loveland, CO 80537 303. 780. 7329 Cómo Llegar --- - Published: 2022-04-13 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/ Compensación LaboralRecursosENCUENTRA RESPUESTASArtículos y Videos EducativosRecursos de compensación laboral que hemos creado para nuestros clientes. Ver canal Suscribirse --- - Published: 2022-02-01 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/locations/ LocationsKaplan Morrell Colorado's Workers' Comp Attorneys and Personal Injury AttorneysIf you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Suppose your injury happened outside of work, such as in a car accident, a rideshare accident, or another type of personal injury. In that case, you may still have the right to seek compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law, we make it easy to get the help you need, whether for workers’ compensation or personal injury, without the stress of travel or traffic. You can meet with us virtually from anywhere in Colorado (or beyond) or visit one of our three conveniently located offices for in-person support. Convenient Legal Help No Matter Where You Are in Colorado Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law has offices throughout Colorado, but you don’t have to come to us; we come to you online. Whether you live in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, or even outside the state, we are here to represent Colorado’s injured workers wherever they are. Our team of experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury attorneys can meet with you quickly, confidentially, and conveniently from your phone or computer. We offer virtual consultations through: Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook, Video, Google Duo, Google MeetPLEASE NOTE: We only accept mail and service of process at the Greeley Address. 6801 West 20th StreetSuite 201Greeley, CO 80634970. 356. 9898 Learn more about our Greeley, CO law office. 2373 Central Park... --- - Published: 2022-01-07 - Modified: 2022-03-20 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/ Workers' CompensationResourcesFIND ANSWERSEducational Articles & VideosWorkers' Comp Resources We've Created for Our Clients --- - Published: 2022-01-03 - Modified: 2025-09-09 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/locations/loveland-workers-compensation-attorney/ Loveland Workers’ Compensation AttorneyKaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law Loveland, COHave you been injured on the job? You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a type of benefits system where employers offer compensation and benefits to workers injured on the job. These benefits may include covering the associated medical bills and any resulting time off work. Our experienced Loveland workers’ compensation attorneys can help you get the benefits you deserve. Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law proudly serves workers in Loveland, Colorado, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn how we can work for you. Loveland Office PLEASE NOTE: WE ONLY ACCEPT MAIL AND SERVICE OF PROCESS AT THE GREELEY ADDRESS. Chat Book ConsultCall Call: 303. 780. 7329E-mail mail@kaplanmorrell. comVisit 903 N. Cleveland AveSuite ALoveland, CO 80537Get Directions Kaplan Morrell is the trusted name in workers’ compensation Our firm has served the legal needs of injured and disabled workers for over two decades. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve quickly and efficiently. When you work with a workers’ compensation attorney from Kaplan Morrell, you can expect full support throughout the process, including: Careful preparation: We will identify all benefits you should receive based on your unique situation. Collaboration with healthcare providers: Your attorney will push to ensure you access necessary medication, therapy, or specialized treatment. Experienced guidance as you recover: Maintaining benefits depends on following the workers’ comp insurance guidelines, which can easily trip you up. Our... --- - Published: 2021-12-04 - Modified: 2025-09-09 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/ Kaplan Morrell Attorneys At LawFIGHT FOR YOUR FUTURE. Injured at work? Hurt in an accident? Don’t face it alone. We are Work & Personal Injury Attorneys Who FIGHT for You! My experience was nothing but excellent! ! ! They are hands down the BEST firm... makes you feel like you have family handling your case. ~ Michael J. , Denver, COColorado Workers' Compensation andPersonal Injury LawyersAn unexpected accident can have serious health consequences, affecting your career and personal life. Our team of workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers is prepared to fight for your rights. Call us303. 780. 7329Who We AreGet to know the leading workers’ compensation lawyers in ColoradoKaplan Morrell is a client-oriented law firm specializing in Colorado workers’ compensation. For over 20 years, our award-winning team has helped injured and disabled workers obtain the rights and benefits they are due. We know how hard it can be to focus on your recovery when you’re worried about finances. We’ll take care of the paperwork and expertly guide you through the complicated world of workers’ compensation, allowing you to heal without stress. Visit one of our offices in Greeley, Denver, or Loveland, or schedule a convenient video call today. We even help injured workers who no longer live in Colorado. Why Hire UsWhat Our Clients SayWe've helped thousands of Colorado workers get the lost wages and benefits they deserve. Read their success stories and let us guide you too. When I would call and never seemed too busy for my... --- - Published: 2021-05-10 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/jacqui-condon/ Meet Jacqui CondonWorkers' Compensation Attorney Jacqui Condon is a dedicated attorney at Kaplan Morrell who passionately stands up for hardworking individuals injured on the job. She expertly navigates the complex world of workers’ compensation law, ensuring her clients receive the support, care, and compensation they rightfully deserve. With a combination of confidence and compassion, Jacqui transforms stressful legal challenges into manageable journeys toward recovery. Growing up in Wilmington, Delaware, Jacqui was raised alongside two older brothers. She graduated from Hofstra Law School on Long Island, New York, in 2008. Early in her career, she practiced workers’ compensation law and served as a public defender in New York. In 2014, Jacqui and her husband relocated to Colorado, where she has continued to specialize in workers’ compensation, advocating tirelessly for injured workers throughout the state. Outside of her legal work, Jacqui enjoys an active family life with her husband, three children, and two dogs. Together, they share a goal of visiting all the National Parks and spend much of their time outdoors at youth sporting events, hiking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Jacqui also loves road trips, picnics, and live music. Whether filing claims, negotiating benefits, or taking on insurance companies, she brings clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to her clients and their families. --- - Published: 2020-10-07 - Modified: 2025-08-29 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-ronda-cordova/ Meet Ronda CordovaWorkers' Compensation Attorney As a Colorado Native, I feel very blessed to be able to use my 20-plus years of experience in the field of Workers’ Compensation to represent injured workers. I know firsthand how unrepresented claimants can undermine their recovery by failing to meet any of the deadlines in the system. I began my career at the biggest insurance carrier in the state of Colorado and went on to work for a firm representing insurance carriers and employers. I have an insider’s perspective on how insurance carriers operate and understand their motivations and tactics. In 2025, I was honored to be named Best Lawyer. In my efforts to protect the rights of injured workers, I participated in the Advisory Panel for the 2021 Spine Medical Treatment Guidelines. The Medical Treatment Guidelines give direction to the medical providers who provide treatment to injured workers. In addition, I serve as Secretary of the Weld County Bar Association, where I support fundraising for legal aid services and help coordinate continuing legal education programs for attorneys. --- - Published: 2020-09-02 - Modified: 2025-08-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-tammy/ Meet Tammy, Sr. Paralegal Tammy Roberts is a Senior Paralegal and Case Manager at Kaplan Morrell, where she plays a key role assisting Mr. Kaplan with his cases and providing support to clients. Her dedication to helping people is evident in her commitment to ensuring each case receives the attention and care it deserves. Originally from Missouri, Tammy brings a thoughtful and analytical approach to managing cases. She enjoys traveling and expanding her perspective, which enriches her work in understanding and supporting clients through their legal journeys. Tammy’s passion for assisting others drives her daily efforts to achieve the best possible outcomes. With years of experience, Tammy combines her organizational skills and compassion to keep cases moving smoothly. She takes pride in making a difference in her clients’ lives and works closely with the team to deliver exceptional service and care. --- - Published: 2020-09-02 - Modified: 2025-08-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-brandy/ Meet Brandy, Sr. Paralegal Brandy Halley is a Senior Paralegal and Team Manager at Kaplan Morrell, where she plays a vital role in guiding both clients and colleagues through the workers’ compensation process. In her role as Senior Paralegal, Brandy supports multiple attorneys by ensuring documentation is filed promptly, claims stay on track, and clients receive the assistance they need when challenges arise. As Team Manager, she also oversees the internal workings of the firm—helping with training, learning management systems, and keeping the office running smoothly and efficiently. Brandy’s journey with Kaplan Morrell began in 2000 when she started as a file clerk. Over the years, her dedication and skill led her to become a Paralegal, then Senior Paralegal, and now Team Manager. She holds a degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Earth Science and Early Childhood Education. Brandy finds the most fulfillment in those moments when all the moving parts of a case come together perfectly—providing clarity and relief for clients during stressful times. Outside the office, Brandy enjoys working on DIY projects around her home, baking delicious treats, and traveling. Her calm demeanor and ability to support others in high-pressure situations have made her a reliable and trusted team member. She’s known for her patience—a quality that shines through in every interaction with clients and coworkers alike. --- - Published: 2020-05-20 - Modified: 2021-03-12 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/covid19/ Kaplan Morrell is safely serving clients and potential Worker's Comp and COVID-19 Worker's Comp clients. Kaplan Morrell COVID-19 Resources and Information It's Britton with Kaplan Morrell, Workers Compensation Attorneys in Colorado. We thought it would be a good idea to show you a little bit behind the scenes about what we are doing here at Kaplan Morrell to keep our team and you, our clients, and prospective clients, safe during the whole pandemic. Our team is working from home! We've sent all of our team home, about 80% of them to work from home exclusively since March 15. We have two people here that are great; they rock, Michelle and Teresa. They come in and process mail, etc. There are rare occasions that they need to drop off something, or clients need to pick something up because it can not be emailed or mailed, they can do that. We try to keep it contact-less, which means that we have the client slide stuff under the door, we have the door in between us, etc. Like most of Colorado, we are also looking at how we're going to reopen. As soon as we start looking at having clients come in, we will follow all CDC Guidelines as far as wearing masks and keeping at a distance. In some cases where we have had clients who just simply cannot meet with us by video or telephone won't work, we have had clients come in. What we do is we put them in... --- - Published: 2019-08-30 - Modified: 2023-11-13 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/testimonios/ Testimonios de Clientes Historias de éxito trabajando con nuestro abogado de compensación laboral en Colorado en españolLea testimonios sobre cómo nuestro abogado de compensación laboral en Colorado ha ayudado a los trabajadores lesionados a obtener la compensación laboral que merecen. Tuve la oportunidad de trabajar con Michael Kaplan durante los últimos cuatro años. Cada experiencia fue fenomenal, Michael trajo sinceridad, compasión y dedicación a todos mis casos. Siempre fui consciente de que Michael realmente quería lo mejor para mí. Fue genial en sus explicaciones que me permitieron tomar la mejor decisión por mí mismo. Michael tiene mucha experiencia en todos los aspectos de su práctica y más allá de lo profesional en todos los asuntos. Fue un verdadero placer trabajar con él y recomendaría a Michal Kaplan a cualquier amigo o familiar sin dudarlo. Brock Osweiler2012 – 2016Después de mi lesión laboral, sufría de depresión profunda, ansiedad y dolor. Estaba bajo una carga financiera horrible. La vida era muy oscura para mí porque estábamos al borde de la bancarrota y luchaba por alimentar a mi familia. Me puse en contacto con otros abogados y Kaplan Morrell siguió viniendo porque dentro de la comunidad de abogados de Colorado, Britton y Michael eran muy recomendados. Eran diferentes de cualquier otro abogado con el que me hubiera encontrado. Kaplan Morrell fue más allá del llamado del deber al tomarse el tiempo para realmente escucharme y preocuparse por lo que estaba sucediendo en mi vida. Me consolaban y pasaban el tiempo hablando conmigo, no... --- - Published: 2019-08-28 - Modified: 2025-09-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/ Kaplan Morrell Abogadosde Accidentes de TrabajoLUCHA POR TU FUTURO Las lesiones laborales lo cambian todo. Te brindamos la mejor asesoría. Obtén compensación. Consigue tú tranquilidad. Ayudamos a trabajadores lesionados a obtener los beneficios que merecen. Mi experiencia con Kaplan Morrell fue muy buena, desde el principio me demostraron que yo podía confiar en ellos y que podía esperar lo mejor de ellos, les confié mi problema y siempre obtuve la ayuda que esperaba ... GANÉ EL CASO GRACIAS A KAPLAN MORRELL. Abogados de Accidentes de Trabajo y Compensación al Trabajador en ColoradoUn accidente en el trabajo puede ocurrir inesperadamente y tener graves consecuencias para la salud, afectando su carrera y su vida personal. Nuestro equipo de abogados de accidentes de trabajo y compensación al trabajador está preparado para ayudarlo a solicitar una compensación de trabajadores y luchar por sus derechos. Sobre NosotrosAbogados de accidentes de trabajo y compensación al trabajadorKaplan Morrell es un bufete de abogados orientado al cliente que se especializa en el área de Compensación del Trabajador en Colorado. Nuestro galardonado equipo tiene más de 20 años de experiencia. Hemos ayudado a los trabajadores lesionados y discapacitados a obtener los derechos y beneficios que les corresponden, ganándonos la confianza de las organizaciones atléticas profesionales. Protección legal cuando más la necesitas. Sabemos lo difícil que puede ser concentrarse en su recuperación cuando está preocupado por las finanzas, por lo que nos encargaremos del papeleo, guiándolo con nuestra experiencia a través del complicado mundo de la compensación laboral, lo que... --- - Published: 2019-02-20 - Modified: 2020-04-14 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/disclaimer/ Website Disclaimer This website is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. This information is given with the understanding that this website does not create an attorney client relationship. Since the details of your situation are fact dependent; you should contact us to advise you how the law affects yourparticular circumstances. Este sitio web esta diseñado para proporcionar información precisa y de confianza sobre el tema cubierto. Esta información se proporciona con el entendimiento de que este sitio web no crea una relación de abogado y cliente. Dado que los detalles de su situación dependen de los hechos; Usted debe contactarnos para aconsejarle como la ley afecta sucircumstancias particular. --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2022-01-19 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/nfl-players-association-lawyer-colorado/ Michael H. Kaplan is one of only three NFLPA Workers’ Compensation Panel Counsel representing the NFL in Colorado. As Panel Counsel, Michael’s role is to represent and assist NFL players with workers’ compensation matters and support the NFLPA in Colorado. The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected. The NFL Players Association: Represents all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protects their rights as professional football playersAssures that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are metNegotiates and monitors retirement and insurance benefitsProvides other member services and activitiesProvides assistance to charitable and community organizationsEnhances and defends the image of players and their profession on and off the field --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2022-06-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/disability-lawyers/ Denver Disability Lawyers Working Hard On Your Side If you’ve recently become disabled, know that you have rights. You have rights to receive disability benefits through social security, but most people don’t know that they don’t have to go through the application process alone. In Denver, a Disability Lawyer can help you file your claim properly, exponentially increasing the likelihood of you being approved for benefits. For disabled workers in Denver, disability lawyers aren’t mandatory to filing your claim, but statistics show that having an attorney help you through the application process can improve your chances of winning your claim by up to 20 percent. Put simply, you probably do not have extensive experience in filing disability claims. You may not know what type of paperwork is needed to support your claim, or how to best discuss your case before a judge, but a disability lawyer will. A great disability lawyer will know the best way to develop your case to give you the best shot at winning. After your case is submitted, you will usually have to appear before an Administrative Law Judge to state your case in Denver. A disability lawyer really comes in handy during this stage of the filing process. An attorney cannot guarantee you benefits, but he or she can guarantee that your case will be properly and professionally presented before the judge. Denver disability lawyers will only get paid if your case wins. That said, you can bet your bottom dollar that your attorney... --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2024-06-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/outside-of-colorado-recommended-workers-compensation-attorneys/ Recommended Workers Compensation Attorneys Out Of State: Jeffrey S. GrossLaw Offices of Batt & GrossWebsite: www. philaworkerscomp. com Sean T. HaganLaw Offices of Sean T. Hagan, LLCWebsite: www. seanthagan. com Jason R. CarawayKolker Law OfficesWebsite: www. kolkerlaw. com John J. Castaneda, P. C. Website: www. workerscomplaw-IL. com John Aubry “JA” DavisJ. A. Davis & Associates, LLPWebsite: www. jadavislawfirm. com Don A. FendonMatt FendonFendon Law FirmWebsite: www. fendonlaw. net Andrew S. KasmerLaw Office of Andrew S. KasmerWebsite: www. kasmerlaw. com David H. MoskowitzMorgan & MorganWebsite: www. forthepeople. com --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-01 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/nhl-players-association-colorado/ Kaplan Morrell is proud to be the endorsed Colorado Attorney of The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) for Workers Compensation Claims. We help to represent the NHL Players Association in Colorado. The PHPA is the certified US National Labor Relations Board collective bargaining representative for all professional hockey players within the American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL, and Central Hockey League (CHL). As the only minor league Players’ Association within a major league sport, the PHPA is one of the largest Players’ Associations within the professional sports industry, boasting approximately 1,600 Members situated across 64 teams throughout North America. The PHPA Panel of Workers’ Compensation Attorneys has been formed by the PHPA for the benefit of its Member Players. The Panel of designated Attorneys is dedicated to providing professional and courteous legal services to injured Players in order to ensure the recovery of maximum medical and disability benefits. The Panel Attorneys have agreed to be governed by the PHPA’s Rules of Professional Conduct and will not charge a consultation fee to an injured Player. If the Panel Attorney is retained by a Player, the fee charged for services will be contingent on the recovery of benefits and will be governed by the State Workers’ Compensation laws of the State where the claim is filed. Should professional athletes file workers' compensation claims? The PHPA’s Professional Rules of Conduct are as follows: Panel Members are required to attend the Annual Meeting of the PHPA’s Workers’ Compensation Panel of Attorneys. The purpose of the... --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2025-08-25 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-michael-kaplan/ Michael KaplanMeet Michael Kaplan, Attorney At Law Licensed to practice law in both Colorado and Michigan. Michael Harris Kaplan is a partner at Kaplan Morrell, where he manages and grows the firm while representing clients with dedication and expertise. His passion lies in helping people, supporting his teammates, and continually striving to improve the Colorado workers’ compensation system. Michael combines strong leadership with sensitivity to advocate effectively for injured workers and their families. Originally from Michigan, Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. Michael is a proud father of four and outside of work, Michael enjoys meditation, working out, and creating an exceptional summer camp environment at his family’s lake home up North in Michigan. His leadership skills and empathetic approach have made him a respected figure both in and out of the courtroom. Michael has an extensive record of professional achievements in the workers’ compensation field. He served as President and has been a long-standing board member of the Workers’ Compensation Education Association (WCEA), helping draft legislation to enhance Colorado’s system. Michael is also one of only two NFL Players Association-appointed panel counsels in Colorado and works with multiple other professional sports players’ associations. Among his many honors, Michael received the prestigious Lansford F. Butler Award in 2016 and has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyer Magazine. He is a co-founder of Medical Settlement Specialists, LLC, dedicated to resolving workers’... --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2025-08-06 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/meet-britton-morrell/ Meet Britton Morrell Workers’ Compensation & Disability Attorney Britton Morrell is a founding partner, managing partner, and attorney at Kaplan Morrell. With nearly three decades of legal experience, Britton is deeply committed to helping injured workers navigate the complex workers’ compensation system. He sees his role as a guide in a maze—one that insurance companies and employers know well, but that injured workers are entering for the first time. Britton’s mission is to even the odds for his clients, providing the legal experience, strategy, and support they need to secure the benefits they deserve. Under his leadership, Kaplan Morrell strives to be the hardest working, smartest, and most proactive law firm serving Colorado's injured workers. Britton finds great purpose in making a real difference in his clients' lives—whether it's recovering lost wages, stopping an unjust denial of benefits, or improving access to medical care. He takes particular satisfaction in countering misinformation from employers or insurance companies and stepping in to advocate powerfully for his clients' rights. Practicing law since 1995, Britton started Kaplan Morrell when he was just twenty-nine years old and continues to set the standard for excellence in workers’ compensation representation across the state. Born and raised in Mexico City, Britton brings a unique background to his work. He holds a degree in Marketing and served in the U. S. Navy from 1990 to 1998, earning Top Secret Security Clearance while working in logistics and analysis for U. S. Naval operations in Europe and the Middle East. A... --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/locations/denver-workers-compensation-attorneys/ Denver Workers’ Compensation Attorney PLEASE NOTE: WE ONLY ACCEPT MAIL AND SERVICE OF PROCESS AT THE GREELEY ADDRESS. Book ConsultCall: 303. 780. 7329mail@kaplanmorrell. com2373 Central Park Blvd Suite 100 Denver, CO 80238 Get DirectionsKaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law Serve Denver, Colorado, and surrounding cities. Have you been injured on the job? You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a type of benefits system where employers offer compensation and benefits to workers injured on the job. These benefits may include covering the associated medical bills and any resulting time off work. Our experienced Denver workers’ compensation attorney can help you get the benefits you deserve. Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law proudly serves workers in Denver, Colorado, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn how we can work for you. Kaplan Morrell is the most trusted name in Denver workers’ compensation Our firm has served the legal needs of injured and disabled workers for over two decades. We work with people all over the United States, focusing on Colorado locations like Limon, Grand Junction, Durango, and Denver. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve quickly and efficiently. When you work with a Denver workers’ compensation attorney from Kaplan Morrell, you can expect full support throughout the process, including: Careful preparation: Your lawyer will review all aspects of your injury and ensure the paperwork is completed correctly. Based on your unique situation, we will identify all benefits you should... --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2022-01-03 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-compensation-rights-benefits/ Workers Compensation in Colorado: Know Your Rights Workers Compensation Insurance is the result of a mutual “exchange” between employees and employers. Employees give up the right to sue their employer for injuries cause by the negligence of the employer. In exchange, the Employer agrees to have insurance in place to pay benefits for their employees who are injured on the job. This insurance covers you regardless of who is at fault. You get the same workers compensation benefits if you, your employer, another employee, someone else, or no one at all caused your injury. There are two types of work injuries – accidents and occupational diseases. Work accidents are injuries that can be traced to a particular incident and place in time. For example, “I was lifting this box and felt my back pop painfully. ” Occupational Diseases are injuries that occur over time as a result of the conditions of employment. For example, “My repetitive constant overhead lifting caused me to develop shoulder pain over time. ” In general, workers injured on the job are entitled to three major worker’s compensation benefits and a number of minor benefits under Colorado Law. The major benefits are medical treatment, temporary disability (Lost Wages), and permanent disability. The minor benefits include mileage to and from medical appointments, disfigurement, interest, and in some case, penalties. Read More About The Different Types of Claims and What You May Be Entitled To By Law With Your Worker’s Compensation Claim Worker’s Compensation Medical Benefits In Colorado... --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/locations/greeley-workers-comp-lawyers/ Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law, Greeley, COWorkers' Compensation and Personal Injury LawyersDo you live in Greeley, Colorado and have you experienced a workplace injury or a personal injury? If you are unsure of whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, the legal team at Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law in Greely, CO can clarify your eligibility status. If you qualify for benefits, our experienced Workers' Compensation lawyers can help you get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to explore your options. Send Mail 6801 West 20th StreetSuite 201Greeley, CO 80634Get DirectionsChat Book ConsultCall or Fax Call: 970. 356. 9898Fax: 970. 356. 9899E-mail mail@kaplanmorrell. com --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/5-workers-comp-mistakes-injured-workers-can-avoid-attorney/ With an experienced attorney, injured workers can avoid these 5 Workers' Compensation Mistakes Try as we might to prevent them, injuries happen. That’s why legislators, employers, and insurers have created the worker’s compensation safety net: Protecting injured workers and employers alike from the crushing and unpredictable medical costs and lost time that a work-related injury or illness can cause. The worker’s compensation system is a legal system, and a bureaucracy, with a lot of complicated rules that aren’t easy even for professionals to navigate. Workers trying to go it alone are frequently lost in the maze. Meanwhile, both employers and the insurance companies themselves already have lawyers actively working to limit their own liability so that workers have to absorb more out of their own pockets. Here are five common mistakes that workers make that cost injured workers money and benefits: Failure to document. Make it a habit to document every injury on the job, no matter how minor. A tiny back twinge you get moving a crate can be a sign of more severe problems to come. Significant exposure to hazardous material can cause health problems well in the future that aren’t immediately apparent. Without a paper trail, it is very difficult for you to come back to the worker’s compensation system and demonstrate that the injury or medical condition is work-related. It’s not enough just to tell your doctor. Your doctor may not be aware of the administrative time requirements in the Colorado worker’s compensation claims system. It’s important... --- - Published: 2019-01-30 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/contact-us/ Contact UsKaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law are Workers’ Compensation Attorneys serving clients throughout ColoradoIf you’ve been injured on the job, we can help you get benefits to help you pay your mortgage, cover your medical expenses and support your family. If your worker’s compensation or work injury claim has been denied, we can help file an appeal. Don’t wait to file. Contact us for a free consultation. We are available on your cell phone via video anytime. Many injured people think they have to drive to an office to meet with an attorney. At Kaplan Morrell, we are where you are. We provide personalized meeting options so that you experience the best representation you deserve from the convenience of your phone. Our office is in your back pocket. For your convenience, we use Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Video, Google Duo, and Google Meets. 6801 West 20th StreetSuite 201Greeley, Colorado 80634970. 356. 9898 Se Habla EspañolChat with us now Se Habla Español --- - Published: 2019-01-22 - Modified: 2025-09-09 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/personal-injury/ Fierce RepresentationHonest AdviceExceptional ResultsYou don't have to navigate the legal maze alone – bring on a guide that runs the maze every day. We understand how devastating an injury can be. Whether it's a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident, the aftermath can be overwhelming – physically, emotionally, and financially – not just on you but your family. Our Personal Injury Practice AreasKaplan Morrell | Elite Personal Injury AttorneysWe understand the pain and frustration you're experiencing and will guide you every step of the way, advocating fiercely for your rights - ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve and taking the stress off you and your family. Unlike big law firms that treat clients like numbers, we keep our caseload small. We are not trying to be the biggest law firm out there – just the best one. We take a personalized approach, getting to know you and your unique needs. We relentlessly track every aspect of your claim so we can tailor our legal strategies to your unique situation. This isn’t all about money – it’s about getting you the tools and resources you need to recapture your life. When we can’t turn back the clock – injured people need the tools and resources to move ahead. This is the reason Kaplan Morrell exists. Backed by a passion for research and decades of trial expertise, our trial attorneys are uniquely skilled at what matters most to you, and at moving justice forward. Call us303.... --- - Published: 2019-01-15 - Modified: 2023-04-26 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/kaplan-morrell-community-involvement/ Kaplan Morrell Attorneys At Law care about our clients and the community we serve. Each week we proudly donate $250. 00 to local nonprofits that make a difference in our community. It is thanks to our incredible clients and great KM teamwork that we are able to share our success with charities like the ones below. Below are a few of our recent contributions: ACE Scholarships  Their mission is to provide children of low-income families with scholarships to private schools in grades K-12, and to advocate for expanded school choice. Alight We build a meaningful life for and with the displaced. When we find people displaced from their homes, countries, or lives, our instinct may be to focus only on their basic needs. And that is essential. But it’s also not a life. Life is filled with joy, dignity, connection, and purpose. And that’s what we aim to build. All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response  All Hands and Hearts effectively and efficiently address the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. We communicate directly with local leaders and community members and then deploy our unique model of engaging volunteers to enable direct impact, helping to build safer, more resilient schools, homes, and infrastructure. American Immigration Council  Honoring our Immigrant Past, Shaping our Immigrant Future. The American Immigration Council works to strengthen America by shaping how America thinks about and acts towards immigrants and immigration and by working toward a more fair and just immigration system that... --- - Published: 2019-01-14 - Modified: 2022-06-16 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/review-us/ All we do, all we work for is for our clients. Each and every client of ours, no matter how big or how small the case may be, is a priority. We strive to provide every client with the absolute best resolution to their case. When we've done our job, our clients are allowed to live their lives- get income, pay mortgages, own homes, pay bills... Our clients have had a lot of great things to say, and we are always grateful for their kind words. If you have a review you'd like to leave for Kaplan Morrell, we have several ways you can help tell others about the job we've done for you. Click on any of the icons below to leave a review for us. Thanks for taking the time to review us! --- - Published: 2019-01-14 - Modified: 2022-11-09 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/denver-workers-comp-lawyer-testimonials/ What Our Clients and the Community Say Realistically, when you need to hire an attorney like Mr. Kaplan something is seriously wrong. Sometimes people are hesitant to hire an attorney and wonder if they are actually worth it? I can promise you that Mr. Kaplan and his team are worth every penny! Communication, attention to detail, organization, patience, and the ability to truly listen and actually care about you as a client is what you get. Mix that with his knowledge you got yourself a military watching your back. I can't compare Mr. Kaplan to other attorneys in Colorado but I can compare him to others around the country and this experience was by far the smoothest, easiest, and most calming Work comp case I have ever experienced! C. C. B ~ September 2020 I had the opportunity to work with Michael Kaplan for the past four years. Every experience was phenomenal, Michael brought sincerity, compassion, and dedication to all of my cases. I was always aware that Michael truly wanted what was best for me. He was great in his explanations which allowed me to make the best decision for myself. Michael is very experienced in all aspects of his practice and beyond professional in all matters. It was truly a pleasure to work with him and I would recommend Michal Kaplan to any friend or family member without hesitation. Brock Osweiler, 2012-2016 Brock Osweiler 2012-2016 After my work injury, I was suffering from deep depression, anxiety, and pain.... --- - Published: 2019-01-10 - Modified: 2025-05-21 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/filing-workers-compensation-in-colorado/ If you’ve recently been injured at work, you may be eligible for workers' compensation. Workers compensation is an employer-paid insurance program that provides compensation and benefits to workers that have been injured on the job covering the cost of associated medical bills and any resulting time off work. In Colorado, you have the right to seek professional assistance in filing your Workers' Compensation claim and if you live in the Denver and front range area, our workers' compensation attorneys can help. Kaplan Morrell will fight to get you the Workers's Compensation benefits you deserve. Remember- workers' compensation laws are complicated, and insurance companies are out to protect themselves, they want to pay as few benefits as possible. The sooner you get an attorney on your side, the better off your case may be. Here is how we can help you file your claim: We review your case to make sure that you obtain every benefit the law provides injured workers. Each and every case is different, and often what rights you will receive will depend upon the unique facts and circumstances of your case. We fight to make sure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for each benefit you deserve. This includes making sure that you get the additional medical treatment that will get you back to the way you were before the injury. We help resolve roadblocks in your medical care. If you can’t get the medication, physical therapy, or specialist referral that the treating doctor recommends,... --- - Published: 2019-01-10 - Modified: 2022-06-16 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/professional-player-associations/ All Colorado injured workers have the same access to the same outstanding and respected attorneys that professional athletes trust: Kaplan Morrell. Kaplan Morrell helps NFL, NHL, PHPA, MLS and PLPA athletes when they get injured during the game or workouts as The National Football League Players Association's and the Professional Hockey Players Association's endorsed attorneys in Colorado. See how the NFL is serious about preventing injury and protecting players against injury. The National Football League Players Association and the Professional Hockey Players Association recognize the exceptional commitment Michael H. Kaplan has for their clients. As endorsed counsel for their athletes, they know that injured players will receive aggressive and comprehensive pursuit of all workers' compensation benefits. Please contact us at 970-356-9898 to speak with us absolutely free on whether you need a lawyer to help you. --- - Published: 2019-01-10 - Modified: 2025-09-08 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/meet-kaplan-morrell/ Meet Kaplan MorrellOur Workers Compensation Legal TeamFor over 20 years, Kaplan Morrell has a history of helping injured and disabled workers obtain the rights and benefits they are due under the workers’ compensation, social security disability, and employment laws of Colorado and the United States. From Denver to Durango and Grand Junction to Limon, our attorneys are ready to help injured workers in Colorado get the help they deserve today. Read Full Bio QR code to add to ContactsRead Full Bio QR code to add to ContactsRead Full Bio QR code to add to ContactsRead Full Bio QR code to add to ContactsRead Full Bio QR Code to add to Contacts Read Full Bio  Read Full Bio  Read Full Bio  Read Full Bio  Read Full Bio  Read Full Bio  Read Full BioRead Full Bio Read Full Bio  Read Full Bio  Kaplan Morrell fights for Colorado workers and personal injury victims! No matter where you live now, if you were injured in Colorado, we’ve got your back. PLEASE NOTE: WE ONLY ACCEPT MAIL AND SERVICE OF PROCESS AT THE GREELEY ADDRESS 6801 West 20th StreetSuite 201Greeley, CO 80634970. 356. 98982373 Central Park BlvdSuite 100Denver, CO 80238303. 780. 7329903 N. Cleveland AvenueSuite ALoveland, CO 80537970. 356. 9898 --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-09-26 - Modified: 2025-09-25 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/demandar-a-mi-jefe-en-colorado-por-lesion-de-trabajo/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, colorado, employer, workers compensation Demandar a mi jefe en Colorado por lesión de trabajo - Cuando un trabajador sufre un accidente o lesión en el trabajo, una de las primeras dudas que surgen es: ¿puedo demandar a mi jefe o a mi empresa? La respuesta depende de varios factores, principalmente de si su empleador tiene seguro de Compensación al Trabajador (Workers’ Compensation) y del tipo de lesión que sufrió. En este artículo, los abogados de Kaplan Morrell explicamos sus derechos y las diferencias entre recibir beneficios de compensación laboral y presentar una demanda civil. https://youtu. be/-Ky98j-sOpQ? si=zP7aDKr7j8AD3xbV La regla general: la compensación laboral protege a los empleadores En Colorado, la mayoría de los empleadores están obligados a tener un seguro de Compensación al Trabajador. Este sistema funciona bajo el principio de “sin importar culpabilidad”: Usted recibe atención médica y beneficios económicos aunque el accidente haya sido parcialmente su culpa. A cambio, el empleador recibe inmunidad contra demandas civiles relacionadas con la lesión laboral. En otras palabras, si su jefe tiene seguro de Workers’ Comp, usted no puede demandarlo directamente por la lesión. Excepciones: ¿cuándo sí puede demandar a su jefe? Aunque la regla general protege al empleador, existen excepciones: Cuando el empleador no tiene seguro de Compensación al Trabajador En este caso, usted puede presentar una demanda civil por negligencia. Tendrá que demostrar que el patrón fue responsable directo del accidente. Cuando la lesión no está cubierta por Workers’ Comp Por ejemplo, casos de acoso sexual u otros actos intencionales de daño. En estas situaciones, una demanda... --- - Published: 2025-09-25 - Modified: 2025-09-25 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/your-rights-to-lost-wages-explained-for-a-work-injury/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, colorado workers comp benefits, lost wages, workers comp benefits, workers compensation Your Rights to Lost Wages Explained for a Work Injury - When you’re injured on the job, one of the biggest concerns you may face is how to cover your lost wages. If you can’t work because of your injury, Colorado’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to replace part of your income. Understanding how these benefits work is essential so that you don’t miss out on money you’re entitled to. At Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law, we’ve helped injured workers across Colorado for more than 25 years. Here’s what you need to know about your rights to lost wages after a work injury. https://youtu. be/Zb7hIguAAb0? si=A56J9YVxAtGxHnEH Types of Lost Wage Benefits in Colorado Workers’ Compensation There are two primary types of wage replacement benefits: 1. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) This benefit applies when your doctor says you cannot work at all because of your injury and you’re still receiving medical treatment. For example: If your job requires lifting 50 pounds but your doctor restricts you to lifting only 25 pounds, you may not be able to perform your duties. In that case, you could qualify for TTD. Amount Paid: TTD pays two-thirds (66. 67%) of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum. As of now, the maximum weekly benefit is about $1,150, though this changes depending on the date of injury. 2. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) This benefit applies when you can return to work but earn less because of your injury. For example: If you return to work... --- - Published: 2025-08-29 - Modified: 2025-08-29 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/derechos-para-lesion-de-trabajo-en-colorado/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: colorado worker comp lawyer, derechos, injury at work, lesion de trabajo, spanish lawyers Derechos para lesión de trabajo en Colorado - Si se lesiona en el trabajo usted tiene derecho a muchos beneficios. Sin importar si tiene papeles o no, o si está trabajando de manera legal o no. https://youtu. be/7Dr97gbWMaE? si=rr43GJfUX5MOwUTr ¿Cuáles son sus derechos? 1. Tiene derecho a tratamiento médico 100% pagadoPrimero, la compañía debe cubrir todos los gastos. Esto incluye las millas para transportarse de ida y vuelta al doctor. 2. Tiene derecho a 2/3 de los sueldos perdidosSi no está trabajando, o trabajando menos horas de las que usualmente trabaja o con un trabajo modificado con restricciones por su lesión debido a eso pierde sueldos. Tiene derecho y deben pagarle 2/3 de los sueldos perdidos. 3. Tiene derecho a tratamiento médico de mantenimientoVa a llegar un momento en que los médicos le digan que ya no hay más tratamiento médico que pueda mejorar su condición. Entonces lo darán de alta. Eso no significa que usted está de vuelta al 100%. Todavía tiene derecho de tener acceso a los doctores para tratamiento médico y dar mantenimiento a su condición. 4. Tiene derecho a Incapacidad Permanente ParcialEs una compensación por movimiento perdido, que se representa con un porcentaje. Este no tiene nada que ver con el hecho de que usted pueda o no trabajar. La mayoría de los puntos de impedimento se asignan por falta de movimiento. Por ejemplo, sí antes podía mover su brazo completamente hasta arriba y ahora solo puede hasta la mitad. 5. Tiene derecho a Incapacidad Permanente... --- - Published: 2025-08-22 - Modified: 2025-08-22 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/contratista-independiente-o-empleado/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: colorado workers compensation, empleador, independent contractors, insurance ¿Contratista independiente o empleado? - Muchas veces los patrones quieren evitar ciertos impuestos y seguros que se generan por tener empleados. Por ejemplo, impuestos por desempleo o Compensación al Trabajador son algunos costos que a veces los jefes quieren evitar pagar. Asimismo, debido a eso buscarán tener contratistas independientes, quienes no generan esos gastos para ellos. Los patrones tampoco son responsables por el tratamiento médico si uno de sus contratistas independientes se lesiona en el trabajo. Compensación al Trabajador es un seguro que cubre a los empleados, trabajadores cuando tienen una lesión en el trabajo. Este seguro paga los gastos médicos, sueldos perdidos, compensación por problemas permanentes, entre otras cosas. https://youtu. be/cZZT8fx0OiY? si=Izyoa4UYUytO0mLm ¿Cómo puedo saber si soy empleado o contratista independiente? Si usted se lesiona en el trabajo, su patrón podría decirle que usted no tiene derecho a Compensación al Trabajador porque es un contratista independiente. La ley en Colorado dice que, si usted trabaja con una persona, particularmente si es su único trabajo y solamente trabaja para ellos tiempo completo 30-40 horas por semana, probablemente usted sea considerado un empleado. No importa si le pagan en efectivo o con cheque, incluso si usted firmó algo que dice que es contratista independiente, si solamente trabaja con una persona tiempo completo, un juez probablemente lo considerará un empleado. Estos casos son muy comunes principalmente en el área de la construcción, pero ocurren también en otras áreas, por ejemplo con los trabajadores del hogar, como niñeras, limpieza, etc. Estamos aquí para... --- - Published: 2025-08-21 - Modified: 2025-08-21 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/te-cobran-atencion-medica-por-tu-lesion-laboral/ - Categories: Asistencia Médico, En Español - Tags: abogado espanol, colorado worker comp lawyer, spanish lawyers, spanish speaking ¿Te cobran atención médica por tu lesión laboral? - Normalmente el tratamiento médico es la parte más costosa de un caso. Las clínicas deben aceptar el gasto declarado por orden del gobierno, llamado “medical fee schedule”. Si usted tiene un caso admitido, ni las clínicas, ni los hospitales, ni los doctores pueden tratar de cobrarle la diferencia entre lo que ellos cobran y lo que paga la compañía de seguros basado en el medical fee schedule. Ellos deben aceptar lo que les dio la compañía de seguros. https://youtu. be/z0mRn8NqFTQ? si=F3-3PzjRYsfvGfSK La importancia de tener un caso admitido Debe asegurarse de que tiene un caso admitido, lo cual no siempre es obvio, pues puede recibir tratamiento médico pagado por la compañía de seguros y no tener un caso admitido, así que debe asegurarse de que la compañía ha metido una admisión formal en su caso. Muchas veces cuando usted recibe un cobro de la clínica, no es que estén tratando de cobrarle, sino que solamente le están compartiendo una copia de lo que le enviaron a la compañía de seguros, pero si tiene dudas puede llamar a la clínica para corroborar. En caso de que le digan que es usted quien les debe, mándeles una copia de la admisión general, y dígales que no le pueden cobrar, y si ellos insisten en que usted les debe, contacte a un abogado, así se puede meter una solicitud para ir a corte, porque no deben cobrarle. Siempre que algo forme parte de su... --- - Published: 2025-08-11 - Modified: 2025-08-11 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/denied-social-security-disability-homelessness/ - Categories: Social Security Disability Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be an overwhelming process—one that far too often leaves vulnerable individuals without the benefits they desperately need. A recent study by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP) revealed a troubling truth: many Americans become homeless after being wrongly denied Social Security disability benefits for which they are legally eligible. According to NLCHP data, while approximately 40% of homeless individuals who apply for disability benefits nationwide qualify, only about 14% are actually approved. This startling gap highlights the barriers disabled individuals face when seeking critical financial support, and for some, this denial leads to extreme poverty and homelessness. At Kaplan Morrell, we understand the devastating impact that wrongful denials of disability benefits can have—and we’re here to help you navigate the complex system and fight for the benefits you deserve. Why Are So Many Disability Claims Denied? The Social Security disability system is notoriously complicated, with rules that can be difficult for the average applicant to understand. While some claims are denied because the individual does not meet the strict legal definition of “disabled,” many other claims are wrongly denied for avoidable reasons. Common reasons for wrongful denials include: 1. Errors Made by Claimants Many applicants unknowingly make mistakes on their initial applications, such as providing incomplete answers, missing deadlines, or failing to describe their symptoms and limitations in sufficient detail. The disability application is long, technical, and often confusing. (H3) 2. Lack of Adequate... --- - Published: 2025-07-31 - Modified: 2025-07-30 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/se-lastimo-en-el-trabajo-bajo-la-influencia-del-alcohol/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: accidente de trabajo, Colorado attorney, lesion de trabajo, spanish lawyers ¿Se Lastimó en el Trabajo Bajo la Influencia del Alcohol? - Si usted se lesiona en el trabajo y se realiza un estudio de sangre o de orina y en estos se descubre que usted se encontraba bajo la influencia del alcohol durante el momento que sucedio la lesión, entonces sus beneficios pueden reducirse. Los gastos médicos no se ven afectados y se siguen cubriendo al 100%. Sin embargo, los beneficios con respecto a sus sueldos perdidos y puntos de impedimento si pueden reducirse hasta en un 50%. https://youtu. be/aUZDSJGifPU? si=RiDe3LDVfdRhW9DG ¿Cómo se aplica la reducción? Primero, la compañía de seguros no debe ir a corte. Basta con tan solo declarar que usted estaba bajo la influencia del alcohol durante la lesión para que automáticamente puedan reducir sus beneficios. Sin embargo, hay reglas que deben seguir. Por ejemplo, están obligados a solicitarle al laboratorio que hizo los estudios que conserve una muestra adicional, pero muchas veces no lo hacen. Si no lo hacen la acusación no es válida y no pueden hacer la reducción. Estamos aquí para ayudar Los casos pueden ser muy detallados y complicados, por lo cual, si usted o un ser querido tiene una lesión de trabajo en Colorado, contáctenos. Hablamos español y podemos ayudarle. Con o sin papeles usted tiene derechos. Llámenos al 970-356-9898, la cita es gratis y confidencial. Conéctate con Kaplan Morrell Facebook: https://www. facebook. com/ Instagram: https://www. instagram. com/workcompcolorado Twitter: https://twitter. com/kaplan_morrell --- - Published: 2025-07-30 - Modified: 2025-07-30 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/lo-que-tu-empleador-no-debe-decirte-tras-un-accidente-de-trabajo/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: accidente de trabajo, Colorado attorney, empleador, lesion de trabajo Lo Que Tu Empleador No Debe Decirte Tras un Accidente de Trabajo - Cuando usted reporta una lesión, su empleador podría responder ciertas cosas las cuales son señales preocupantes de que algo anda mal. https://youtu. be/EalTboaO8fY? si=Q1g_LNbjKOQkhuYo 1. “No reporte esta lesión” Primero, su supervisor podría decirle que no reporte su lesión porque podrían perder el contrato o perder bonos, o incluso podrían decirle que va a perder su trabajo. 2. “Traiga las cuentas” Segundo, el empleador podría decirle que vaya a una clínica y le lleve las cuentas, ya que el se encargará de pagarlas. En esos casos comúnmente comienzan a pagar al principio, pero conforme se acumulan las cuentas o surge algo más caro, una cirugía por ejemplo, dejan de hacerse cargo. Nunca diga que su lesión no ocurrió en el trabajo Lo peor que puede ocurrir es que le digan que cuando vaya a la clínica diga que su lesión no ocurrió en el trabajo, sino en la casa u otro lugar. Nunca haga eso. Si usted dice que ocurrió en casa y la lesión se vuelve algo serio y el empleador ya no quiere hacerse cargo de los costos, ya habrá generado evidencia de que la lesión ocurrió en casa y no en el trabajo, y eso dañará su credibilidad, le preguntarán si estaba mintiendo antes o si esta mintiendo ahora, y el caso será difícil de ganar. 3. “Ya es tarde, solo tenía 4 días para reportarlo” Tal vez ha visto en su trabajo un... --- - Published: 2025-07-30 - Modified: 2025-07-30 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/what-can-reduce-your-work-comp-benefits-in-colorado/ - Categories: Benefits, WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, denver workers benefits, Wage Loss Benefits What Can Reduce Your Work Comp Benefits in Colorado? - Your non-medical benefits can be affected if a claim is made by the employer and the insurance carrier, where there was intoxication involved with the accident. They can just claim it without going to court and having to prove it, and it’s a 50% reduction of your lost wages and permanent impairment. https://youtu. be/pAB4LkbOpi0? si=kPmZcnvige9MViya How is the reduction applied? If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s not uncommon for the employer to send you to medical to do a drug test, blood test, or urine test. If you test positive for alcohol intoxication in the blood level, they will take a 50% reduction. However, there are rules they have to follow in order to exercise their right to automatically take that reduction. One of them is to request that the testing facility retain an extra sample. Some employers know about that rule, particularly in the construction field, but many don’t. When we get involved, we ask for that extra sample. If there isn’t one, they will have trouble proving the intoxication. If an intoxication reduction is taken on our clients' cases, we have various things we can do to fight against that. However, it’s not a clear and shut thing. We’re here to help The cases can be very complicated and fact-dependent, so if you or your loved ones have been injured on the job in Colorado, we can help you. Call or text us at 970-356-98-98. All... --- - Published: 2025-07-17 - Modified: 2025-09-15 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/what-is-a-workers-compensation-injury/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: Denver Workers Compensation, injury at work, workers comp, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog What is a Workers' Compensation Injury? - For an injury to be compensable, it needs to have one of two characteristics. https://youtu. be/osxLBaPy2HU? si=mL3QX9vZV4o64zjL What characteristics are needed for it to be a Workers' Compensation Injury? 1. The injury requires medical care Sometimes people get injured on the job, and they call us before going to the doctor. In those cases, they don’t have an injury that we can do something about yet, because the injury has to require medical care. You need to report the injury and get medical care. 2. The injury is causing a disability If your ability to do your regular job has been impaired and you’re no longer able to do 100% of it, that’s considered a disability. Types of injury There are 2 types of injuries in Workers’ Compensation 1. Accident, which is an injury that can be traced to a particular time, place, or cause, for example, you were lifting a box and you felt a pop in your back and felt immediate pain. 2. Occupational disease, which is when you were exposed at something over time or you did something over time which eventually caused problems. A classic example is if you’ve been doing heavy lifting your whole life, over 10 or 20 years of doing that job you will have a lot of degenerative joint disease and a lot of pain in your back. Another example it’s what’s called cumulative trauma disorder. For example, if you’re doing a lot of typing,... --- - Published: 2025-06-30 - Modified: 2025-06-30 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-independent-contractors-get-workers-compensation-in-colorado/ - Categories: Compensability, WC & Other Laws - Tags: Colorado attorney, independent contractors, work injuiry claim, Workers Compensation Blog Can Independent Contractors Get Workers' Compensation in Colorado? - Employees get unemployment insurance, they’re often covered through Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Some employers and companies don’t like having employees because there are a lot of extra costs, so if they could, they would turn everybody into an independent contractor. https://youtu. be/O5PIiZDStkA? si=tA-cbyc_u2TTHam9 Independent Contractors and Workers' Compensation You can be considered an employee or an independent contractor under one set of laws, and still be considered the reverse under a different set of laws. For example, if the division of the Department of Unemployment or the Internal Revenue Service says someone is an independent contractor, they could still be considered an employee under Workers’ Compensation, because the judges make decisions based on the rules and the law that govern Workers’ Compensation. Am I an employee or an independent contractor? There are 5 things that we look for to determine whether or not someone is an independent contractor or an employee under Workers’ Compensation. 1. Are you working just for this individual? If your income is 100% coming from one individual, chances are you will be considered an employee. Even if you have your own business but you’re only working for one company, oftentimes that one factor could be determinative. 2. Who’s supplying the tools and the equipment? If you’re supplying your tools and equipment, chances are you will be considered an independent contractor. 3. Are you being paid under a business name or your personal name? If your check... --- - Published: 2025-06-27 - Modified: 2025-06-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/getting-medical-bills-after-a-work-injury/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: colorado worker comp lawyer, injury at work, medical, medical benefits Getting Medical Bills After a Work Injury? - Medical benefits are costly; typically, it’s the most expensive part of any Workers’ Compensation case. https://youtu. be/sFkAvhkjkMA? si=jc3i-7fT_Tx9hnXX Can a provider bill me if I have Workers’ Compensation? When you receive medical care, Colorado providers have to accept the Colorado medical fee schedule, which is what they can charge, and the medical provider can’t charge you the difference. For example, if you receive physical therapy that normally costs $150, but the fee schedule says the insurance company only has to pay $100, the medical provider can’t charge you the $50 that Workers’ Compensation didn’t pay. Medical providers have to accept the money that the fee schedule sets for reimbursement for their services. What can I do to not get medical bills after my injury? To be protected from medical providers trying to charge you the difference or trying to collect from you because Workers’ Compensation hasn’t paid, you need to make sure you have an admitted case. Additionally, you could think your case is admitted, and thanks to that,t you’re getting medical care, but that’s not true; you can get medical care and not have an admitted case. You need to make sure that the insurance company files a formal admission, typically called a general admission of liability. You might also get bills not because the provider wants you to pay for it, sometimes they’re just sending you a copy of what the insurance company is getting sent, only for your information.... --- - Published: 2025-06-04 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/are-intentionally-self-inflicted-injuries-covered-by-work-comp/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, colorado workers compensation questions, injury at work, Workers Compensation Blog Are Intentionally Self-Inflicted Injuries Covered by Work Comp? - The general rule is that intentionally inflicted injuries are not covered under Workers’ Compensation. There’s a statute that says that it covers accidents, and an intentionally inflicted injury is not an accident. However, as always with the law, there are exceptions. https://youtu. be/sS2HoBCD-68? si=_ltSpSA9y2wBOt7e When are self-inflicted injuries covered? If someone got injured because of recklessness or gross negligence, it will be covered because that’s not considered an intentional injury; it was a consequence of a foolish act, but there was no deliberate intent to cause injury. Another big exception is suicide. If the industrial injury causes a mental condition that, in turn, causes suicide, it can be covered. If someone has a traumatic brain injury and suffers from mental disturbances, changes in how they act and how they feel, causes pain and hopelessness, and they commit suicide because of that, it will be covered. What happens if there’s no physical injury? If the mental stress that caused the suicide was due to something that happened at work, but it was not because of a physical injury, you have to prove more than you have to do for a physical case, you would have to show that what happened at work was not part of the normal experience. An ambulance driver, for example, would be expected to see people who have died, horrific injuries, blood, etc. , and those kinds of emotionally disturbing scenes are in the normal course of the... --- - Published: 2025-05-29 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/final-admissions-are-a-legal-landmine-for-injured-workers/ - Categories: Claims Process - Tags: final admissions, final liability of admissions, maximum medical improvement, work injuries colorado Final Admissions Are a Legal Landmine for Injured Workers - In the majority of Workers’ Compensation cases, when the injured worker is placed at maximum medical improvement (MMI), the carrier files something called “final admission of liability”. This is a very critical time in the case. When you’re in the Workers’ Compensation system, you've got to look at it as it’s a minefield, and there are a lot of mines that you can hit as an injured worker that can compromise your rights and your claim. https://youtu. be/MXDCytlg1mg? si=2DA6BWGvdOT-hB7L The importance of the Final Admissions of Liability When the final admission of liability gets filed, an injured worker has 30 days to object to it. If you fail to object within 30 days, the case is closed as a matter of law and is only subject to being reopened, which can be very difficult. We’ve had several potential clients come to us after a final admission of liability has been issued and 30 days have passed, but we have to tell them that there’s little we can do then unless their condition has worsened and we can prove that, which can be timely and very expensive. Many people get lots of things from the insurance carrier and never even open up the envelopes. That is a critical mistake because there are certain things, like a final admission of liability, that can be sent to you, and if you don’t do something with them, you’re in trouble. When you get the... --- - Published: 2025-05-28 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/what-to-do-if-your-employer-lies-about-your-work-injury/ - Categories: Red Flags, Mistakes & Myths - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, denied claim, employer, work injuries colorado What to Do If Your Employer Lies About Your Work Injury - There might be people at work that you think you know, people that you can trust, and they have your back, but when you’re injured on the job, things might be different. https://youtu. be/MZT6Rc8hmLg? si=Qdr5i3PqYNtlSruQ What if your employer lies? One of the biggest frustrations injured workers face when dealing with litigation in a Workers’ Compensation case is that, essentially, everyone lies, and too often it becomes a "he said, she said" fight. You might be injured at work, and you told your boss about it, but what if your employer lies and says you never reported the injury? If your employer denies that you reported your injury and they say you just stopped showing up to work without explanation, how could it be proven that they’re not telling the truth other than having you testify? The most common answer our clients give to that question is that their boss knows, and their coworkers were there, so they know too. However, we often find that coworkers won’t help because they won’t testify against their boss, as they’re still working there and need the job. How can you prove you’re telling the truth? When you’ve been injured on the job assume that everyone will lie about what you said or what you did, so you should put it in writing, a text or an email, for example, “just following up on whether or not you’ve got a doctor for... --- - Published: 2025-05-27 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/que-hacer-si-tu-patron-miente-sobre-tu-accidente-laboral/ - Categories: En Español, Preocupaciones Laborales - Tags: accidente de trabajo, empleador, responsabilidad del patron, spanish lawyers ¿Qué hacer si tu patrón miente sobre tu accidente laboral? - Puede haber gente en el trabajo a quien conoce y en quien confía, pero si tiene una lesión laboral las cosas podrían ser diferentes. https://youtu. be/P_0NGFc45ac? si=noWm6hacok_H8jEV ¿Qué pasa si mi patrón miente sobre mi accidente laboral? Muchas veces en los casos debemos demostrar que algo ocurrió, que algo se dijo, y es muy común que se vuelva un pleito entre lo que dice el patrón contra lo que dice el cliente. Tal vez usted se lesionó y le aviso al patrón, pero, ¿qué tal si el patrón dice que usted nunca reportó la lesión? Si el patrón dice que usted simplemente dejó de presentarse al trabajo sin ninguna explicación, ¿cómo se puede demostrar que está mintiendo, aparte de su testimonio? Aunque usted lo haya reportado correctamente, su patrón podría negarlo, y sus compañeros de trabajo es poco probable que lo ayuden, pues la mayoría no querrá testificar contra su patrón y poner en riesgo su trabajo. ¿Cómo puedo demostrar que estoy diciendo la verdad sobre mi accidente laboral? Cuando se lastima en el trabajo debe asumir que todos mentirán y que no puede confiar en nadie, así que debe poner todo por escrito, puede enviar a su patrón un mensaje de texto, WhatsApp o email, por ejemplo, “no creo que vaya mañana porque aún me duele la espalda después de levantar esas cajas en el trabajo hoy”. Aunque crea que es algo leve y que se mejorará por... --- - Published: 2025-05-23 - Modified: 2025-05-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/sueldos-perdidos-por-lesiones-laborales-en-colorado/ - Categories: En Español Sueldos perdidos por lesiones laborales en Colorado - Uno de los beneficios que puede recibir si tiene una lesión laboral es sueldos perdidos durante su tratamiento médico si tiene restricciones, pero algunas personas creen que solo pueden recibir sueldos perdidos por 6 meses o 1 año, lo cual es incorrecto. https://youtu. be/AbKmD7mza-Y? si=a9o8Z-QxW9UNKheh ¿Qué necesito para recibir sueldos perdidos en Colorado? Se necesitan cuatro cosas, 1, el caso debe ser formalmente admitido, 2, usted aún debe estar recibiendo tratamiento médico y no debe haber sido dado de alta, 3, debe tener restricciones, y 4, las restricciones no son compatibles con el trabajo que tenía cuando se lesionó. Si puede demostrar esas cuatro cosas no necesita nada más para recibir sueldos perdidos. ¿Durante cuánto tiempo puedo recibir sueldos perdidos por lesiones laborales? Muchos estados tienen una limitación de cuánto tiempo un trabajador puede recibir sueldos perdidos. 18 estados tienen un límite de 104 semanas, que son 2 años, otros estados tienen 400 semanas y otros 156. Colorado no tiene un período límite, se puede extender mientras tenga restricciones y todavía no esté trabajando ni haya sido dado de alta, pero existe un tope, una limitación de cuánto dinero un trabajador puede recibir por sueldos perdidos y puntos de impedimento. ¿Cuál es el tope de sueldos perdidos? Dependiendo de cuándo se lesionó y cuántos son sus puntos de impedimento al ser dado de alta, usted podría tener un límite de aproximadamente 900mil dólares en esos dos beneficios. En casos en los que... --- - Published: 2025-04-30 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/why-workers-compensation-is-like-the-red-cross/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, injury at work, workers comp, workers compensation Why Workers' Compensation Is Like the Red Cross? - The number one reaction we get from injured workers is how few benefits there are for them, saying it’s not nearly enough. No one is glad they got injured because of the money they received was worth it. On the contrary, if they could give the money back in exchange to going back to the way they were before the injury, they would do it. https://youtu. be/S2cbiPc-Vr4? si=wuPHYnIzxcyf4pm_ No worries about who’s at fault Workers’ Compensation is like the Red Cross. When a disaster happens, the Red Cross is designed to be there quickly, fast, and first, and that’s how Workers’ Compensation is. The Red Cross doesn’t ask whose fault it was; they don’t question if you should have been there, they’re there to give out basic quick needs to people who are in distress, and that’s the way Workers’ Compensation should be. It’s designed to give you benefits without worrying about who’s at fault, and you should theoretically get it right away. Limited help Like the Red Cross, Workers’ Compensation is really limited; for example, they’re not going to cover all the losses, and they don’t cover all losses a hundred percent. If you lose your 3-bedroom house in a natural disaster, you won’t get a 3-bedroom house from the Red Cross, you will get a cot, a pillow, and a blanket with 300 other people in a temporary shelter. Unfortunately, unlike the Red Cross, there’s an insurance company that... --- - Published: 2025-04-28 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-you-get-workers-comp-for-chemical-exposure-at-work/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: chemical exposure on the job, hazardous chemicals workers comp, worker safety hazardous chemicals Can You Get Workers’ Comp for Chemical Exposure at Work? - Injuries due to chemical exposures at work are covered under Workers’ Compensation, but they can be tough to prove. https://youtu. be/u68mKaOWpeE? si=2weyKd-WMm7LYI-_ Things to consider when proving a chemical exposure case 1. Can you get the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)? OSHA requires in any job site for employers to list the chemicals in a book to show the chemicals that are being used, what they are, what the health risks are if exposed, and what you should do if exposed. You need to show what chemical you were exposed to, to be able to successfully maintain a claim, and hopefully, your symptoms match what the symptoms in MSDS describes to show that what you’re complaining about is consistent with exposure to that chemical. 2. Were any other employees affected and exposed? Who else got affected? If you’re the only one, that will be a problem, because if everyone was exposed, how come you were the only one affected? There are exceptions for some people who have a greater sensitivity to the same chemical. 3. These cases can get expensive We will have to hire a toxicologist expert who will be able to confirm that even though no one else got sick, you are more susceptible to having issues to a chemical that other employees don’t have. The insurance company will hire its own toxicologist to try to deny it. This causes for cases to get expensive because of... --- - Published: 2025-04-24 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/frases-de-tu-empleador-que-son-senal-de-alerta-tras-una-lesion/ - Categories: En Español, Errores, Mitos y Banderas Rojas - Tags: abogado espanol, compensacion al trabajador, empleador, lesion de trabajo Frases de tu empleador que son señal de alerta tras una lesión - Cuando un trabajador reporta una lesión de trabajo a su supervisor o jefe, hay ciertas cosas que podrían decirle las cuales son indicación de que podría tener problemas, y son señales de que podría haber algo mal con la aseguranza. https://youtu. be/TF18nSLkBZ0? si=8Pli9ySebs9OFy6O Frases que deben ser señal de alerta si las dice tu empleador “No reportes esta lesión” Si usted tiene una lesión y va a reportarla, podrían decirle que no la reporte porque podrían perder el contrato, o podrían perder bonos, y tratan de hacer que usted no la reporte. Incluso podrían decirle que perderá su trabajo si la reporta. La amenaza de perder su trabajo podría persuadirlo de no reportar su lesión, sin embargo, si decide no reportarla está poniendo en riesgo su salud y su cuerpo en lugar de su trabajo, y probablemente ha tenido varios trabajos, pero cuerpo solo hay uno. “Ve a la clínica y nosotros lo pagamos” Sus empleadores podrían decirle que vaya a una clínica y que ellos se encargarán de hacer los pagos. Probablemente paguen al principio, pero conforme vaya siendo más, o salgan gastos más caros, una cirugía por ejemplo, dirán que ya no se harán cargo. El empleador también podría decirle que cuando vaya a la clínica diga que la lesión no fue en el trabajo, sino en casa, y si usted hace eso podría tener problemas después, pues si el empleador deja de hacerse cargo... --- - Published: 2025-04-22 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/are-prosthetics-covered-by-workers-compensation-in-colorado/ - Categories: Benefits, WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, medical benefits, prosthetic limbs, prosthetics, workers compensation Are Prosthetics Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Colorado? - In general, Workers’ Compensation will cover medical care you need after being injured to get you back to your full health or at least as close as possible, depending on what your injury was. This can also include having covered prosthetics if needed. https://youtu. be/OQxncinibTk? si=tVZ-pocUWZE-s3dP What are Prosthetics? Prosthetics can be defined as artificial limbs, hearing aids, braces, canes, dentures, and glasses. The carrier, or in other words, the insurance company, has to furnish a prosthetic device for you in the scenario you were to need it because of your work injury. For example, if you lose your hearing due to a work injury, you are entitled to a new hearing aid. Another example, if you lose an arm because your work injury resulted in an amputation and need an artificial mechanical arm, Workers’ Compensation has to pay for it. Can I get replacements? If your prosthetics are provided to improve your condition caused by your work injury, and they wear out from using them, you can get replacements. However, if the prosthetic does not work anymore because your body figure has changed, you are now bigger or smaller than when you originally got injured, then you have to show that the physical change was due to the injury, and not because of something else. Otherwise, you would have to pay for the replacement. We’re here to help Work injury cases can be very complicated and fact-dependent, so if you... --- - Published: 2025-03-18 - Modified: 2025-03-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/traveling-to-and-from-work-injuries/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado worker, colorado worker compensation attorney, injury at work, work injuiry claim Traveling to and from work Injuries - In general, injuries that occur while coming and going from work are injuries not covered under Workers’ Compensation. However, there are cases where the worker can demonstrate or prove a specific connection or a hazard that brings to their well-being, showing that commuting within their job duties can be considered work-related. In these cases, the injuries can be considered and covered by Worker's Compensation. For example, if you have to bring your car to work because part of your duties involves you leaving work and going to the post office to drop something off, you’re giving something of value to the employer other than just you showing up for work and proving a connection to your work. Another example can be, if you have to transport people or equipment to and from work in your private car, that could be enough to turn your commute into a work-related function. Also, if you’re driving a truck or a car that has advertising for your employer, that might be covered under Workers' Compensation. https://youtu. be/OT2jXDVwKPg? si=MXjpeCuDRS2sE6ya We’re here to help The cases can be very complicated and fact-dependent, so if you or your loved ones have been injured on the job in Colorado, we can help you. Call or text us at 970-356-98-98; all of our consultations are free and confidential. It is important for you to get informed and learn what your rights are. Connect with Kaplan Morrell Facebook: https://www. facebook. com/ Instagram: https://www. instagram. com/workcompcolorado... --- - Published: 2025-03-18 - Modified: 2025-03-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/are-you-getting-better-from-your-work-injury/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: medical treatment, work injuiry claim, work injuries colorado, work injury treatment Are you getting better from your work injury? - “Is the medical care helping you? ” is a critical question you will be asked. This is important because the answer you give can determine what kind of medical care you will get, for how long, and how much you will get. https://youtu. be/UtSsXVw3xuI? si=CqcSYxbdxyLgZ4P8 Report any change When asked if the treatment has helped, sometimes injured workers get very focused on certain things and not others, so they say the treatment didn’t help at all, and if that answer continues to be the same over time doctors will give up. You should report improvement even if it’s brief. Not all treatment is meant to get you better forever or for a long time. For example, if an injection dropped your pain by 40% for 4 days and now it’s back to where it was, you need to report that change, any change however brief it is important to talk about because it helps the doctors narrow down the causes of the pain. One of the problems is if an injured worker keeps saying there’s no change the doctors will start to wonder if you really even have pain or if you’re just exaggerating. Metrics of improvement Some people may think that only reduced pain is a metric or measurement of getting better, but there are 5 that you need to think of. 1. Pain. The most obvious one is very important. 2. Strength. If before the injury you could lift... --- - Published: 2025-03-12 - Modified: 2025-03-12 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/workers-comp-for-seasonal-employees/ - Categories: Compensability In Colorado, a "seasonal worker" refers to an employee who is hired on a temporary basis to perform work that is typically tied to a specific season or time period. This type of employment is common in agriculture, tourism, and retail industries, particularly during peak seasons like harvest time, holidays, or summer vacation periods. Despite their temporary status, seasonal workers in Colorado are covered by the state's labor laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and workers' compensation regulations, similar to permanent employees. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of workers’ comp for seasonal employees. Call our Denver workers’ compensation attorneys at (303) 780-7329 if you or a loved one were hurt on the job. Eligibility for workers' comp: Seasonal workers' rights in Colorado According to the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act, seasonal employees are entitled to the same workers' compensation benefits as their full-time or part-time counterparts. This includes medical benefits, wage loss compensation, and disability benefits, should they get injured during employment. Did you know seasonal employees are 50% more likely to be injured on the job than year-round employees? How workers' comp works for seasonal employees Filing a claim Seasonal employees must immediately report any work-related injury to their employer to initiate a workers' comp claim. Colorado law requires employers to report the injury to their insurance carrier within a specific timeframe, typically within four days. Failure to report timely can result in penalties and delayed benefits. Medical benefits When seasonal employees are injured, they are entitled to... --- - Published: 2025-03-06 - Modified: 2025-03-12 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-i-move-to-another-state-while-on-workers-comp/ - Categories: Employment Concerns What you need to know about leaving Colorado as an injured worker When you're receiving workers' compensation benefits and considering a move to another state, it's crucial to understand the potential implications for your ongoing medical treatment and benefit payments. In this blog, our Denver workers’ compensation attorneys explore what happens when you're on workers' comp and decide to move out of state, focusing on what you need to know if you're covered under Colorado workers' compensation laws. Understanding your rights and responsibilities Continuity of medical care: One of the primary concerns is ensuring that you can continue to receive appropriate medical care in your new state. Colorado's workers' compensation laws require that your medical benefits continue, but the practical aspect of transferring care can be complex. Compliance with treatment plans: Maintaining compliance with your prescribed treatment plans is essential to ensure that your benefits continue uninterrupted. This may involve coordinating care between your current providers in Colorado and potential new providers in your new state. What to do before moving 1. Notify all relevant parties Before you make your move, it's important to notify your employer, their insurance carrier, and possibly the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation about your relocation plans. Transparency helps prevent any potential disruptions in your benefits.   2. Plan your medical care transition Work with your current medical providers and adjuster to ensure a smooth transition of care to providers in your new state. This requires giving notice to the adjuster and securing referrals to... --- - Published: 2025-03-01 - Modified: 2025-03-12 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/how-long-after-workers-comp-settlement-do-i-get-paid/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws Dealing with a workers' compensation claim can be as daunting as it is tedious, especially during the anxious wait for your settlement check to arrive. Many injured workers share this concern, wondering when to expect to receive their due payment. It's not just about waiting; it's about planning your life and finances around this crucial support. In this blog, we'll explore how long you can expect to wait for your payment in Colorado and uncover the factors that might stretch or shrink this waiting period. If you were hurt at work, call our Denver workers’ compensation lawyers at (303) 780-7329. Understanding the settlement process Before we explore the specific timeline, it's important to understand what a workers' comp settlement entails. A workers' compensation case settlement is an agreement between you and the insurance company about the compensation for your injury. This agreement effectively ends the workers' comp claim, providing the injured worker with a lump sum or structured payments in exchange for closing the case. Typical payment timeline in Colorado Colorado's rules governing the payment after a workers' comp settlement are quite specific. According to the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act, once a settlement is reached, the insurance company is legally obligated to pay the agreed amount within a specified period. Here's the typical timeline: Finalizing the settlement: After you and the insurer agree on a settlement amount, the terms must be documented in a settlement agreement, which both parties sign. Approval by a judge: The settlement agreement is then submitted... --- - Published: 2025-02-27 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-does-it-mean-to-be-released-back-to-work/ - Categories: Employment Concerns - Tags: colorado workers compensation, Released to work, workers compensation attorney, Workers Compensation Blog, workers compensation doctor What Does It Mean To Be Released Back To Work? - What happens when the doctor releases you back to work after you've been injured on the job? What does that mean? How do you know what your work restrictions are and how can they affect you? What are your options? Let's dive into it. https://youtu. be/VtgIEMipNrc Restrictions on injured workers when released back to work When you’re seriously injured on the job, there’s a lot you’ll have to deal with. In addition to meeting with doctors and figuring out your medical care, it’s also likely that you won’t be able to work the same way you used to. The workers' compensation system looks at this and they’ll want to know your doctor-ordered restrictions. If your work injury happened in Colorado, the chances are, you're getting medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in occupational medicine. They know at the end of every visit to give you restrictions. The restrictions might be; “Don't lift more than 5 or 10 pounds, no pushing, no pulling more than 30 pounds. ” Sometimes they get specific and might say that you can't lift from the floor to the waist, etc. All of those things are called your work restrictions. Have open communication with your doctor If you’ve been released back to work, you need to first ask the doctor, "Am I being released back to work with restrictions or without restrictions? " If the doctor says without restrictions, then it's time to talk... --- - Published: 2025-02-26 - Modified: 2025-03-12 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-a-part-time-employee-get-workers-comp/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws Understanding workers' compensation for part-time workers Have you ever wondered whether part-time employees qualify for workers' compensation in Colorado? It's a common question, especially for those clocking fewer hours in retail, hospitality, or office jobs. The short answer is yes! Part-time employees are indeed eligible for workers' comp, making it essential for workers and employers to understand the rights and responsibilities defined under Colorado law. If you or a loved one was injured at work, call our Denver workers’ compensation lawyers at (303) 780-7329 today. Eligibility for workers' compensation in Colorado In Colorado, workers' compensation coverage is mandatory for all employees, including part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers. The Colorado Workers' Compensation Act ensures that injured employees receive prompt medical treatment and compensation for lost wages due to work-related injuries or illnesses. This inclusivity reflects the state's commitment to worker safety and health, regardless of employment status. How does it work for part-time employees? Part-time employees are covered by workers' compensation in Colorado from their first day of employment. If injured, part-time employees have the same rights to file a claim as their full-time counterparts. The process involves: Reporting the injury to the employer immediately or as soon as possible. Receiving medical evaluation and treatment from a healthcare provider. Filing a workers' compensation claim to cover medical expenses and part of their wages while they recover. What kind of benefits do I qualify for? The benefits received depend on the severity of the injury and the average weekly wage at the... --- - Published: 2025-02-24 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/we-track-your-money-every-penny-in-a-workers-comp-claim/ - Categories: Compensability - Tags: Colorado workers comp attorney, colorado workers comp benefits, colorado workers compensation, Wage Loss Benefits We Track your Money In A Work Comp Claim - One of the big differences between Workers’ Compensation cases and personal injury cases or also other kinds of lawsuits is that in those cases there’s only one check, nothing gets paid until the very end with one check which has to cover everything. In Worker's Compensation, we track every penny that you deserve for your claim. https://youtu. be/Mp3XHMgpbj4 Workers’ Compensation is different because the insurance company is paying out checks all the time, they’re paying to the doctors, to the physical therapists, for mileage, to you for lost wages every two weeks, among other benefits. Additionally, perhaps at the end, there might be a settlement check on top of that. The importance of keeping track We keep track of all those checks and at the end of every case we make sure that the insurance company has paid out exactly what they said that they were supposed to pay out. At least 1 out of 10 times we find out that the insurance company didn’t pay what they said they paid. The injured person believes everything was paid for, but when we start running all the numbers that were admitted versus what has been paid, something is missing. We always look for the last penny to make sure you get paid what you deserve. We track everything from beginning to end, including before we were on the case to make sure that the insurance company pays everything. We’re here to... --- - Published: 2025-02-21 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-can-shut-down-your-colorado-work-injury-wage-loss-benefits/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, colorado, colorado workers comp benefits, injury at work, Wage Loss Benefits, Workers Compensation Blog What can shut down your Colorado work injury wage loss benefits? To get wage loss benefits in Colorado, you must have an admitted Workers’ Compensation claim, be treating, and not yet at MMI. Also, you must have restrictions that prevent you from doing the job you did when you got injured. What can shut down your Colorado work injury wage loss benefits? https://youtu. be/Aumx0eWlXTs Ways in which wage loss benefits can get shut off There are four ways. Number 1: The doctor releases you to regular duty. The doctor has to actually give you a release to regular duty, which means the doctor puts down no restrictions. The insurance company will stop paying you lost wages from the date the doctor releases you to regular duty. It has to be in writing, it can’t just be the doctor calling, if the doctor didn’t give it to you in writing it’s not valid. Number 2: The doctor places you at MMI and gives you an impairment rating that the insurance company accepts and admits to. If the carrier doesn’t want to admit to that impairment rating, they have to keep paying you lost wage benefits. Number 3: You go back to modified light-duty work for regular wages. If your employer can accommodate you with your restrictions and you work the same hours and receive the same pay, you won’t get lost wage benefits. Number 4: Your employer offers you work within the restrictions and you refuse to show up. If the... --- - Published: 2025-02-20 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/understanding-unemployment-workers-compensation-in-colorado/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, injury at work, unemployment, workers comp benefits Understanding Unemployment & Workers' Compensation In Colorado - A lot of times, injured workers will lose their jobs because of their injuries or their restrictions. Sometimes, unemployment can play a part in what benefits they get. Understanding Unemployment https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=2piKa935BLE Temporary Total Disability and Unemployment If you’re injured on the job, you have restrictions, and you’ve been under treatment for a long and unable to do your job, you will get what’s called Temporary Total Disability (TTD) during treatment, but after treatment, when you’re placed at maximum medical improvement, you should apply for unemployment because you lost your job through no fault of your own. When you’re off the job, still in treatment, and you’re not getting lost wages under Workers’ Compensation because your case has been denied or it has been admitted, but the insurance company is refusing to pay because they say you’re responsible for your termination, at that point, if you later are successful in getting TTD benefits, the insurance company can reduce what they pay you in TTD by the amount you receive in unemployment. Maximizing your benefits What we try to do is make sure our clients don’t get unemployment when they should be getting TTD. That way, they get full benefits under Workers’ Compensation, and also, they’re not using unemployment for wage loss or periods of time that should be covered by Workers’ Compensation, and that way, they get maximum benefits. We’re here to help If you or your loved ones have... --- - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/despedirlo-despues-de-lesionarme-en-el-trabajo/ - Categories: En Español, Preocupaciones Laborales - Tags: colorado worker comp lawyer, spanish lawyers, workers compensation Despedirme después de lesionarme en el trabajo - Sí pueden despedirlo después de una lesión, pero existen muchas limitaciones dependiendo de por qué quieren despedirlo, y algunas veces sí pueden hacerlo legalmente, pero otras veces no. https://youtu. be/-xTYnqzMJmU? si=gQxGFc0VrBmcL5Rw Despedirme si ya no puedo hacer mi trabajo después de lesionarme en el trabajo Si ya no puede hacer su trabajo debido a su lesión, por ejemplo, tiene restricciones de no levantar más de 10 libras y su trabajo requiere que levante 50, pueden despedirlo, pero hay leyes que indican que el patrón debe esperar un tiempo. La Ley de Ausencia Médica y Familiar señala que si un patrón tiene un empleado que no puede hacer su trabajo por razones médicas, tiene que esperar 12 semanas para que pueda recuperarse y regresar. Después de 12 semanas pueden despedirlo y cubrir el puesto con alguien más. Esta ley lo cubre si ha estado con su patrón más de 12 meses y si el patrón tiene más de 50 empleados. Si no está cubierto por la ley federal y no hay ley del estado, pueden despedirlo casi inmediatamente si usted no puede hacer el trabajo y ellos necesitan a alguien que lo haga. Despedirme si tengo restricciones Si quieren despedirlo porque tiene restricciones temporales o permanentes, su patrón no puede despedirlo si usted aún puede hacer las funciones esenciales de su trabajo o si hay otro trabajo disponible que usted está calificado para hacer con o sin acomodación razonable. Si lo despiden sin... --- - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/understanding-a-final-admission-of-liability/ - Categories: Claims Process - Tags: claims, final admissions, injury at work, workers compensation Understanding a Final Admission of Liability - When injured workers contact our office, the number one thing we’re most concerned about is whether or not they’ve received a final admission of liability. https://youtu. be/dRB9Zuq-58Q? si=xxdhAewP-SiaCzkV What is the final admission of liability? The final admission of liability is an important legal document listing the benefits you have been or will be paid, and you have a right to disagree to it. Once that document has been filed and sent to the address of record, you have 30 days to file a written objection if you disagree that you are not cured or at maximum medical improvement, or what sort of compensation you should get for your injury. The danger of waiting With the final admission of liability, the insurance company is stating what they have paid, what they will pay, and nothing more, if it’s not on that document they won’t pay it, and your case will be closed automatically within 30 days unless you do something. They do not require you to agree to it or to sign off. Once that time has passed, your bargaining position collapses because your claim is closed as to everything that the insurance company has decided to give. Whatever they haven’t decided, they are no longer obligated to provide you and you won’t be able to pursue in court. Oftentimes, if the adjuster is putting you off saying they will get back to you, they are just waiting for the 30 days to... --- - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/su-empleador-dice-que-usted-violo-una-regla-de-seguridad-y-se-lesiono/ - Categories: En Español, Preocupaciones Laborales - Tags: abogado espanol Su empleador dice que usted violó una regla de seguridad y se lesionó - Por lo general, los trabajadores lesionados reciben sus beneficios sin importar quién tuvo la culpa, haya sido por negligencia del trabajador, del patrón, o de alguien más, los beneficios son los mismos. Los beneficios de tratamiento médico siempre estarán 100% pagados, pero los demás beneficios podrían reducirse en 50% si el empleador demuestra que lesión se ocasionó porque el trabajador violó una regla de seguridad. https://youtu. be/AnVHwJ3CRW0? si=M1sxB8NOIqnv0iYr ¿Cómo demuestra su empleador que violó una regla de seguridad? Los empleadores deben mostrar 5 cosas para demostrar que un trabajador violó una regla de seguridad: 1. El empleador debe demostrar que adoptaron la regla. 2. Debe demostrar que comunicaron la regla al empleado. No basta si, por ejemplo, hay un manual que los empleados firman, pero tiene 300 páginas y hay 45 reglas de seguridad por ahí, eso no se considera comunicado, es útil, pero no es suficiente. 3. La regla debe hacerse cumplir. Esto significa que si el empleador sabe que hay gente violando la regla, los reporta, los despide, los envía a casa, o hace algo al respecto, y esto debe ocurrir antes de que suceda la lesión, para mostrar que realmente se estaba haciendo cumplir la regla. 4. Debe demostrar que el trabajador lesionado violó voluntariamente la regla de seguridad. No puede ser por negligencia, olvido o descuido. 5. La violación llevó a la lesión. Tuvimos un caso donde un camionero murió en un... --- - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/me-estoy-recuperando-de-mi-lesion-laboral/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: abogado espanol, spanish lawyers ¿Me estoy recuperando de mi lesión laboral? - Una de las preguntas más peligrosas que le hará el doctor es: “¿cómo va el tratamiento médico? ”. La forma en la que conteste va a determinar qué tanto tratamiento médico va a recibir y el tipo de tratamiento a recibir. Es muy importante decir la verdad y contestar correctamente. Muchas veces los trabajadores están muy enfocados en el dolor, y si un tratamiento no les ayudó con todo, podrían decir que no ayudó para nada, y si esa es la respuesta en cada cita, los doctores dirán que no pueden ayudarle, y no van a investigar mucho ni intentarlo más. https://youtu. be/rUa-H2T5VDs? si=uj_L2-_4lzxtlTKO Si me estoy recuperando y veo progreso Debe avisar sobre cualquier tipo de progreso Si el tratamiento médico, la terapia, o la inyección, bajó el dolor un poco, es importante que avise a los doctores. Si era poco y breve, o mucho y breve, y después de unos días vuelve a estar igual, debe comentarlo a su doctor tal cual, que el dolor bajó por unos días, pero después volvió. Cualquier cambio, no importa que tan poco o que tan breve haya sido, es importante que se reporte, porque si no los doctores pensarán que no pueden confiar en lo que dice ya que siempre dice que todo sigue igual. Medidas de mejora Algunas personas piensan que solo menor dolor es indicio de mejora, pero hay 5 cosas que pueden indicar una mejora: 1. Dolor. La más obvia,... --- - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-30 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/injured-part-time-seasonal-temp-agency-workers/ - Categories: Compensability - Tags: injured at work, injured worker, settlement risks, workers' comp settlement help colorado People who work less than 40 hours a week are generally considered part-time workers. People who work for a temporary period of time are seasonal workers, for example teachers, snow removers, construction workers, etc. People who work for temporary work agencies are temp workers. Injured workers who are not full-time employees also get the same benefits, like medical care 100% paid for, impairment, disfigurement, etc. , but they face different difficulties. Average weekly wage Part-time If you’re injured at a part-time job, a lot of your benefits are based on what your average weekly wage is, and if you have a part-time wage the insurance company might pay you less for lost wages and impairment rating. An attorney will fight to get your average weekly wage to take into account the entire picture of your economic life, not just that one part-time job. For example, if you have another part-time job, we will make sure that your average weekly wage includes both jobs’ wages, not just one—especially if the work injury causes you to be off-work from both jobs. Seasonal Wondering what to do if injured as a seasonal worker? If your accident happens at the beginning of the season when things are low, the insurance will try to pay you less based on your average weekly wage at the time of injury. In those cases, we argue that you should be entitled to your average wage over the year, it should take into account your actual earnings. Temp agency... --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/what-happens-if-you-settle-and-get-injured-again-later/ - Categories: Compensability - Tags: injured at work, injured worker, settlement risks, workers' comp settlement help colorado What Happens If You Settle And Get Injured Again Later? - When you settle your claim, you give up your rights to collect more benefits for an injury to a particular body part that was injured in a particular accident on a particular day with a particular employer. If you get injured on a completely different part, for example, you injured your back the first time, and now you’ve injured your neck, there won’t be any impact at all. https://youtu. be/soCx26t9mvI? si=Uv8GTE6Tx7-vvoYd How you get injured again later matters There are 4 different ways of getting injured: 1. You get re-injured again on the same job with the same or different employer 2. You get injured again, but it’s off-the-job 3. Your condition naturally worsens because of the injury 4. Your body parts hurt more because of age or because of changes in your body What are your rights if you don’t settle? If you get injured again because of an off-the-job injury, or because of age or change in your body, the insurance company for the old injury won’t pay anything, but if you have another injury on a new job, chances are it will be covered as a new injury, they will pay for medical care, lost wages, etc. In the case of impairment rating, if you have permanent impairment from the first injury, it will be subtracted from the new impairment from the second injury, because you already got paid for the first one. If you second... --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-18 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/dont-let-the-clock-run-out-on-your-work-injury-claim/ - Categories: Claims Process - Tags: final admissions, work injuiry claim, workers comp claim, workers comp claim colorado Don't Let the Clock Run Out on Your Work Injury Claim - We commonly receive calls from clients when it’s already too late to help them because their case is already closed, and they don’t even know it’s closed. They say they didn’t sign anything or get a check or agree to have their case closed, but that doesn’t matter. Insurance companies can close your claim by sending a paper called Final Admission of Liability, which doesn’t look very important and it’s really hard to understand, but it IS very important, and if you don’t do anything within 30 days your case will be closed. https://youtu. be/4pDECflKzck? si=pq_tgf0yFfxG-5My Why letting the clock run out can affect you in a big way on your work injury claim? We had a case where an injured worker received $17,000 for his shoulder injury. The insurance company had the option to pay him according to one formula where they paid $17,000 or another formula where they would have had to pay him $70,000. The insurance company obviously picked the cheaper one, they filed the final admission, but he doesn’t recall getting it, and 30 days later the case was closed. He told us that he didn’t call earlier because he was waiting for what the doctor would say, and he was waiting to hear from the insurance company, and he didn’t call until he was tired of waiting. What the company was really doing was running out the clock, because once 30 days had... --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-17 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/interest-the-most-overlooked-workcomp-benefit/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, colorado workers compensation, injury at work, interest Interest: The Most Overlooked WorkComp Benefit - If you’re entitled to lost wages, but the insurance company doesn’t pay it so you have to go to court and you win. However, the company appeals again and again, and after a couple of years, they finally pay you. Can you get anything for having to wait for your money? Colorado’s law says that an insurance company has to pay interest at the rate of 8% per year on any sums of money that they should have paid out when they didn’t. Interest can make a difference. https://youtu. be/0shDx1l-KhI Interest in wage loss If for some reason the insurance company doesn’t want to pay lost wages and you have to go to court, by the time you get to a hearing in a Workers’ Compensation case it can be 3 to 6 months after you filed the paper to go to a hearing. You might have to wait even a full year. Even then, if the judge rules in your favor that order won’t come down for another 30 days, plus the insurance company has 20 days to either pay it or appeal it, and if they appeal it can take another year. When the insurance company finally pays you, you are also entitled to interest, for example, if they owe you $20,000, it would be $1,600 a year. Insurance companies don’t pay that automatically, so it helps to have a lawyer to make sure that it’s done. Interest in Permanent Partial... --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-17 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/are-assaults-at-work-covered/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: assault, attorney workers comp denver, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Are Assaults at Work Covered? - In Colorado, assaults may be covered by Workers’ Compensation if they’re considered work-related; however, whether they’re considered work-related can depend on the specific circumstances behind the assault. https://youtu. be/n35JfN8V7_0 What a judge will need to see is if you would’ve been assaulted if you weren’t working, and they will look at: 1. What caused the fight or dispute? If the reason for the angry animosity was work, like an angry customer or a mad coworker, then it is more likely that the injury would be covered. If they’re angry because, for example, you didn’t pay a bet, or if they’re upset about something unrelated to your job duties then it probably won’t be covered. 2. Where did it occur? If the assault occurred at work while you’re on the clock, it will more likely be considered work-related, and that also includes parking lots. But if it happened outside of work, it’s less likely to be considered work-related. 3. Were you doing work duties at the time? If you were working when the assault occurred it’s more likely to be considered work-related, but if you were off the clock or if you were roughhousing or playing around it probably won’t. As always, there are exceptions. If the playing around was tolerated or even encouraged by your employer, then it could be considered work-related. This kind of issue is complicated, and often it revolves around a specific action, for example, an attack could be covered, even... --- - Published: 2024-10-24 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-you-sue-your-employer-for-a-work-injury/ - Categories: Employment Concerns, WC & Other Laws - Tags: Denver Workers Compensation, employer, spanish lawyers, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Can you sue your employer for a work injury? - In general, if your employer has Workers’ Compensation insurance you can’t sue them. This is because the system covers all on-the-job injuries even if the employee was at fault. Additionally, the employers get immunity from lawsuits for injuries they caused through their negligence. This is called the exclusive remedy doctrine. https://youtu. be/JkwDHu_ZhIc? si=g_WdsKD0nn7RmabG If your employer doesn’t carry Worker’s Compensation insurance and you’ve been injured on the job you have a choice. One, you can sue them under negligence or you can still ask for Workers’ Compensation benefits. Or two, you’ll have to get the employer to pay because they don’t have an insurance company to pay. Some intentional injuries, like sexual harassment and assault, are not covered under Workers’ Compensation and you can sue. Pros and cons of Workers’ Compensation A huge benefit of Workers’ Compensation is that you don’t have to prove fault and your benefits aren’t reduced or even denied if you’re also partially at fault. The disadvantage is that benefits are limited, and sometimes you can recover more damages under a lawsuit for negligence, for example, in a lawsuit you can recover partial lost wages after MMI and you can get pain and suffering, in Workers’ Compensation you can’t. Pros and cons of filing a lawsuit You have access to more damages, the problem is that it’s harder to prove negligence, and your recovery can be reduced or denied if you assumed the risk or if... --- - Published: 2024-10-17 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-i-be-fired-while-on-workers-compensation/ - Categories: Employment Concerns - Tags: colorado, Denver Workers Compensation, jobs in denver, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog Can I be fired while on Workers' Compensation? - You can be fired after a work injury, but there are a lot of limitations depending on why your employer wants to fire you. https://youtu. be/CQEr4sGvj5U? si=X0pc19MOIbTirzzu I can no longer do my job Just like if you would want to leave your job if your boss doesn’t pay you. At some point, if you can’t do your job, your employer will have to replace you, but they have to wait before doing so. The time they have to wait before replacing you depends on the size of your employer, and how long you’ve worked there, and there’s a federal law called the Family Medical Leave Act. This Act requires your employer to hold your job for 12 weeks for you to get better. If you’re not subject to that act, you haven’t worked there for a year, or they don’t have enough employees, they can let you go sooner than that simply because you can’t do the job. Even if it’s due to a Workers’ Compensation injury. I have restrictions Furthermore, if you have temporary or permanent work restrictions, your employer can’t fire you if you’re still able to do the essential functions of your job. However, there’s another available job that you’re qualified to do with or without reasonable accommodation, too. The law is pretty complicated and specific with those terms, that’s why it’s important to consult an attorney. I requested Workers’ Compensation benefits It’s unlawful for an employer... --- - Published: 2024-10-10 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/te-atacaron-en-el-trabajo/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: colorado, injury at work, spanish lawyers, Workers Compensation Blog ¿Te atacaron en el trabajo? - En Colorado, los ataques, las peleas, los asaltos físicos, podrían estar cubiertos por Compensación al Trabajador, pero depende de las circunstancias específicas de cada caso. Lo que el juez querrá ver es si el ataque tuvo relación con el trabajo, y usualmente se buscan 3 cosas. https://youtu. be/qGRpvp8H23E? si=IwiB69T3yTlGoOKa 3 cosas para probar que te atacaron en el trabajo 1. ¿Qué causó el conflicto? Si la razón de la pelea fue el trabajo, por ejemplo, un cliente enojado o un compañero de trabajo molesto, es más probable que sea cubierto. Pero si la razón era algo totalmente personal, tal vez no estará cubierto. 2. ¿Dónde ocurrió el asalto? Si ocurrió en el trabajo es más probable que el juez diga que sí está cubierto, y eso incluye también las cosas que suceden en el estacionamiento del trabajo. Pero si ocurrió fuera del trabajo es menos probable que esté cubierto. 3. ¿Qué estaba haciendo cuando ocurrió el asalto? Si estaba haciendo su trabajo probablemente esté cubierto. Pero si estaba jugando o bromeando probablemente no. Aunque si puede mostrar que su patrón estaba de acuerdo con las bromas tal vez podría cubrirse. Existen excepciones, por ejemplo, si el conflicto fue por algo totalmente personal pero la única razón por la que la otra persona pudo encontrarlo era porque sabía que usted estaría en su trabajo y fue ahí a atacarlo, en ese caso sí podría estar cubierto. Estamos aquí para ayudar Los casos pueden ser muy... --- - Published: 2024-10-03 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/medical-set-aside-account-msa/ - Categories: Compensability - Tags: compensability, workers comp, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Medical Set Aside Account (MSA) - Part of your compensation for a work injury is medical care. With serious injuries, you might need medical care long into the future after settlement. So, we need to make sure the settlement includes potential future medical needs, and sometimes that involves creating a medical set aside account (MSA). When you settle a work injury claim the settlement has to take into account how much of that settlement is for your future medical needs. https://youtu. be/Nb5dO4YnUwU? si=pFXSCY6DzQSvF7yV Informal MSA An informal MSA can be done if the settlement doesn’t exceed a certain amount and the injured worker is not on Medicaid or Medicare, and not likely to be on those programs anytime soon. In that case, the parties can come up with a reasonable amount for future medical care. Also, the injured worker controls the money, no one will ask where it went. Formal MSA A formal MSA typically is required when the settlement amount is higher and when the person is already on Medicare or likely to be on Medicare. The formal MSA involves getting all of your medical records for the last 2 years, Also, evaluating what the doctors recommend, what the diagnosis is, the treatment you had in the past, and what the doctors say you might need in the future. The insurance company creates a proposal to the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) based on that. CMS reviews it and says if they agree or if it needs to be... --- - Published: 2024-09-26 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/que-significa-valor-actual-neto/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: Denver Workers Compensation, injury at work, spanish lawyers, Workers Compensation Blog ¿Qué significa valor actual neto? - Si tuvo una lesión en el trabajo uno de sus beneficios podría ser recibir pagos cada cierto tiempo. https://youtu. be/YsnbSuWJO08? si=H-Ehu08q7EWlx9Fb Entonces, qué significa el Valor Actual Neto? Por ejemplo, Si tuviera que elegir entre recibir $60,000 hoy o $10,000 cada año por 10 años, podría pensar que es mejor recibir 10 mil al año porque al final son 100 mil en total. Sin embargo, hay algo muy importante por considerar, y es que el dinero tiene un valor basado en el tiempo, por lo que dinero de hoy tiene más valor que dinero dentro de uno o más años. El interés del dinero en el tiempo En primer instante, el ejemplo anterior, el segundo año usted recibiría 10 mil igual que el primer año. Pero para completar esa cantidad solo necesitarían 9 mil hoy. Los otros mil se generarían a través de intereses durante un año. Para el tercer año solo se necesitarían 8 mil hoy, ya que los otros 2 mil se generarían por intereses, y así sucesivamente, hasta el año 10, en que usted recibiría los últimos 10 mil, y solo se hubieran requerido mil hoy. En total se hubieran necesitado 55 mil hoy para cubrir 100 mil en 10 años, lo cual es evidentemente menor que los 60 mil que se planteaban inicialmente en un solo pago. Esto es importante cuando se está llegando a un acuerdo que incluye recibir pagos con una determinada frecuencia durante cierto período de tiempo,... --- - Published: 2024-09-19 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/they-say-my-work-injury-claim-is-closed/ - Categories: Claims Process - Tags: Denver Workers Compensation, work injuiry claim, workers comp claim colorado, Workers Compensation Blog They say my work injury claim is closed! - When people say your claim is closed oftentimes it’s misunderstood. People might say the claim is closed because they’re thinking from their point of view. For example, the doctor may say the claim is closed meaning they’re done treating you so their file is closed. However, that doesn’t mean your claim is closed. https://youtu. be/ss0Yctin0p8? si=TsgcXkPpmRlbf79U What does having a claim closed mean? Having a closed claim means that you can’t change what the insurance company has given you in the past. Or change what they have agreed that they will give you in the future. You can have a closed claim and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have no rights or benefits. For example, you can have a closed claim and have a right to what’s called maintenance care. Meaning you will still get medical care not to get better but to maintain your condition. Also, even if you have a closed claim, you’re entitled to money being paid out for your impairment rating. But the amount of that money has been set and won’t change because your claim is closed. What can close your claim? 1. Final admission of liability The final admission of liability is a technical document. Once the final admission is filed you have 30 days to do some things, like request a division IME, object, file an application for a hearing, and if you don’t do those things your claim will be closed, and... --- - Published: 2024-09-12 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/can-you-be-fired-because-of-a-work-injury/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado workers compensation lawyer, spanish lawyers, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog Can You Be Fired Because of a Work Injury? - You can get fired even if you’re off work because of a work injury. However, you can’t be fired simply for requesting Workers’ Compensation benefits. https://youtu. be/KcfOAvfHVis? si=nfZofUFc9Q5s19N- For example, if you get injured on the job because you were under the influence of drugs, you would be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits, but they can still fire you. If you can’t do your job, but you’ve worked for your employer for 12 months and your employer has more than 50 employees, then you might have some protections called “Family Medical Evac. " This consists of where they have to hold open your job for about 12 weeks before they can replace you. If you are let go, you’re entitled to lost wages, 2/3 of your lost wages, while you’re in treatment. At the same time, you have restrictions, and so long as the employer doesn’t claim you’re responsible for termination, meaning you exercise some control over the circumstances. We’re here to help The cases can be very complicated and fact-dependent, so if you or your loved ones have been injured on the job in Colorado, we can help you. Call or text us at 970-356-98-98, all of our consultations are free and confidential. Connect with Kaplan Morrell Facebook: https://www. facebook. com/ Instagram: https://www. instagram. com/workcompcolorado Twitter: https://twitter. com/kaplan_morrell En Kaplan Morrell ofrecemos consultas gratuitas y hablamos español. https://kaplanmorrell. com/abogados-de-accidentes-de-trabajo/ --- - Published: 2024-09-05 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/su-abogado-debe-hablar-su-idioma/ - Categories: En Español, Errores, Mitos y Banderas Rojas - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, injury at work, spanish lawyers, Workers Compensation Blog Su abogado debe hablar su idioma - Si busca un abogado en los Estados Unidos y su primer idioma es español, probablemente buscará un lugar que diga que se habla español. Pero hay muchas veces, aunque esos lugares anuncien que hablan español, la realidad es que solo tienen alguna persona que habla español trabajando en esa oficina, pero no los abogados. Por ejemplo, alguien trabajando como archivista en ese lugar podría hablar español, y esa persona sería quien traduzca, pero usted no necesita eso, usted necesita que el abogado hable español. https://youtu. be/Stdbvbhx2wo? si=HCK2C8EfmhVWZ9CG Su abogado debe hablar su idioma Muchas veces en la corte los clientes tienen que testificar en español y hay un intérprete, las preguntas son en inglés y se traducen a español, y un abogado que habla español puede escuchar la pregunta en ambos idiomas y si nota algo incorrecto puede intervenir para que la traducción sea correcta con las palabras importantes necesarias, y así evitar errores. De igual forma, puede haber mensajes de texto que se presenten como evidencia, pero si los mensajes están traducidos de español a inglés la traducción puede estar equivocada, y pueden ser cosas críticas para el caso, y su usted está en la corte con un abogado que no habla su idioma, él no podrá protegerlo ante esa situación. Si su primer idioma es español, necesita un abogado que hable español, y si usted vive en los Estados Unidos necesita un abogado que hable español e inglés. Estamos aquí para... --- - Published: 2024-08-30 - Modified: 2024-08-29 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/contratado-en-otro-estado-pero-te-lesionado-en-colorado/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: injury at work, spanish lawyers, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Contratado en otro estado PERO te lesionado en Colorado - Compensación al Trabajador es un programa estatal, por lo cual el lugar donde usted se lesiona es importante. Esto se debe a que algunos estados son más favorables que otros con respecto a que beneficios puede recibir económicos o medicos. Esta es una situación común para camioneros o trabajadores que hacen sobrecargos. Este tipo de trabajadores se pueden lesionar en un estado, pero trabajan en varios estados dado a su trayectoria de diferentes rutas. https://youtu. be/ZNuCYlkSX_Q? si=QWyA0gzEf_dn601A ¿Contratado en otro estado pero cómo puedo estar cubierto en Colorado? En primer instante, la corte verificará en qué estado se desarrolla la mayor parte de su trabajo. En caso de que el porcentaje de su trabajo en Colorado sea muy bajo, no será considerado substancial y no estará cubierto por el estado de Colorado por su lesión de trabajo. Sin embargo, si es más del 50% el tiempo que pasa trabajando dentro de Colorado, entonces usted tiene derecho a recibir Compensación al Trabajador en Colorado. Si su trabajo está basado en Colorado pero viaja a todo el mundo, no importa dónde se lastime, ya sea Francia o Japón, sigue siendo un caso de Colorado. Es muy importante que si se lastima en Colorado contacte a un abogado de Colorado para saber cuáles son los diferencias de los derechos entre los estados y determinar si le conviene más hacer un reclamo en Colorado o en otro estado. Estamos aquí para ayudar Los casos... --- - Published: 2024-08-29 - Modified: 2024-08-29 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/why-you-need-an-attorney-for-your-work-injury-now/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, colorado, spanish lawyers, Workers Compensation Blog Why you need an attorney for your work injury now - When you’re injured on the job everything is stacked against you. https://youtu. be/hTuAy3TY3jw? si=ZE6LPMg5P1WwC0LH For instance, the insurance company already has an attorney to help the adjuster do one thing: Pay as little as possible on your claim. You’re totally at a disadvantage in this system and you can’t get your life back on track without help pushing back in the other direction to fight to get you the most you’re entitled to. Furthermore, we see injured workers every week who waited too long to get a lawyer. Additionally, we see injured workers who didn’t understand that they were getting set up. Also, those injured workers who thought the adjuster was their friend, and those who didn’t understand that they had options and rights. In conclusion, we’ve helped thousands of injured workers get their lives back on track and get the benefits and medical care they deserve. We’re here to help The cases can be very complicated and fact-dependent, so if you or your loved ones have been injured on the job in Colorado, we can help you. Call or text us at 970-356-98-98, all of our consultations are free and confidential. Connect with Kaplan Morrell Facebook: https://www. facebook. com/ Instagram: https://www. instagram. com/workcompcolorado Twitter: https://twitter. com/kaplan_morrell En Kaplan Morrell ofrecemos consultas gratuitas y hablamos español.  https://kaplanmorrell. com/abogados-de-accidentes-de-trabajo/ --- - Published: 2024-08-29 - Modified: 2024-08-30 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/scheduled-injuries-workers-compensation/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: injury at work, workers compensation Scheduled Injuries Workers' Compensation - There are 2 categories of injuries that injured workers can sustain. The first is called “scheduled injury”, which deals with the arms, legs, hands, feet, toes, and extremities. The second is called “whole person injury”, which deals with the head, neck, back, and torso for the most part. What’s the difference between scheduled injuries and whole-person injuries? Scheduled injuries are paid out differently than whole-person injuries. Scheduled injuries are paid out less because there’s a different formula to calculate the compensation. When a worker suffers an injury, that injury may very well result in physical impairment, and that impairment dictates the compensation to which the injured worker is entitled. For instance, if you suffer a 10% impairment rating on your elbow you will get compensated between $5,200 to $5,300 for that 10%, however, if you were to suffer a 10% impairment rating either on your head, your neck, or your back, that 10% would be worth anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 depending on your average weekly rage that you were earning at the time of the injury. How can my benefits be affected by the kind of injury? Insurance carriers encourage their providers to focus more on scheduled injuries than whole-person injuries because those are paid out at a lesser rate. Also, some injuries are automatically thought of by the carriers to be scheduled, for example, a shoulder injury will automatically be considered scheduled, however, that isn’t normally the case, and more often than not... --- - Published: 2024-08-01 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/work-injuries-liens-and-taxes/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, injury at work, Taxes, work injuries Work Injuries, Liens, and Taxes - Who can go after your work injuries? Typically, injured workers get concerned because they don’t know if they have to pay taxes for what they received under Workers’ Compensation. https://youtu. be/afRX2cCqD9A? si=pagvTwTn-uck3SQe Taxes In Colorado, your Workers’ Compensation benefits are not taxed, they are not considered income, even compensation from lost wages, since you suffered a loss and you’re being compensated for that loss it isn’t considered income by the IRS. Liens and garnishments Your Workers’ Compensation benefits are also protected in other ways, for example, they’re immune from liens and garnishments. A lien is, for example, if you owe somebody money and they get a judgment against you, they serve a lien to your bank, saying that whatever money you have in your account you have to give it to them. A garnishment is somewhat similar, if you owe somebody money and they have a judgment against you, they can send a notice to you employer or to somebody who owes you money saying that rather than paying you they need to pay them. Workers’ Compensation benefits are immune from almost all liens and garnishments, so if you’re running behind on bills and are being pursued by predators it’s really important that you keep your Workers’ Compensation money separate and openly declared, don’t hide it or don’t give it to somebody else to put in their name. Child support One kind of lien that’s recognized under the Workers’ Compensation Act is for child... --- - Published: 2024-07-24 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/advice-on-how-to-testify/ - Categories: Claims Process - Tags: colorado, injury at work, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Advice on How to Testify -If you’re involved in a lawsuit, one of the procedures you will be involved in is a deposition, which is a question-and-answer session between you and the opposing attorney. Even though it might appear to be somewhat informal, it’s anything but that. A good opposition attorney might attempt to be disarming, warm, and friendly to you, they want to make you feel comfortable because that might catch you off guard, and everything said there will be for the court record. https://youtu. be/sJSljNXSpC4? si=_nDiH9zt-L0S5UF5 THIS VIDEO IS PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL AND PROVIDED ONLY AS PART OF KAPLAN MORRELL LEGAL SERVICES TO CLIENTS Rules for giving your deposition Tell the truth Juries associate with the witness. They have the popular misconception that all lawyers try to take advantage of witnesses, so keep this natural advantage. Do not get angry. If you let the opposing attorney make you mad, the jury will stop sympathizing with you. Juries and judges expect witnesses to remain calm during interrogations because they believe truthful people are calm people. Always treat the opposing attorney with the same respect with which you treat your attorney. How to give a good deposition Answer only the questions asked. Answer truthfully, but nothing more, don’t volunteer information. You are not obligated to guess the meaning of a question. Never interrupt the question. Wait until the question is completed, pause, take a deep breath, and then respond. Rules of thumb to keep in mind You may not know... --- - Published: 2024-07-17 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-happens-if-you-die-at-work-2/ - Categories: Compensability - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, fatality, injury at work, workers compensation What Happens If You Die At Work? - Typically for an injury, including fatality, to be covered under Workers’ Compensation, you have to show 3 things. First, you have to show that you are in the course and scope of your employment, meaning you are engaged in an activity that furthers your employment or is a reasonable part of it. Second, you have to show that something happened or was present at work to cause you to have an injury. Third, you need to have an injury. https://youtu. be/8_ZEwjhr9Ro? si=u6N4ef-BqTVLcPfT It’s often pretty basic to show. For example, you were lifting a heavy box and you hurt your back, or you were walking and there was a puddle of water, and you slipped and fell. However, it can get complicated. Is death always covered if it happens at work? We had a case where a worker was pushing a cart and all of a sudden just fell backward, no flailing of the arms, no slip and fall, no trying to guard, fell and hit, and the blow to the head was severe enough that he died that day. That falls into what we call unexplained falls. The common denominator, unexplained falls fall are covered under Workers’ Compensation unless it can be shown that what occurred was something of an entirely personal nature. For example, if the worker had low pressure and just fainted, but he could have fainted anywhere, chances are it won’t be covered under Workers’ Compensation. If it... --- - Published: 2024-07-12 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/understanding-the-disfigurement-benefit-2/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: colorado, colorado workers comp benefits, Denver Workers Compensation, disfigurement benefit, workers compensation Understanding the Disfigurement Benefit - The disfigurement benefit can cover a handful of different categories. It can be from scarring as a result of having surgery, a limp from having had an injury, swelling from one part of your body compared to the opposite uninjured part, difference in size, braces, hearing aids, glasses, and the list continues. https://youtu. be/ASYt6V-h8Pc? si=F8NCylL_R6oudqUz When is an injury considered a disfigurement? The rule for an injury to be categorized as a disfigurement is that it has to be in a part of the body that’s normally exposed to the public. You might think the hands or the arms are the exposed body parts, but actually, the unspoken rule is the swimsuit rule. This swimsuit rule means if you are wearing a speedo and the injury aftermath can be seen, then it will likely be considered disfigurement. How much can I get for a disfigurement benefit? This benefit can be up to $5,000, but there’s a higher level of around $10,000 when the disfigurement is in your face or if you have extensive scarring, meaning it is all over your body. Very few insurance companies will voluntarily admit to disfigurement. Even though they know you had surgery they don’t admit to it, it’s very rare, and even if they admit to it, it might not be enough. If you’re an injured worker and you have some visible manifestation, even if it’s light, even if it’s temporary, from your injury then you are entitled to a... --- - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/injured-during-a-coffee-break/ - Categories: Compensability, WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, colorado, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog Injured during a Coffee Break? - Injuries during what is called a personal comfort moment like a coffee break throughout a work day, are considered part of employment hours. If you need to go outside for fresh air or stand up and walk around a bit, anything for personal comfort is considered part of the job, and if you accidentally get injured, it’s covered under Workers' Compensation. https://youtu. be/21NNf_TNkXE? si=2zPVnSccXdUHioNP Injured while Goofing Around During a Coffee Break? If you or your coworkers are goofing off, doing something dangerous or not, and you get injured, this might still be covered under Workers’ Compensation depending on the circumstances. Courts will look at what is called a five-part test. One of the factors in this test is to determine to what extent your supervisor or boss tolerates the horseplay. This injury might be covered under Work Comp, particularly if it’s part of the work. Fault Doesn’t Matter In Order To Have Injury Covered In Workers’ Compensation, it doesn’t matter who caused the injury. If the injury is your fault, your employer’s fault, or someone else’s fault, it does not matter. The fault is immaterial and you would still be covered for that injury. If your employer tells you that you are not covered because it was your fault, it would not apply or be the case for the injury. We’re here to help The cases can be very complicated and fact-dependent, so if you or your loved ones have been injured on... --- - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/is-getting-sick-at-work-covered-under-workers-comp/ - Categories: Benefits, WC & Other Laws - Tags: injury at work, workers comp, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Is Getting Sick at Work Covered Under Workers' Comp - When you get sick, if you can prove that you were exposed to the bacteria or virus at work, you could get your medical care covered under Workers’ Compensation and get lost wages if you have to take time off work. https://youtu. be/Tb8qsynp2Js? si=NhvpB_gTjIdjNm_6 The problem is that it’s very hard to prove to a judge that you were exposed to a virus or bacteria at work unless the bacteria or virus is incredibly rare and you would only be exposed to it at work. For example, if you catch the Ebola virus and you work in a place that deals with the Ebola virus, chances are the judge will believe that more likely than not you were exposed to it at work, and not elsewhere. Is a cold or a flu covered? With a cold or the flu, it’s not worth the fight and it’s not worth the benefits, it’s something that comes and goes, but there are big sicknesses that are covered under Workers’ Compensation. Many types of cancers are covered if you are a first responder or a firefighter, there’s a presumption that certain types of cancers come from on-the-job exposure. Nurses, doctors, and people in the health care industry could get exposed to needles or get punctured at work, and it can be something serious, so if they can show that the virus or bacteria came from that, it can be covered. We’re here to help... --- - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/the-most-costly-fatal-work-injuries/ - Categories: Claims Process, WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, Denver Workers Compensation, workers comp, workers compensation The Most Costly & Fatal Work Injuries - The division of Workers’ Compensation in Colorado creates a massive report on work injuries with all kinds of statistics on claims annually. In this blog, we talk about the statistics shown for the year 2013 for work injuries in the state of Colorado. https://youtu. be/hcI1BtQWjns? si=JscV3dOhK74ErEjE Fatalities In 2013, there were 73 fatalities on the job. The most dangerous gender and age to be working at is male from 50 to 59. 92% of the fatalities were men, and 31% were 50 to 59. 23% were in their 40s and about 20% were over 65. Most fatalities come from the transportation and warehousing sectors, car crashes by and large. Injuries Additionally, these are ranked by cause of injury and what’s called lost time. In Workers’ Compensation, an injury is not a lost time injury unless it results in 3 or more shifts of lost work. The number one kind of injury that leads to lost time with 36. 4% strains, is when you’re lifting something and you feel a pop or a twist in your back, arm, or leg. Number two at 13% are contusions. Then there are fractures and lacerations, but those are about 6%. Workers’ Compensation system In Colorado, we have the Workers’ Compensation system which is a law designed to make sure that if you were injured on the job you get immediate access to basic benefits. These are medical benefits, lost wage benefits, and compensation for permanent impairment.... --- - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/the-sooner-you-get-an-attorney-the-better-off-you-are/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado, Denver Workers Compensation, injury at work The Sooner You Get An Attorney, The Better Off You Are - We had an injured client, and her claim immediately became compensable. Still, she didn’t exercise her right to change doctors, and unfortunately, she got into one of the clinics that are well known for trying to get injured workers treated and done as fast as possible. She got 2 months of treatment for a back injury, she needed a lot more care than that, but she didn’t have council. She was released from care, got no permanent work restrictions, got assessed with no permanent damage to her back, and was put right back in her regular duty job, which would make it seem she was cured. The carrier filed paperwork to conclude her case. Had she had a council, that would have allowed her to challenge what the treating physician had said. She didn’t have council tough, so her case was closed. https://youtu. be/tafMDNSong0? si=8Q176W55Y6B7xVnc You might think they’re on your side when they’re really not Within 2 weeks she started having pain again, she wasn’t sure if it was a new injury or if the first injury became worse, so she told her employer, but they told her that if it was the same thing as before there was no problem because the doctors said she was cured. She ended up being surgical, and because there was no new claim filed and the old claim wasn’t reopened, she ended up having to have 2 emergent surgeries that... --- - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/si-mi-jefe-me-ataca-me-cubre-work-comp/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: colorado, Denver Workers Compensation, spanish lawyers, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog ¿Si mi jefe me ataca me cubre Work Comp? - Compensación al Trabajador usualmente cubre las lesiones causadas intencionalmente por el patrón. Regularmente esto se refiere a un pleito, una pelea entre patrón y trabajador. https://youtu. be/PFvrKXwK1OQ? si=mL2rfAOpaoub8fBW ¿Puedo demandar a mi jefe fuera de Work Comp? Para demandar fuera de Compensación al Trabajador debe probar que la lesión ocurrió afuera del empleo. Si el asalto fue por razón del trabajo, probablemente no pueda demandar al patrón. En Compensación al Trabajador las lesiones están cubiertas si son causadas por razón del trabajo, así que, si la pelea con el patrón fue por una discusión referente al trabajo, el equipo de trabajo, el pago del trabajo, etc. , será cubierto por Compensación al Trabajador y no podrá demandarlo fuera de ese sistema. Si el pleito ocurrió afuera del trabajo, por ejemplo, si fue una discusión por equipos deportivos que no tiene nada que ver con el trabajo, no estará cubierto y puede demandar a su patrón en corte. ¿Cuál opción es mejor si mi jefe me ataca? Muchas veces Compensación al Trabajador es mejor, pues si su patrón no tiene muchos recursos y no tiene seguro, usted estaría demandando a alguien que no tiene forma de pagarle. Si usted puede demostrar que la lesión y el ataque ocurrieron por razón del trabajo, podría recibir beneficios como tratamiento médico, sueldos perdidos, compensación, etc. Desafortunadamente no puede recibir más aunque la lesión haya sido causada intencionalmente por su patrón, pero puede presentar una... --- - Published: 2024-05-28 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/how-to-choose-the-best-lawyer-for-you-case/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, Denver Workers Compensation, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog How To Choose The Best Lawyer For Your Case - You should look for 5 things when hiring an attorney: https://youtu. be/GFoUMiViH6E? si=Ok44Qw6ZKFelCEgq 1. How long have they been in their practice? They should have at least 5 years of experience in their area of law, otherwise you might be their guinea pig. 2. What is their case load? If they tell you they do criminal, family, immigration, property, etc. , then you have what we call “a jack of all trades and master of none”. The law now is getting so complicated and changes so fast in any particular area, and to be up on your game as to all the new laws it takes a lot of devotion, and we don’t think it’s possible if you’re trying to do five areas of law, at most it should be two and they should be complimentary. For example, we help injured workers get Workers’ Compensation benefits and Social Security benefits. 3. What organizations are they a member of? They should belong to attorneys who help people deal with what you are having to deal with. So, if you’re looking for a divorce lawyer you want someone who’s a member of the Colorado Divorce Lawyer Association. 4. We belong to the Workers’ Compensation Education Association. What this means is it is the preeminent and the only legal bar for Colorado attorneys who represent injured workers, which means 3 things, and you should look for these things in your attorney: 4a. They’re... --- - Published: 2024-05-28 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/hired-in-colorado-and-injured-elsewhere/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, injury at work, workers comp, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Hired in Colorado and Injured elsewhere - To get covered under Colorado law for Workers’ Compensation there are 3 things to consider: whether you were hired in Colorado, when you got injured, and whether your employer is subject to the laws of Colorado. https://youtu. be/FoKRQ5W-3wM? si=b-eXHCZiO12kC1Fz Were you hired in Colorado? Courts will look at where the communications took place, where was the offer made, where was it accepted. If all the fundamental parts of a contract, which are offer, acceptance, capacity, consideration, and legality, occur in Colorado, then they will consider you as having been hired in Colorado. When did you get injured? If you work out of state and you have been there a long time and you get injured, they will consider you an employee in that state and covered under that state’s laws. Typically, if you’ve been injured within six months of leaving Colorado, you’re still covered under Colorado law, unless your employer agrees explicitly to cover you longer under Colorado law. Is your employer subject to the laws of Colorado? An unusual type of employment that’s immune from Workers’ Compensation is if you’re an employee of an Indian tribe. Indian tribes are immune from a lot of state laws including Workers’ Compensation, so you could be hired in Colorado, work in Colorado, get injured in Colorado, and not be covered if you’re working for an Indian tribe. Where can you obtain more benefits? All states have different laws, which determine their Workers’ Compensation benefits, and... --- - Published: 2024-05-17 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/acoso-sexual-por-parte-de-mi-jefe-y-work-comp/ - Categories: En Español, Preocupaciones Laborales - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, Compensación al trabajador, spanish lawyers Acoso sexual por parte de mi jefe y Work Comp - Desafortunadamente la ley es muy complicada si su lesión es por causa de un ataque o acoso sexual. Usualmente en caso de un ataque en el trabajo, ya sea violencia o sexual, debe demostrar que la razón por la qué ocurrió fue por el trabajo. https://youtu. be/bmWcRRPqBRk ¿Si sufro acoso sexual por parte de mi jefe me va a cubrir Work Comp? No basta demostrar que sucedió en el trabajo, sino que ocurrió por causa del trabajo. En casos de acoso sexual muchas veces debe haber también otras víctimas o testigos del acoso. Si usted puede demostrar que la única razón por la que estaban juntos era por el trabajo, especialmente si puede mostrar que la persona trató de presionarle por el trabajo por sus avances sexuales, puede recibir Compensación al Trabajador. Muchas veces con un acoso sexual se sufre trauma psicológico, ansiedad, nervios, la ayuda psicológica está cubierta, y si hay que estar fuera del trabajo también se cubre los sueldos perdidos. ¿Qué me beneficia más: compensación al trabajador o hacer una demanda? Si no recibe Compensación al Trabajador puede ir a juicio en corte contra el patrón, pero solamente si el patrón no tomó las acciones debidas cuando usted reportó la amenaza sexual, que sería investigar y correr a la otra persona. En ese caso puede ser mejor una demanda, porque en Compensación al Trabajador no hay, por ejemplo, daños por sufrimiento, daños punitivos, solamente hay tratamiento... --- - Published: 2024-05-10 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/el-beneficio-menos-conocido-de-work-comp/ - Categories: Como Ayudamos, En Español - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, injury at work, spanish lawyers, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog El beneficio menos conocido de Work Comp - Uno de los beneficios más importantes pero menos conocido, que dependiendo el caso puede ser un beneficio muy grande, es el interés. La ley dice que la compañía de seguros debe pagarle sus beneficios en tiempo, y si no lo hacen deben pagarle interés de 8% cada año. https://youtu. be/ZH3Wadn-kCM La importancia del interés, siendo el beneficio menos conocido Hay casos en que la compañía de seguros no quiere pagar y deben ir a corte. En algunos casos, además luego podría haber una apelación, y todo eso puede causar que pase mucho tiempo antes de que usted reciba sus beneficios. Usted tiene derecho a recibir interés por todo ese tiempo de espera en el proceso de su lesión de trabajo. Por ejemplo, si usted tiene derecho a $10 mil dólares por sueldos perdidos, pero debe ir a corte y pasan 2 años antes de que al fin le paguen, usted tiene derecho a $10 mil dólares más el 8% de interés en cada año, es decir $11,600 en total. Otro ejemplo común es el valor de los puntos de impedimento. Por ejemplo, lo dan de alta y dicen que no tiene puntos de impedimento, pero usted no está de acuerdo y acude con un abogado. En una evaluación con un doctor del estado se determina que usted tiene 10 puntos de impedimento, ahora la compañía accede a pagarle, pero han pasado 6 meses. Usted tiene derecho a interés por esos 6 meses... --- - Published: 2024-04-30 - Modified: 2024-08-30 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/que-pasa-si-me-lesiono-fuera-de-colorado/ - Categories: Compensability, WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, colorado, Denver Workers Compensation, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog ¿Qué pasa si me lesiono fuera de Colorado pero trabajo ahí? - Para saber si estas cubierto si te lesionas fuera de Colorado pero estas contratado ahí, tienes que considerar 3 cosas. https://youtu. be/2QfliRXGqZk? si=krAbJuibrYjcg3L2 ¿Qué pasa si me lesiono fuera de Colorado pero me contrataron para trabajar ahí? 1. El contrato fue en Colorado Debe demostrar que usted comenzó el trabajo en Colorado, ellos le ofrecieron el trabajo y usted aceptó en Colorado. Antes era muy fácil, pero hoy en día con las llamadas y el internet puede ser más complicado. Las cortes van a preguntar en qué estado se hizo el contrato para empezar a trabajar, si fue en Colorado estará cubierto en Colorado. 2. La fecha de la lesión Si usted empezó su contrato de trabajo en Colorado y se lesiona dentro de los primeros seis meses después de salir de Colorado, tiene derecho a Compensación al Trabajador en Colorado. Puede estar cubierto por más tiempo por las leyes de Colorado, pero el patrón necesita ponerlo por escrito, sino debe hacer un reclamo en el otro estado. 3. Las leyes de Compensación al Trabajador son leyes estatales Todos los estados tienen leyes diferentes, y algunos estados tienen beneficios más favorables que otros para los trabajadores, por ejemplo, Texas usualmente tiene leyes mas desfavorables, pero Illinois podría ser más favorable. Es muy común que trabajadores que comenzaron a trabajar en Colorado se lesionen en Wyoming, y puede ser que tengan opción de hacer reclamo en un estado o... --- - Published: 2024-04-23 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/compensacion-al-trabajador-cubre-lesiones-autoinfligidas/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: Compensación al trabajador, Denver Workers Compensation, spanish lawyers, workers comp ¿Compensación al Trabajador cubre lesiones autoinfligidas? - La regla general es que si usted se lastima intencionalmente no está cubierto por Compensación al Trabajador. Si la lesión fue causada sin querer sí está cubierto. Sin embargo, si se lastimo intencionalmente, no lo cubrirá Compensación al Trabajador. https://youtu. be/Rfd8vV238PM? si=fCbTqbKitwN8qDB4 ¿Cuál es la excepción de las lesiones autoinfligidas intencionalmente? Hay una excepción importante: el suicidio. Si una lesión de trabajo es causada por una condición mental y por motivo de esa condición la persona trata de suicidarse, eso sí puede estar cubierto por Compensación al Trabajador. Si una lesión causa tanto dolor y sufrimiento que el trabajador decide terminar con su vida, puede estar cubierto si se puede demostrar que esa decisión fue tomada por razón de la lesión y no por otra causa. Estrés por causa del trabajo Si el suicidio ocurre a causa de una lesión es más fácil de demostrarlo. Pero hay casos en los que podría haber depresión por otra cosa que sucedió en el trabajo, por ejemplo, si hubo una matanza en el trabajo y alguien fue testigo y esto le causa tanta depresión y estrés mental que termina en suicidio. Esto podría estar cubierto debido a que ese estrés fue algo ajeno al trabajo regular. Hay trabajos donde hay mucho estrés emocional, por ejemplo, un policía o un paramédico que ven a gente muriendo en su día a día, pero es parte del trabajo regular. En esos casos no se puede obtener compensación. También hay... --- - Published: 2024-04-18 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/caso-por-lesiones-laborales-esta-cerrado/ - Categories: En Español, Errores, Mitos y Banderas Rojas - Tags: spanish lawyers, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog ¡Mi caso por lesiones laborales dicen que está cerrado! - Muchas veces cuando la gente dice que su caso está cerrado no es así, suele ser un malentendido porque lo dicen desde su punto de vista. Por ejemplo, los doctores pueden decir que un caso está cerrado porque ya no hay más tratamiento médico que puedan dar. Sin embargo, esto no significa que su caso este cerrado legalmente. https://youtu. be/IRkNSItiUBg? si=HibDBBeqenYsw8PB ¿Qué significa que mi caso por lesiones laborales este cerrado? Primero, un caso cerrado significa que usted no puede cambiar lo que la compañía de seguros le ha dado o lo que han dicho que van a darle, pero no significa que usted no tenga derechos o beneficios. Por ejemplo, puede tener un caso cerrado, pero todavía tener derecho a tratamiento médico de mantenimiento. Aunque su caso esté cerrado tiene derecho a ciertos beneficios. ¿Cómo se puede cerrar un caso por lesiones laborales? 1. Final Admission of Liability El final admission of liability (admisión final) es un documento en inglés que se envía a su dirección oficial. Es un documento muy técnico y difícil de entender, y si usted no da una respuesta a dicho documento dentro de 30 días, su caso será cerrado. 2. Moción para cerrar Si el doctor no lo ha dado de alta, pero usted no ha ido a tratamiento médico, no está asistiendo a las citas y pasa el tiempo, la compañía de seguros puede pedir al juez cerrar el caso porque usted no... --- - Published: 2024-03-25 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/me-pueden-despedir-de-mi-trabajo-si-me-lastimo-en-el-trabajo/ - Categories: En Español, Preocupaciones Laborales - Tags: Compensación al trabajador, lesion de trabajo, spanish lawyers ¿Me pueden despedir de mi trabajo si me lastimo en el trabajo? - Así como usted tiene derecho para dejar su trabajo por cualquier razón, también el patrón puede despedirlo por cualquier razón, con algunas excepciones que son ilegales. Hablemos del tema. https://youtu. be/4XswBWFYOM0 ¿Cuáles son las razones por las que no me pueden despedir de mi trabajo se me lastimo? Primero, no lo pueden despedir por discriminación ilegal, o sea por su lugar de origen, religión, sexo o edad, pero sí podrían despedirlo, por ejemplo, por preferir un equipo deportivo en vez de otro, y eso no es contra la ley. Segundo, si usted tiene una condición médica y debido a eso no puede desempeñar su trabajo, no pueden despedirlo para darle ese trabajo a alguien más si usted a trabajado ahí más de un año y ellos tienen más de 50 empleados. En ese caso deben darle 12 semanas para recuperarse y regresar a su trabajo. Tercero, no pueden despedirlo simplemente porque usted pidió beneficios de Compensación al Trabajador, como tratamiento médico 100% pagado y sueldos perdidos. ¿Cuáles son las razones por las que si me pueden despedir? Asimismo, existen razones válidas por las que pueden despedirlo si se lesiona, por ejemplo, si llega al trabajo bajo la influencia de alcohol o drogas y se lesiona, aún así tendría derechos, pero pueden despedirlo. Demostrar la razón por la cual fue despedido puede ser difícil, por lo cual es importante tener un abogado que pueda ayudarle en caso de... --- - Published: 2024-03-21 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/colorado-uninsured-employer-fund/ - Categories: Employment Concerns, WC & Other Laws - Tags: employer, insurance, uninsured employer funds colorado, Workers Compensation Blog The Colorado Uninsured Employer Fund And Uninsured Employers - We've been talking about what happens if you get injured on the job in Colorado and you find out your employer doesn't carry Workers' Compensation Insurance. What are your options? What is the Colorado Uninsured Employers Fund (CUE) and is it worth your time? Let’s find out. https://youtu. be/3HjeH5prwIs? si=B1fYtvhHX73o5U9z What is Workers’ Compensation insurance and how is it supposed to work? If you’ve looked at our other blogs and videos you might know that Colorado law requires all employers to carry what's called Workers’ Compensation Insurance. It covers medical needs, lost wages, and compensation for any permanent problems that workers have if they've been injured on the job. It doesn't matter who's at fault, if you were performing a service for your employer and got injured in the process, you are covered by Workers’ Compensation. You should get relatively quick access to medical care and payment for lost wages. As stated, it is illegal for an employer not to carry Workers’ Comp Insurance, however, often we get calls from injured workers who find out their employer isn’t carrying this insurance. Maybe they never had it in the first place or they stopped paying the premiums and then they ignored all the notices. If you’re in this situation you might be left asking “What should I do now? ” luckily, we’ve got a few answers for you. What are my options when I have an uninsured employer? What happens if you... --- - Published: 2024-03-18 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/watch-out-if-you-are-on-social-media-and-have-a-work-injury/ - Categories: Red Flags, Mistakes & Myths, WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, colorado, social media, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog Watch Out If You Are On Social Media And Have A Work Injury! - When you’re injured you need to be very careful with social media because it can create a lot of problems. https://youtu. be/Qfavdkxpavs Admission to Social Media There was a case with a worker who said she couldn’t raise her arm at all, and that because of her injury, she had to stay home and couldn’t go out. During her hearing in front of a judge she was confronted with pictures and posts from her social media where she was extremely social, going out to gatherings, and photos of her using her arm in a way she said she couldn’t. The insurance company attorney was able to introduce these posts and pictures without giving notice to the injured worker or her attorney. They went to court not knowing that they were going to be confronted with that, and the judge ruled that they were admissible because the injured worker herself created them, so they weren’t surprising her. How to handle Social Media if you have a Work Injury If you’re on social media make sure that what you’re posting isn’t public, but that it’s private, so that only your friends can see it. The number one piece of advice is don’t engage in social media while you’re getting injured and don’t allow people to tag you in photos because that can create complicated situations. When pictures are posted it isn’t known when they were taken, or where... --- - Published: 2024-03-15 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/safety-rule-violations/ - Categories: Employment Concerns, WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado safety laws, Denver Workers Compensation, safety rule violation, workers compensation Safety Rule Violations - One of the ways that insurance companies make money is by not paying the benefits that the injured worker deserves, and one of the tactics they use is called the “safety rule violation”. https://youtu. be/2Ch0t3DZ4OI How does a safety rule violation affect me? When the employer accuses you of violating a safety rule, the insurance carrier is allowed to take a 50% reduction of your wage loss and compensation benefits. As a result, there are a lot of factors that go into the carrier being able to take that reduction, and it’s their burden to prove that a safety rule violation did occur. How is a safety rule violation proven? First, there are 3 things that the insurance company has to prove to take the safety rule violation. The first one is that there was a safety rule, which doesn’t necessarily have to be in writing, it could have been provided verbally, or it could be an industry standard. As long as they adopted it and communicated it to you, they can prove they had a safety rule. Secondly, they have to prove that you willfully and deliberately violated the rule. And the last thing they have to prove is that the injury resulted because you broke the safety rule. In our experience, the hardest thing that they have to prove is the second one, that you intentionally broke the rule. Additionally, if you’re negligent, forgetful, or just slipped your mind, that isn’t enough for them... --- - Published: 2024-03-14 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/impairment-rating/ - Categories: Claims Process, WC & Other Laws - Tags: Denver Workers Compensation, impairment rating, injury at work, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog Impairment Rating - When someone’s injured at work their injuries result, more often than not, in either a physical or emotional impairment. When someone gets placed at maximum medical improvement the insurance doctor assigns a rating between zero and one hundred, but they don’t explain exactly what the rating means or what it does, and unfortunately, that insurance doctor has an incentive to conservatively rate an injured worker. The doctors give low ratings because that’s how they’ve been selected, those doctors were picked by the insurance company because they know which doctors are too generous on the impairment ratings. https://youtu. be/oAW5eG8WJ7E Why is the impairment rating important? When someone gets an impairment rating it dictates their final benefit sometimes called permanent partial disability (PPD), which is a huge part of the claim. The impairment rating dictates the compensation that the injured worker is going to receive as a result of their physical or emotional impairment. When you’re injured on the job there are 3 kinds of lost wages, the lost wages you get when you’re treating, the lost wages you get after you finish treatment, and the primary one is PPD, but they don’t count lost wages in determining how much you get. The intent of the Workers Compensation Act with permanent partial disability is to compensate for lost earning capacity, but you can still get an impairment rating even though you haven’t missed a single day of work, and you could even be earning the same or more and... --- - Published: 2024-02-29 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/ataque-al-corazon-en-el-trabajo/ - Categories: Asistencia Médico, En Español - Tags: Compensación al trabajador, spanish lawyers, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Ataque al corazón en el trabajo - Un ataque al corazón, cuyo término oficial es infarto al miocardio, es cuando la sangre ya no llega al corazón, específicamente al corazón, no a otra parte del cuerpo ni a la cabeza, eso es diferente. https://youtu. be/Pl28YT6LdRU? si=RsLYMGvSHRr9M3Up ¿Cómo demuestro un ataque al corazón en el trabajo? Si sufre un ataque al corazón no basta con demostrar que ocurrió en el trabajo, sino que debe demostrar además 2 cosas: 1. Debe demostrar que hizo un esfuerzo excesivo de una manera que no era común en su trabajo Por ejemplo, si su trabajo siempre es levantar 100 libras y tiene un ataque al corazón al hacerlo, no estará cubierto puesto que era parte de su trabajo regular, pero si usted trabaja en una oficina y sucede algo por lo que tiene que cargar a un compañero afuera del trabajo quien pesa 140 libras y usted sufre un ataque al corazón al hacerlo, entonces está cubierto. 2. Debe demostrar que ese esfuerzo excesivo poco común fue lo que causó el ataque al corazón ¿Cómo pelearán las compañías de seguros? Las aseguradoras van a pelear de dos formas, van a decir que el esfuerzo era parte del trabajo regular y no era poco común, y van a asignar un doctor que lo desfavorezca. Por ejemplo, el doctor dirá que le sorprende que usted no haya tenido un ataque al corazón desde antes debido a su mala alimentación o a su mala condición física, y que... --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/permanent-total-disability-benefits/ - Categories: Benefits, WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado workers comp benefits, Permanent Total Disability, workers comp, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Permanent Total Disability Benefits - One of the biggest concerns injured workers have is what will they do if they can’t go back to the kind of work they do because of their injury. For most of them, unfortunately, workers' compensation doesn’t provide a good benefit to compensate them. https://youtu. be/maKgpUTFoK4? si=cuCS-pelNgOY-oTy What is Permanent Total Disability? There are some workers with injuries that are so devastating that the injury will render the person. These are called permanently disabled. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) is a wage loss, not during your treatment, but after your treatment. How can I get PTD? To get PTD under Workers’ Compensation in Colorado, the injured worker has to show that they’re unable to earn any wages at any job. What this means is that, theoretically, if you’re capable of doing a minimum wage job part-time after your injury, we can’t get you anything for your lost wages after maximum medical improvement (MMI). That’s why it’s important that if you’ve been placed at MMI and you have heavy restrictions that make you question whether or not you’re going to be able to find work. Additionally, you have to contact a lawyer right away so you can pursue Permanent Total Disability. We’re here to help If you or your loved ones have been injured on the job in Colorado, we can help you. Call or text us at 970-356-98-98, all of our consultations are free and confidential. Connect with Kaplan Morrell Facebook: https://www. facebook. com/ Instagram: https://www.... --- - Published: 2024-02-15 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/derechos-laborales-en-mexico-y-los-estados-unidos/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, injury at work, spanish lawyers, workers comp Derechos laborales en México y los Estados Unidos - Hablemos de los derechos laborales que existen en México y en Estados Unidos y hablar sobre cuáles son las diferencias. Derechos laborales en México En México existen 2 tipos de trabajadores, los de base y los de confianza. Los de confianza son los que, por las funciones de su puesto, tienen un rango más alto que uno de base, por lo tanto, para que puedan ser despedidos basta con que el patrón pierda la confianza en el trabajador. En ese caso el trabajador de confianza despedido tiene como derechos, si se pactó en el contrato desde un inicio, una indemnización de 3 meses de salario, proporcional de aguinaldo y de vacaciones. El trabajador de base tiene un régimen más estricto de mayores protecciones. Al ser despedido tiene derecho a indemnización de 3 meses de salario, 12 días por año trabajado, proporcional de aguinaldo y de vacaciones, y un pago de prima vacacional. https://youtu. be/YEKgut2PpKc? si=tYpwi-tFWz1AjM8_ Derechos laborales en Estados Unidos En Estados Unidos, particularmente en Colorado, hay menos leyes laborales, por ejemplo, no hay ninguna ley que obligue el pago de vacaciones, eso es algo entre el patrón y el empleado, pero muchos patrones lo ofrecen como un incentivo. Los patrones pueden despedir a los empleados por cualquier razón, si hay un contrato hay que respetarlo, pero si no lo hay, los empleados son empleados por voluntad, así como el empleado tiene derecho a dejar el trabajo por cualquier razón, el... --- - Published: 2024-02-08 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/colorado-injured-workers-pharmacy-explained/ - Categories: Medical Benefits, WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado, Denver Workers Compensation, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Colorado Injured Workers Pharmacy Explained - The number one priority when serving injured workers is getting them quality care, and one of the biggest facets of getting them quality care is making sure that they get their prescriptions timely. https://youtu. be/Gr83F4p0z7s? si=c-Gg9Q0YeCun8aEW What is an Injured Workers Pharmacy? Injured Workers Pharmacy (IWP) will deliver your workers’ compensation medications to you. The service is very prompt, the medications are delivered within a couple of days after sending the prescription and it’s a simple process. For some clients, even when the insurance company was trying to deny their cases, IWP never denied their medications and always got them in time. Enrollment is very easy, we call IWP and the person will be enrolled in 5 minutes. We have clients who speak English, Spanish, and Somalian, and IWP has people who speak their language. The clients don’t have to pay anything, and IWP ensures they get their medications on time. Injured Workers Pharmacy is a great partner Authorizing prescriptions can be very difficult, for example, if we’re trying to get authorization from an adjuster on a Friday afternoon for a client who needs medication for the weekend after surgery, the adjuster might already be out for the weekend, but since IWP we have not had problems. IWP has been a great partner with our law firm helping our clients. We’ve had cases where our clients weren’t able to return to work because of the effects of the prescriptions, and IWP pharmacists have been... --- - Published: 2024-01-31 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/las-protesis-estan-cubiertas-por-compensacion-al-trabajador/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: colorado, spanish lawyers ¿Las prótesis están cubiertas por Compensación al Trabajador? - En general, Compensación al Trabajador cubre todo el tratamiento que usted necesite para ser dado de alta con su salud completamente recuperada como estaba antes de su lesión, pero puede que no sea posible debido a la pérdida de audición, o de una extremidad. https://youtu. be/sX2LWhCEmmU ¿Qué es una prótesis? Las prótesis pueden ser brazos o piernas artificiales, aparatos auditivos, lentes, dientes, bastones, etc. , y bajo la ley son un beneficio de tratamiento médico cubierto al 100%. Por ejemplo, si usted pierde la audición debido a una lesión laboral, tiene derecho a un aparato auditivo, o si perdió un brazo y necesita un brazo mecánico artificial, Compensación al Trabajador debe cubrirlo. ¿Pueden reemplazarse las prótesis? Cuando las prótesis se desgastan por el paso del tiempo, la compañía de seguros debe pagar por una nueva, pero si la prótesis ya no es útil debido a que usted tuvo un cambio físico, si ahora es más grande o más pequeño, o algo de su cuerpo cambió, usted debe demostrar que el cambio fue debido a la lesión, sino no estará cubierto y usted tendrá que pagarlo. Estamos aquí para ayudar Los casos pueden ser muy detallados y complicados, por lo cual, si usted o un ser querido tiene una lesión de trabajo en Colorado, contáctenos, hablamos español y podemos ayudarle. Con o sin papeles usted tiene derechos. Llámenos al 970-356-9898, la cita es gratis y confidencial. Conéctate con Kaplan Morrell Facebook: https://www. facebook.... --- - Published: 2024-01-25 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-are-case-managers-and-why-are-they-involved-in-my-case/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: injury at work, workers comp, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog What are Case Managers and why are they involved in my case? - When you are injured on the job in Colorado, you will attend many medical appointments. You might suddenly find that a "case manager" starts attending the appointments with you. They tell you they are here to help. They may even tell you that you have to let them participate in your medical appointments. What's true? What are your rights? Do you have a choice? https://youtu. be/Py7DWigywOQ? si=jaLXepPULmvZ8ZZf Why is a case manager showing up at my medical appointments? In Workers’ Compensation, there are a lot of people that often get involved in your life when you are injured and one of them is the adjuster from the insurance company and another is the doctor who is treating you. Sometimes a person called a “case manager” may contact you and they may tell you “I'm here to help make sure everything goes smoothly and to make sure that you get the care you deserve. ” They could also make it seem like you don’t have a choice about them attending your medical appointments. When it comes to dealing with case managers, it can get complicated, so let's talk about your rights, what a case manager is, what they are supposed to do, the red flags you need to look out for, and when to tell them to get out of your life. What is a Case Manager supposed to do? As you can imagine, work injuries can be... --- - Published: 2024-01-24 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/que-pasa-si-llego-a-un-acuerdo-y-me-vuelvo-a-lastimar/ - Categories: En Español - Tags: Denver Workers Compensation, spanish lawyers, workers compensation ¿Qué pasa si llego a un acuerdo y me vuelvo a lastimar en la misma parte del cuerpo? - Una pregunta que suele surgir entre las personas cuando no saben si aceptar un acuerdo sobre su caso de Compensación al Trabajador es la siguiente: ¿Qué pasa si me vuelvo a lastimar en la misma parte del cuerpo? https://youtu. be/SMYWIYGMjUI? si=KcaAD9UxQnDsuODW Cuando llega a un acuerdo en un caso de Compensación al Trabajador, usted renuncia a su derecho para recibir más beneficios, dinero, tratamiento médico, por una lesión que ocurrió a una parte de su cuerpo en un día en particular. 4 maneras de cómo puedes lesionarte ¿Qué sucede entonces si, por ejemplo, usted se lesiona la espalda, llega a un acuerdo, y se lesiona otra vez la espalda en el futuro? Es muy importante cómo se lesiona, y hay 4 maneras en que puede lesionarse: 1. Se vuelve a lesionar con el mismo o diferente trabajo o patrón 2. Se vuelve a lesionar, pero fuera del trabajo 3. Su condición empeora naturalmente 4. Su condición empeora debido a su edad o cambios en su cuerpo ¿Cuáles son sus derechos si no se llega a un acuerdo? Si se vuelve a lesionar fuera del trabajo o porque su condición empeoró debido a edad o cambios en su cuerpo, la compañía de seguros del antiguo reclamo no pagará nada. Si tiene una nueva lesión en el trabajo, es un nuevo caso y estará cubierto con nueva fecha de lesión, y deben pagar... --- - Published: 2024-01-23 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/are-you-covered-under-workers-compensation-when-injured-off-premises/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws Are You Covered Under Workers' Compensation When Injured Off-Premises? - A lot of people think that if you are not on company property, off-premises, and you get injured it’s not work-related. https://youtu. be/L8owYD_MylQ? si=c9RAQcNppRPZGkJk What happens if I’m still in the building? Even if you clocked out, even if you’re not doing any work and leaving the premises, chances are that is still covered under Workers’ Compensation. For example, if you are no longer in your offices, but you have an accident in the building, it would probably still be covered, or if you go down to get the mail, it would be covered because you’re doing part of your work. What happens if I’m in the parking lot? If you’ve already left the building and you’re walking to your car and you slip and fall, it typically isn’t covered. Still, if your employer told you where to park then it would be covered, so if, for example, the employer told you that the closer parking spots are for clients, and you have to walk a longer distance to get to your car, you would be covered. If you’re driving in your car in the parking lot and somehow you get injured, that’s still covered because you’re still in the parking area that the employer designated. Once you leave the parking lot, you’re no longer covered. If you leave the parking lot but you’re still doing your job, then you will be covered. We’re here to help The cases can... --- - Published: 2023-12-21 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/el-salario-de-mi-segundo-trabajo-compensacion-de-trabajador/ - Categories: En Español, Preocupaciones Laborales - Tags: abogado de compensación, abogado en colorado, Compensación al trabajador, Compensación Laboral Colorado ¿El salario de mi segundo trabajo lo cubre Compensación de Trabajador? - ¿Qué pasa si usted tiene 2 trabajos y se lesiona en uno de ellos? ¿Tiene sueldos perdidos en ambos, o en uno sí y otro no? ¿Qué pasará con tus salarios? Existen 3 situaciones que se pueden presentar. https://youtu. be/VkjZh6pV-gI? si=Z8TfjmPv4VtHUNnC ¿Puedo recibir sueldos perdidos por los salarios de ambos trabajos? ¿Puedes recibir el salario de tu segundo trabajo y que Compensación de Trabajador lo cubra? Si se lesiona en un trabajo y debido a la lesión esta faltando también al otro trabajo, al preguntarle a la compañía de seguros si le darán sueldos perdidos por ese otro trabajo, la compañía podría decirle que no lo cubren porque según la ley solo deben cubrirse los sueldos perdidos del trabajo en donde se lesionó. Efectivamente la ley no requiere que el otro trabajo se cubra, por lo cual las aseguradoras no quieren aceptar responsabilidad, pero nosotros podemos ir a corte para demostrarle a un juez que usted debe recibir esos sueldos perdidos, ya sea de uno, dos, o más trabajos, y la mayoría de las veces lo conseguimos. ¿La compañía de seguros puede reducir mis sueldos perdidos de un trabajo con el salario del otro? Si usted se lastimó en el trabajo 1 y no puede seguir haciendo ese trabajo, pero aún puede continuar realizando el trabajo 2, la compañía de seguros podría intentar reducir sus sueldos perdidos, pero no pueden hacerlo. Por ejemplo, si usted recibía $600 del... --- - Published: 2023-12-13 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/negligencia-medica-compensacion-del-trabajador/ - Categories: Asistencia Médico, En Español - Tags: Compensación al trabajador, spanish lawyers, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Negligencia médica y Compensación del Trabajador - ¿La negligencia médica está cubierta por compensación del trabajador? Si usted tiene una lesión de trabajo podría sufrir negligencia médica. Por ejemplo, si usted necesita operación en el brazo izquierdo pero el doctor opera el derecho, o puede suceder que los doctores no le atiendan bien y debido a eso usted tenga problemas adicionales y requiera más tratamiento médico. https://youtu. be/vIQ3kB6PPhs ¿Puedo demandar al doctor por negligencia médica? Sí, usted tiene derecho a demandar a los doctores, o clínicas de medicina, o de terapia, si debido a su negligencia profesional causan más problemas o daños permanentes durante su tratamiento médico. El problema es que esos casos son difíciles por varias razones, pero principalmente porque son casos muy costosos, pues se requieren muchos doctores y muchos expertos, y hay que pagarles, y se gastan miles de dólares, por lo cual es complicado encontrar un abogado que tenga y quiera invertir ese dinero. Deben ser daños extraordinarios, por ejemplo, perdida de una extremidad, fallecimiento, pérdida del control intestinal, etc. , para que se justifique el gasto necesario. ¿Compensación al Trabajador cubre la negligencia médica? Sí, no solamente sus necesidades de tratamiento médico y los sueldos perdidos están cubiertos si son resultado de una lesión laboral, sino que, si usted sufre otra lesión durante el tratamiento médico, también eso está cubierto. Por ejemplo, si usted se lesionó la espalda y está yendo a terapia, y en la terapia hacen algo que le ocasiona una lesión de... --- - Published: 2023-12-04 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/calculating-average-weekly-wage-colorado/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: average weekly wage, colorado, denver worker comp attorney, workers compensation Calculating Average Weekly Wage for Workers' Compensation in Colorado - One of the most important areas in any Workers’ Compensation case is calculating what’s called the average weekly wage since it has some incredible impacts on the case. https://youtu. be/WMnB-cx6hBA? si=vtoBFzVUK-xovxWO The average weekly wage is the injured worker’s gross income at the time of the injury. How much were they making at not only the job they were injured at, but if they were working at other jobs, we can also try to get that included. Average weekly wage includes fringe benefits, overtime, and concurrent employment, which are other jobs that the injured worker was performing at the time of the injury, and it’s very critical because most of the injured benefits are based on calculating the average weekly wage correctly. How’s the average weekly wage calculated? The insurance companies typically say, how much did you make the prior six weeks or 12 weeks before you got injured? And then they’ll add it up and divide it by 6 or 12, but sometimes that doesn’t work for different reasons. For example, what happens if you’re in a kind of job where you do seasonal work, and you’re injured right before the big push comes, and all the time prior, you were earning less than you normally do? Or what happens if you get a raise right before the injury? If they just do the division, it’s going to dilute the raise. Importance in calculating average weekly wage accurately In... --- - Published: 2023-11-27 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/injured-off-the-clock/ - Categories: Red Flags, Mistakes & Myths - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, injury at work, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Is An Off-the-Clock Injury Covered By Work Comp? - Many people think that if you’re not clocked in and you get injured it’s not work-related. https://youtu. be/lt11n7fRZkc? si=M9GORmxQkp7_ntFN What happens if I’m still in the building? Even if you clocked out, even if you’re not doing any work and you are leaving the premises, chances are that is still covered under Workers’ Compensation. For example, if you are no longer in your offices, but you have an accident in the building, it would probably still be covered, or if you go down to get the mail, it would definitely be covered because you’re doing part of your work. What happens if I’m in the parking lot? If you’ve already left the building and you’re walking to your car and you slip and fall, it typically isn’t covered, but if your employer told you where to park then it would be covered, so if, for example, the employer told you that the closer parking spots are for clients, and you have to walk a longer distance to get to your car, you would be covered. If you’re driving in your car in the parking lot and somehow you get injured, that’s still covered because you’re still in the parking area that was designated by the employer. Once you leave the parking lot, you’re no longer covered. If you leave the parking lot but you’re still doing your job, then you would be covered. We’re here to help The cases can be... --- - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/to-be-released-back-to-work/ - Categories: Employment Concerns - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, injury at work, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog What Does it Mean to be Released Back to Work? - What happens when the doctor releases you back to work after you've been injured on the job? What does that mean? How do you know what your work restrictions are and how can they affect you? What are your options? Let's dive into it. https://youtu. be/VtgIEMipNrc? si=yXpmyAMo9e7wpLzW Restrictions on injured workers when released back to work When you’re seriously injured on the job, there’s a lot you’ll have to deal with. In addition to meeting with doctors and figuring out your medical care, it’s also likely that you won’t be able to work the same way you used to. The workers' compensation system looks at this and they’ll want to know your doctor ordered restrictions. If your work injury happened in Colorado, the chances are, you're getting medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in occupational medicine. They know at the end of every visit to give you restrictions. The restrictions might be; “Don't lift more than 5 or 10 pounds, no pushing, no pulling more than 30 pounds. ” Sometimes they get specific and might say that you can't lift from the floor to the waist, etc. All of those things are called your work restrictions. Have open communication with your doctor First, if you’ve been released back to work, you need first to ask the doctor, "Am I being released back to work with restrictions or without restrictions? " If the doctor says without restrictions, then it's... --- - Published: 2023-11-17 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/if-my-employer-is-uninsured-can-i-still-get-work-comp-insurance/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws Employer Is Uninsured If My Employer Is Uninsured Can I Still Get Work Comp Insurance? - We will discuss how it’s possible to still get Workers’ Comp insurance despite your employer not carrying it as required. You might be asking, “Well, how is that possible? ” let’s get into it. https://youtu. be/WYMmMZoTn9U? si=-WEKH0lJXn5ELK62 What is a statutory employer? Workers' Compensation Law in Colorado has a term called a statutory employer. A statutory employer is an employer who is responsible for paying Workers' Compensation benefits. Sometimes, they are not your direct employer, but you are still considered their employee for Workers’ Compensation purposes. But how does that happen? How can a statutory employer give me Workers’ Compensation insurance? Here’s an example of how a statutory employer works: let’s say you are a worker for a new construction project, and there’s a company that is the general contractor; let’s call them Big Builder. Now, Big Builder doesn't dig any holes, pour any concrete, make the framing, or put in the rebar; in fact, Big Builder doesn't do anything except make sure all the companies do their job in the order that they’re required, according to standard. So, Big Builder hires Fred Farmer to pour concrete, and then Fred Famer hires you. You get injured on the job, but Fred Farmer says, “I’m sorry, I don't have Workers’ Compensation insurance! ” The law then states that if Fred Farmer doesn't have Workers’ Compensation insurance, you can go to Big Builder and get covered... --- - Published: 2023-11-15 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-is-my-work-injury-case-worth/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, colorado, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog What is My Work Injury Case Worth? - Let’s talk about something that almost every injured worker wonders, “What is my work injury case worth, and what’s the typical payout? ” Let's dive in!   https://youtu. be/4papjeJeqe4? si=yFMJDZPXKVHCGGpR The common question among injured workers... Often, we’re asked “What’s my case worth? What’s the payout? ” We’re sorry to tell you but it will always depend on the situation of your case. No case is the same, there are factors that could drastically change it. It could be worth more or less depending on the state where the worker was injured, their medical records, or what time they were injured, there are so many variables that could change the case. There’s no attorney on this planet that can tell you what your case is worth without being given extensive information. The only way to know what your case is actually worth is to have your attorney look at your whole file, see your entire medical history, and how much longer you’ll be treating with a doctor before we can even begin to calculate the worth of your case. We’re here to help Hopefully, this answers the question about why it's hard to answer the question and why it might feel like you're not getting a straight answer. Lawyers keep saying “It depends! ” but the truth is, it does depend. So if you really have a question about your case and what it might be worth, give us a call at... --- - Published: 2023-10-30 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/liability-for-your-work-injury/ - Categories: Compensability, WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado insurance company, injury at work, liability, Workers Compensation Blog Has the insurance company admitted liability for your work injury? - The most important thing we look for at the beginning of a case is if the insurance company has admitted liability on the case, have they admitted that it was in fact a work injury? And if they haven’t, we have to go to court and prove that our client did suffer an injury, and that fight is called compensability. https://youtu. be/EbwLk9VZsPo? si=WpRxcaifE1JLuqxm Admitted liability and proving it was a work injury In order to get the benefits that they’re entitled to under the Workers’ Compensation Act, injured workers have to prove that they were injured within the course and scope of their employment. Denial of liability According to Workers’ Compensation divisions on audit, insurance companies deny 1/3 of the claims that come in. We don’t have to prove fault or extent of the injury, just whether or not the injury occurred at work, and yet it’s denied 1/3 of the time. What we have to prove is that it’s more likely than not that the injured worker did in fact injured themselves at work. It's good public policy for insurance carriers to allow injured workers to seek treatment upon asking for treatment, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the carrier is going to admit liability for all the workers’ compensation benefits that can result from an injury. The law says that just because the insurance company has paid for medical care does not mean it’s an admission that... --- - Published: 2023-10-27 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/medical-benefits-with-colorado-workers-compensation-insurance/ - Categories: Medical Benefits, WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, injury at work, medical benefits, Workers Compensation Blog Medical Benefits with Colorado Workers’ Compensation Insurance - When you’re injured on the job the major benefit you can get under Workers’ Compensation is medical benefits, and it’s better than any other benefit you can get under any other type of insurance because of 2 reasons. https://youtu. be/4I4PoLv8vEY Medical Benefits with Colorado Workers’ Compensation Insurance Firstly, there are no co-pays and no deductibles, the insurance company will pay 100% of the medical care. Secondly, there’s no limit to it, no lifetime limit, no per accident or per condition limit, the insurance company is obligated to give you whatever medical care is reasonable and necessary. Furthermore, Workers’ Compensation only pays you a portion of what you lost. For example, lost wages are only 2/3, and they don’t pay 100%, but the medical benefit is the only benefit that’s not only paid 100% but it’s also the only benefit that it’s designed to get you back to the way you were before the injury. How do Medical Benefits work? When you get injured on the job and you give your employer notice, your employer is supposed to give you a list of doctors. If it’s an emergency get to the emergency room, and after it the employer should give you the list of doctors, and you will have to choose between them. Chances are those doctors have been selected by the insurance company, and the one you choose will be the authorized treating doctor. If the employer doesn’t tell you to go... --- - Published: 2023-10-23 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/injured-at-work-and-your-employer-has-no-insurance/ - Categories: Compensability, WC & Other Laws - Tags: colorado insurance company, injury at work, insurance, workers compensation Injured At Work And Your Employer Has No Insurance? - What happens when an injured Colorado worker finds out their employer does not carry Workers’ Compensation insurance? What options are there? https://youtu. be/EE5aL3U9PXQ? si=_QGeDK69H5u4W4nm Is my employer required to have Workers’ Comp insurance? Workers’ Compensation is state-required insurance for all employers in Colorado and most other states. If an employer doesn’t carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, they can be penalized and/or fined. However, just because it’s required by law doesn't mean that people always follow it. We will get calls every now and then from people who say “I was working for this employer and they don't have insurance. ” Now, there's a website where we can go and verify if the employer has coverage or not, and that's initially our first step. What if my employer does not have insurance and I got injured at work? The biggest problem about getting injured while working for an employer who doesn't have insurance isn’t getting an order, it’s collecting on the order. A lot of people think their employer must be very rich but some employers don’t have any assets. For example, if all they have is a couple of tools and a few trucks bought with borrowed money, you may be dealing with somebody who doesn't have assets. You can get an order saying that your employer must pay you $150,000 but if they don't have $150,000 you’re not going to get paid. If you start going after their accounts pretty... --- - Published: 2023-10-05 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/reporting-a-work-injury/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: Denver Disability, injury at work, reporting work injury, work injury colorado, Workers Compensation Blog Reporting A Work Injury - One of the most critical times of an injury is when you report it to your employer. It is crucial. Depending on how, when, or if you do it at all, it can affect your entire case. Reporting a work injury can dictate whether or not an insurance carrier denies a claim. https://youtu. be/6jel9rgrebc? si=tdAgUVbv1DipDU_W Common reasons why people don’t report an injury There are many reasons why people don’t report an injury. It’s common to hear that they didn’t report it because they thought the pain was going to go away, or they were afraid of losing their job, or there’s a safe workplace incentive and there’s a lot of downwards pressure on an injured worker not to report their injury. We’ve even had clients who didn’t report the injury and went to their own doctor because they wanted to do their employer a favor, they didn’t want to complicate things and cost them money. The sad part in those cases is when the injury is serious because they get stuck in a situation where they don’t have a job, no income coming in, and the employer doesn’t have to pay anything, and they need medical care but they don’t have access to any sort of treatment. The importance of reporting your injury Let’s pretend you’re at work and you do something and you feel some pain in your back, but you think you don’t want to cause a stir and it will probably... --- - Published: 2023-09-28 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/what-is-average-weekly-wage/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: average weekly wage, colorado workers comp benefits, injury at work, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog What Is Average Weekly Wage? - In Workers’ Compensation a lot of your benefits, particularly the money benefits, depend upon what your average weekly wage is. The more money you make when you are injured, the more money you will be compensated in general. One of the benefits when you’re injured on the job is called Temporary Total Disability (TTD) or Temporary Partial Disability (TPD). These are the lost wages while you’re treating and have restrictions, and you’re losing wages because of the work injury. The more you make, the more lost wages you’re going to have. There are some other benefits that are also dependent on a person’s average weekly wage, an impairment rating for example. So, it’s really important that your average weekly wage is correct. https://youtu. be/ZVh-25X61OI Average Weekly Wage calculation The insurance company calculates the average weekly wage, but it might not be as favorable as it could be. They look at the last 12 weeks and divide the total earned by 12 weeks. Additionally, if you’re on a salary, it might be a simple matter. If you make a thousand dollars a week regardless of how many hours you work, regardless of what’s going on with the business, then calculating your average weekly wage might be very simple. However, there are situations where it’s not. Situations that impact the Average Weekly Wage We’ve had clients on seasonal fluctuating work. This means while 12 weeks before their injury they might have been working only 30 hours... --- - Published: 2023-09-21 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/i-finished-my-work-injury-treatment-now-what/ - Categories: Medical Benefits - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, injury at work, medical treatment, work injury treatment, workers compensation I Finished My Work Injury Treatment, Now What? - In previous blogs, we’ve addressed Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), which is the moment when doctors consider there’s no more medical treatment that can make you improve your condition any further. Nonetheless, what happens after MMI? A lot of times doctors will say your case is closed. However, that’s not the case. Your case is not closed, it just means they’re shutting down their medical file for you, at least for the moment. https://youtu. be/Zi48B_auzpQ My work injury treatment is done and I now need maintenance care After MMI you may still need maintenance care. This means it is treatment, not to get better, but to maintain your condition. If your doctor recommends maintenance care, make sure that you do it. If the doctor prescribes medications, exercise, or therapy, you should keep doing that. Make sure you’re continuing with the maintenance medications, because if you let time go by without getting them, the more time that passes, eventually the insurance company will say that you don’t need it so they will not provide it anymore. What happens with work after my treatment is done and I am placed at MMI? You might be off work and you might be getting some Workers’ Compensation benefits, but until you get what’s called a final admission of liability, you’re not able to apply for unemployment, but the moment you get it you should apply for unemployment. There can be 3 work situations after MMI: 1.... --- - Published: 2023-09-14 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/i-got-a-final-admission-of-liability-what-do-i-do/ - Categories: Claims Process - Tags: Denver Workers Compensation, final admissions, Greeley Workers Compensation, workers comp, Workers Compensation Blog I Got A Final Admission Of Liability, What Do I Do? - The final admission of liability is one of the most important documents you can receive during your Workers’ Compensation case. Most injured workers believe their case can’t be closed because they think they have to cash a check or they have to sign something to agree to allow their case to close, but that’s not how it is. https://youtu. be/lpX4QBkwZxk Why is the Final Admission of Liability so important? This document might be confusing and dense. It has a lot of words, and people don’t know what it means. However, the important part is that if you fail to do something with it within 30 days of it being sent to you, then your case can be closed. This means that all the rights that the carrier has admitted within that document are all you will get, and you don’t have the ability to dispute them. What do I have to do when I get it? You have to do several things when you get a final admission. First, you must object to it in writing. Then, send that objection to the state of Colorado and, additionally, send it to the insurance company. Furthermore, you have to decide whether or not you’re going to fight the treating physician’s impairment rating. There’s another form for that. If there are issues or benefits they didn’t admit to or that they did admit to but paid too little, you also have... --- - Published: 2023-09-07 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/disability-and-disfigurement-benefits-in-colorado/ - Categories: Benefits - Tags: Denver Disability, denver worker comp attorney, disfigurement benefit, Workers Compensation Blog Disfigurement Benefits - How Much Is An Individual Entitled To - In Colorado, disability laws allow for injured individuals with a scar or disfigurement to receive disability benefits depending on the extent of the disfigurement and where it is located. Watch as Denver disability lawyer Michael Kaplan explains how benefits are awarded to disfigured individuals in Colorado. https://youtu. be/gq5exghIROs Disfigurement Benefits Explained In my experience, one of the benefits that the insurance carriers cheat the injured worker out of the most is disfigurement benefits. Disfigurement benefits are paid to injured workers over and beyond all other benefits when their injury results in an actual disfigurement. The "Bathing Suit Rule" We have something informally called the "bathing suit rule. " What that means is that if you've suffered a scar of any sort that would be seen in public view that's not covered by a bathing suit, you would be entitled to disfigurement benefits. But how much and what counts? The amount that an injured worker is entitled to is anywhere between zero and a little bit more than $8,000, depending on the severity of your scar. Disfigurements can be considered loss of teeth, obviously, scars that appear on the skin, loss of hair, etc. The injury results in some type of permanent scarring and or disfigurement of the body. Do you have more questions? Additional Resources: Understanding the Disfigurement Benefit We’re here to help you with disfigurement benefits Have you or a loved one suffered a workplace injury in Colorado?... --- - Published: 2023-08-31 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/que-significa-causalidad-en-las-lesiones-laborales/ - Categories: En Español, Responsabilidad - Tags: Compensación al trabajador, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog ¿Qué significa 'causalidad' en las lesiones laborales? - Compensación al Trabajador cubre las lesiones derivadas del trabajo, así que usted podría pensar que si sufre una lesión estando en el trabajo está automáticamente cubierto y vice versa. Si no está en el trabajo no estará cubierto, pero ambos casos no son necesariamente verdaderos. Si usted sufrió una lesión en el trabajo, debe demostrar que la lesión fue derivada del trabajo, y si se lesionó fuera del trabajo, aun podría recibir beneficios si la lesión fue a causa del trabajo. https://youtu. be/2TJNy0le5hY En el trabajo, pero sin cobertura Una situación común son los ataques que no están cubiertos si este ocurrió debido a un problema fuera del trabajo. Por ejemplo, si tuvo un pleito que ocurrió fuera del trabajo con uno de sus compañeros de trabajo, y debido a eso su compañero lo ataca en el trabajo, probablemente no esté cubierto, pues no está relacionado al trabajo. Hay excepciones, por ejemplo, casos de violencia doméstica en el que se separa de su pareja, pero él o ella se vuelven violentos hasta el punto que debe cambiar de domicilio, pero podrían ir a su trabajo porque saben que le encontrarán ahí. En esos casos si ocurre un ataque y se lesiona, sí podría estar cubierto por Compensación al Trabajador. No es suficiente que algo le duela en el trabajo para que esté cubierto, sino que debe demostrar que algo en el trabajo causó ese dolor. Debe demostrar que hay una conexión entre... --- - Published: 2023-08-25 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/4-cosas-que-pueden-cancelar-tus-beneficios-de-salarios-perdidos/ - Categories: En Español, Responsabilidad - Tags: Denver Workers Compensation, injury at work, Workers Compensation Blog 4 cosas que pueden cancelar tus beneficios de salarios perdidos - En Colorado cuando tienes una lesión en el trabajo, tienes restricciones, aun no has sido dado de alta y no estás trabajando debido a que tus restricciones te lo impiden, tienes derecho a sueldos perdidos. https://youtu. be/jhVIBXgeIwk Cosas que que pueden cancelar tus sueldos perdidos Existen 4 cosas que pueden cancelar tus beneficios de salarios perdidos por lesiones laborales. Número 1 El doctor te da permiso para regresar al trabajo sin restricciones. Ese permiso debe ser por escrito, verbalmente no es suficiente. Número 2 El doctor te da de alta y te da un porcentaje de impedimento que la compañía de seguros acepta y admite. En ese caso terminarás de recibir cheques por sueldos perdidos, pero recibirás cheques por los puntos de impedimento. Número 3 Si tu regresas a un trabajo modificado y ganas el mismo sueldo. Si tu regresas a un trabajo modificado y estás recibiendo menos sueldo, tienes derecho a sueldos perdidos, pero si es el mismo sueldo no. Número 4 Tu patrón te ofrece trabajo modificado y tu decides no presentarte. Si tu patrón te ofrece el trabajo informalmente de forma verbal y tu dices que no, la compañía de seguros no puede parar los cheques de sueldos perdidos sin una orden del juez, pero si tu no estás de acuerdo ellos deben ir a corte. Si tu patrón te ofrece trabajo formalmente debe ser por escrito por correo certificado, con una descripción del trabajo modificado,... --- - Published: 2023-08-18 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/mi-lesion-laboral-se-debe-a-artritis/ - Categories: En Español, Errores, Mitos y Banderas Rojas - Tags: Compensación al trabajador, lesion de trabajo, Workers Compensation Blog ¿Dicen que mi lesión laboral se debe a tener artritis? ¿Ahora qué? - Después de sufrir una lesión en el trabajo los doctores podrían decir que usted tiene artritis y eso es una condición personal, por lo cual no se le va a pagar tratamiento médico ni sueldos perdidos. https://youtu. be/c35LMBbrJxQ ¿Realmente mi lesión laboral no esta cubierta si tengo artritis? Probablemente es cierto que usted tiene artritis, y probablemente la lesión no causó su artritis, pero si la lesión agravó o aceleró esa condición personal, entonces sí está cubierto por Compensación al Trabajador. Desafortunadamente muchos de los doctores que dicen que su lesion laboral se debe artritis no entienden qué es una agravación, pues piensan que tiene que haber un cambio visible, pero no es así, es suficiente si la lesión causó la necesidad de tratamiento médico y causó dolor donde no había. Yo ni siquiera sabía que tenía artritis, ¿qué puedo hacer? Antes de la lesión usted tal vez no sabía que tenía artritis, no tenía restricciones ni tenía que ir al doctor porque no tenía dolor, pero después de la lesión surgió el dolor, eso es evidencia excelente de que hubo una agravación. Si, por ejemplo, usted realiza trabajo pesado y va al doctor por otras condiciones, como problemas de sinusitis o ronquidos, que no tienen nada que ver con dolores de espalda, y no hay ninguna mención de lesión en la espalda, es gran evidencia para poder hacer un reclamo debido a que su lesión agravó... --- - Published: 2023-07-21 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/es/recursos-educativos/enfermedades-ocupacionales-lesiones-de-trabajo/ - Categories: Asistencia Médico, En Español - Tags: accidentes de trabajo, compensación de trabajadores, enfermedades ocupacionales, lesionado en el trabajo Enfermedades ocupacionales, ¿qué son? ¿Están cubiertas como lesiones de trabajo? - Hay 2 tipos de lesiones en el trabajo, uno son los accidentes y el otro son las enfermedades ocupacionales. https://youtu. be/ILgl8jVW8s8 ¿Qué son las enfermedades ocupacionales? Las enfermedades ocupacionales son una condición que se desarrolla poco a poco dependiendo de lo que ésta pasando en el trabajo. Por ejemplo, si hay un químico en el trabajo puede que no cause problemas inmediatamente, pero después de meses o años trabajando con ese químico comienza a generar problemas. Otro ejemplo es si usted ha trabajado toda su vida levantando cosas pesadas y tiene dolor de vez en cuando, pero con el paso de los años el dolor ya es la mayoría del tiempo y ya no puede soportarlo. La primera vez que usted se presentó para recibir tratamiento médico a causa de esa condición es considerada la fecha de la lesión. ¿Por qué importan mis actividades fuera del trabajo?   La compañía de seguros va a investigar lo que usted hace dentro y fuera del trabajo, pues ellos quieren averiguar si hay otra causa para su condición. Por ejemplo, si usted es aficionado a los autos y trabaja con un químico en su casa, la compañía de seguros tratará de echar la culpa de su condición a eso que usted está haciendo fuera del trabajo. Debe estar preparado para mostrar todos sus documentos de 2 a 5 años antes de su lastimadora, para poder ver si hay quejas previas. ¿Cómo debo... --- - Published: 2023-07-03 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/settlement-conference-tips-with-administrative-law-judge/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, workers comp, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog Colorado Workers' Compensation Law and Settlement Conference Tips with Administrative Law Judge - When you’re about to go to a settlement conference you should be ready to talk about what your injury was and how it has affected you. What Will an Administrative Judge Ask You? A judge will ask you the date you were injured, what happened to you at the accident, when did it occur, what parts of your body were hurt, how has it affected you, who are the doctors who have treated you, has any doctor said Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and given a rating, and what future medical maintenance would apply, and what are the work restrictions. https://youtu. be/K5gWTuKNpVE Division Independent Medical Examination Then the judge needs to know whether a final admission was filed and if not, whether anybody has asked for a division independent medical examination (DIME), which is critically important because the opinion of that doctor on the issues of MMI and permanent physical impairment can only be overcome by clear and convincing evidence, and his opinion will be held at an elevated status. Another opinion held at an elevated status when given by the DIME doctor is the opinion of causation. It’s an arduous task to overcome and throw out the opinion of a DIME doctor, who figures and calculates how much money the case is worth for settlement. These are all factors that make Workers’ Compensation complex litigation, and it’s an onerous task for both sides to prepare appropriately for... --- - Published: 2023-06-20 - Modified: 2024-07-23 - URL: https://kaplanmorrell.com/educational-resources/second-job-i-cant-work-because-of-a-work-injury-from-my-first-job/ - Categories: WC & Other Laws - Tags: attorney workers comp denver, Denver Workers Compensation, injury at work, workers compensation, Workers Compensation Blog I Have a Second Job I Can't Work Because of a Work Injury From My First Job. What do I do? - What happens if you have two jobs and you’re injured in one of them? You have restrictions and you’re getting medical care, but the other job can’t accommodate your restrictions. You call the adjuster because now you’re losing wages, and the adjuster says they don’t cover the other job's wage loss because you were injured in the first job, and the law doesn’t require them to pay lost wages from the second job. Can I get lost wages from both jobs? Yes, you should. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy because many adjusters either don’t get it or they’re just going to sit on the case and they won’t give you wages from your second job. If that happens you will need an attorney because it’s not automatic and not required, but once we get in front of a judge, 9 out of 10 times we can get the lost wages from your second job included and compensated from the insurance company. Can the insurance company use the wages from my second job to reduce the lost wages from my first job? No, they can’t. If you’re off work from your first job, where you got injured, but you’re still working at your second job because it’s lighter and more accessible, the insurance company might try to reduce your lost wages. For example, if you’re getting $900 a week... --- ---