How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost in Colorado?

In Colorado, a workers’ compensation lawyer typically charges a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront and only owe attorney fees if your case is successful. For injured workers, this makes legal representation accessible during a financially challenging time. Understanding how much a Colorado workers’ compensation lawyer costs—and what that cost includes—can help you make confident decisions as you navigate your claim.

This article breaks down how workers’ compensation lawyers charge clients in Colorado and what that fee covers.

Do Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Charge Upfront Fees?

No, most do not. In Colorado, workers’ compensation lawyers generally do not charge upfront fees. Instead, we work on what’s called a contingency fee basis; you only pay if your lawyer helps you recover benefits or a settlement.

What Does That Mean for You?

• No Retainer: You don’t need to pay a deposit to get started.
• No Hourly Billing: You won’t be billed by the hour for phone calls, meetings, or paperwork.
• No Payment Unless You Win: If your claim isn’t successful, you owe nothing in attorney fees.

This setup is especially beneficial if you’re out of work and worried about how to afford legal help. It allows you to hire a lawyer without taking on more financial stress.

Free Consultations Are Common

Most Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers, including us, offer free initial consultations so you can ask questions and understand your options without any pressure or obligation.

What Is a Contingency Fee in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

A contingency fee means your lawyer only gets paid if they successfully help you recover benefits or a settlement. They take a percentage of the money awarded in your case.

How Much Is the Fee in Colorado?

In Colorado, the maximum contingency fee is generally capped at no more than 25% of your workers’ compensation benefits. This fee structure is regulated by state law to protect injured workers from being overcharged.

What Does the Fee Cover?

That percentage covers:

• Legal advice and strategy
• Filing and paperwork
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Representation at hearings, if needed

We are transparent about our fees from the beginning, so you’ll always know what to expect and never face surprise charges.

What Can You Recover for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to help injured workers receive the medical care they need. You can recover workers’ comp benefits for:

• Medical expenses, including future necessary medical care
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity, if you are unable to return to work due to a disability

What Other Costs Might Be Involved in a Workers’ Comp Claim?

While attorney fees are typically paid only if you win, there can be additional case-related costs in a Colorado workers’ compensation claim. These are separate from your lawyer’s fee and help cover the expenses needed to build a strong case.

Common Out-of-Pocket Case Costs

Your attorney may cover costs for the following:

• Medical Records: Copying and obtaining official medical documentation.
• Expert Witness Fees: If your case requires a medical expert or vocational expert to testify
• Deposition Costs: For collecting sworn testimony from doctors or other parties
• Filing Fees and Postage: Necessary in certain cases

Who Pays These Costs?

In most cases, these costs are advanced by your lawyer and later deducted from your settlement or award, not paid by you up front. You’ll typically review and approve how these costs are handled in your fee agreement.

We clearly explain all potential expenses before you sign anything. We want you to feel informed, prepared, and never caught off guard.

Why Should I Pay a Lawyer Part of My Settlement?

While you may be hesitant to share a portion of your settlement, having a workers’ compensation attorney can ensure you don’t make mistakes that jeopardize your right to benefits or leave benefits on the table.

What Can a Lawyer Do That You Can’t Easily Do Alone?

A workers’ comp attorney can:

• Challenge claim denials and fight for benefits if your employer or insurer pushes back
• Negotiate settlements to make sure you’re not being underpaid
• Represent you at hearings and deal directly with insurance company lawyers

Your attorney takes on the burden of handling the legal details so that you can focus on recovery.

We guide clients through every stage of the workers’ compensation process, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Colorado has strict legal deadlines, including the requirement to report your injury within 10 days and file a claim within two years of the incident. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your case. 

We: 

• Help ensure all forms are submitted correctly and on time 
• Represent you during hearings before the Office of Administrative Courts
• Manage communications with the insurance company

If your claim is denied, we handle appeals and motions with precision. From start to finish, we protect your rights, keep your case on track, and work to secure the benefits you deserve.

Our goal as your lawyer is to get you the benefits you deserve.

Contact a Colorado Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Colorado doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. With a contingency fee model, you can get the legal support you need without worrying about how to pay for it.

From denied claims to lowball settlements, navigating the workers’ comp system on your own can be frustrating and risky. But with a Colorado workers’ compensation attorney by your side, you’ll have support and guidance throughout the entirety of the process.

At Matlin Injury Law, we believe injured workers deserve clear answers, compassionate guidance, and confident representation—all without financial pressure.

If you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you understand your rights, your options, and how we can fight for the outcome you deserve.