What Should I Do After a Work Injury in Colorado?

After a work-related injury, it’s essential to report the incident to your employer as soon as possible, seek medical attention, and begin documenting everything related to your injury and treatment. Colorado workers’ compensation laws provide important protections for injured workers, but the process can be confusing, especially when you’re in pain or facing pressure from your employer or the insurance company. The steps you take after an accident are essential.

Whether your injury was minor or life-altering, knowing your legal rights and the proper steps to take can make all the difference in your recovery and financial future. If you’ve been hurt, a Colorado workers’ compensation lawyer can help.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury in Colorado?

When you’re injured on the job, acting quickly and thoughtfully can make a big difference in your recovery and your workers’ compensation claim. Here’s what you should do right away:

Report the Injury Promptly

Under Colorado law, you’re required to report a work-related injury to your employer within ten working days of the incident. Even if the injury seems minor, make the report. Failing to notify your employer in time can jeopardize your benefits. Make sure you:

• Tell your supervisor or manager as soon as possible.
• Follow up with a written notice—email works great.
• Keep a copy of anything you submit.

Get Medical Help

If it’s an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or urgent care right away. For non-emergencies, your employer may direct you to a specific medical provider. In Colorado, employers have the right to select the treating doctor, so don’t just go to your personal physician unless it’s urgent or you aren’t given a choice.

Start Documenting Everything

Write down the details while they’re fresh:

• What happened
• When and where the injury occurred
• Who witnessed it
• Any symptoms or pain you’re experiencing

Photos of the scene or your injuries can also help support your claim.

Who Do I Need to Notify About My Injury?

Notifying the right people in the right way is key to protecting your workers’ compensation rights in Colorado.

Tell Your Employer First

Your employer should be your first point of contact. Don’t just mean mentioning it in passing—it’s best to provide clear, written notice of your injury.

• Use your workplace’s injury report form if they have one. If not, send an email or write a letter describing what happened.
• Include your name, the date and time of the injury, where it happened, and what was injured.

Even if you think your supervisor already knows, written documentation helps avoid disputes later.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

While your employer is supposed to report the injury to their insurance company, it’s smart to protect yourself by also filing directly with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. You can file a claim using a form called a Worker’s Claim for Compensation (WC15).

You have 2 years from the date of the injury to file your claim—but don’t wait. You can get the WC15 form from your employer, the insurance company, or online. If your employer doesn’t report the injury or refuses to cooperate:

• Contact the insurance company directly (they must provide their contact info).
• Call the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation for help.
• Speak with a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are upheld.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Work Injury in Colorado?

In Colorado, you usually can’t choose your doctor for your medical treatment, at least not at first. Workers’ compensation laws give your employer or their insurance company the right to direct your initial medical care. Here’s what you need to know:

Authorized Providers Only

After you report your injury, your employer is supposed to provide you with a list of designated medical providers. You’ll need to choose one of these doctors for your treatment to stay eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

If you go to a doctor not on the approved list (unless it’s an emergency), your treatment might not be covered. Be sure to ask your employer for the list as soon as you report your injury.

Emergency Treatment Is an Exception

If your injury is serious and requires emergency treatment, go to the nearest hospital or urgent care right away. You won’t be penalized for this. After your condition is stabilized, you may be required to switch to a designated provider.

What If My Employer Doesn’t Provide a Designated Provider List?

If your employer doesn’t give you a list of approved providers:

• You may be allowed to choose your doctor.
• Be sure to document the lack of information.
• Contact the insurance company or a lawyer to confirm your options.

Stick With Your Assigned Provider and Treatment Plan

Once you begin treatment with an authorized provider, it’s important to:

• Attend all appointments
• Follow the treatment plan
• Get referrals or approvals for any specialists or tests

This not only supports your recovery, but it also protects your claim from being challenged due to “noncompliance.”

Why It Can Help to Talk to a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Early On

Navigating a work injury claim can get complicated, especially when you’re focused on healing. Having legal guidance early in the process can help you avoid common mistakes that may delay your benefits or reduce your compensation.

A lawyer can help you:

• Understand your rights and deadlines under Colorado law
• Make sure your injury is properly reported and documented
• Communicate effectively with the insurance company
• Keep track of medical records, wage loss, and paperwork
• Know what to do if problems come up, like a denied claim or employer pushback

Even if your claim seems straightforward, it can be helpful to have someone on your side who understands the system. Our law firm offers free consultations, and we work on contingency fees, so it’s easy to get answers before issues arise. 

Contact a Colorado Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

A work injury can leave you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and out of control, but you don’t have to figure everything out alone. By taking the right steps early, you put yourself in the best position to recover both physically and financially. Colorado’s workers’ compensation system is meant to help, but it doesn’t always work perfectly. Whether your injury is minor or serious, knowing what to expect can help you avoid delays, denials, or frustration. 

If you have questions or run into roadblocks, Matlin Injury Law is here to support you. Our Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys help injured workers across Colorado get the care and compensation they deserve—with honesty, compassion, and a no-pressure approach. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help you move forward in the legal process with confidence.