Quick Answer
Complete guide to Colorado workers' compensation including filing with Division of Workers' Compensation, benefit calculations, MMI determinations, and permanent disability awards.
Colorado workers' compensation provides medical treatment and wage replacement for employees injured at work, administered by the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation. If you've been injured on the job in Colorado, you're entitled to no-fault benefits.
Colorado offers comprehensive benefits with competitive wage replacement rates, full medical coverage, and permanent disability awards. Understanding Colorado workers' comp laws is essential to maximizing your benefits.
Quick Facts: Colorado Workers' Compensation
| Topic | Colorado Law | Most States |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 1+ employees | Varies (1-4+) |
| Temporary Disability | 66.67% of average weekly wage | 60-70% AWW |
| Maximum Weekly (2026) | Approx. $1,300/week | Varies |
| Filing Deadline | 2 years from injury | 1-3 years |
| State Agency | Division of Workers' Compensation | Varies |
| Disfigurement | Up to $15,000 | Varies |
Who Is Covered
Employer threshold: 1+ employees (including part-time)
Covered: Full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, undocumented workers
Exemptions: Independent contractors, casual labor (less than $2,000/year), sole proprietors, real estate agents, certain agricultural workers
Benefits Available
Medical Benefits
Coverage: 100% of reasonable and necessary medical treatment
No cost: No deductibles or co-pays
Includes: Emergency care, doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, medical equipment, mileage reimbursement
Doctor selection:
- Employer designates physician initially
- Employee can designate own doctor (one-time election before injury)
- Can request change after treatment begins
Temporary Disability
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): 66.67% of average weekly wage while completely unable to work
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): 66.67% of wage difference when working at reduced capacity
Maximum (2026): Approximately $1,300/week (91% of state average weekly wage)
Waiting period: 3 days (retroactive after 14 days of disability)
Duration: Until MMI or return to work
Permanent Disability
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Based on whole-person impairment rating
Scheduled injuries: Fixed weeks for specific body parts
Unscheduled injuries: Rating using medical impairment guides
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): 66.67% of wages for life if completely unable to work
Disfigurement Benefits
Serious disfigurement: Up to $15,000 for permanent scarring to head, neck, face, arms below elbow, legs below knee
Filing Process
Step 1: Report injury to employer immediately (within 4 days recommended)
Step 2: Seek treatment from employer's designated provider
Step 3: Employer files injury report with Division of Workers' Compensation
Step 4: If denied, file Workers' Claim for Compensation
Deadline: 2 years from date of injury or last medical treatment
Learn more: How to File a Colorado Workers' Comp Claim
Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation
Website: www.colorado.gov/cdle/dwc
Services: File claims, resolve disputes, find providers
Phone: (303) 318-8700 (Denver); (970) 248-7465 (Grand Junction)
Covered Injuries
- Work-related accidents and injuries
- Occupational diseases
- Repetitive trauma
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
- Mental impairments arising from physical injury
Not covered: Commute injuries, willful misconduct, intoxication-related injuries
Learn more: Covered Injuries in Colorado Workers' Comp
Retaliation Protections
Colorado law (C.R.S. § 8-43-107) prohibits discrimination for filing workers' comp claims.
Remedies: Reinstatement, lost wages
Learn more: Colorado Workers' Comp Retaliation
FAQs
Q: How much will I receive? A: 66.67% of average weekly wage, up to approximately $1,300/week (2026).
Q: Can I choose my doctor? A: You can designate your own physician in writing before injury. Otherwise, employer chooses initially.
Q: How long to file? A: 2 years from injury or last medical treatment.
Q: Can I be fired? A: No. Colorado prohibits retaliation for filing claims.
Q: Need a lawyer? A: Consider one for denied claims, permanent disability, or MMI disputes.
Related Colorado Topics
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about Colorado workers' compensation laws. It is not legal advice. Consult a qualified Colorado workers' compensation attorney for advice about your specific case.
Last updated: January 5, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Covered?
What is medical Benefits?
What is temporary Disability?
What is permanent Disability?
What is disfigurement Benefits?
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