Denver Workers Comp Disability Benefits Attorney
If a worker reaches maximum medical improvement but still suffers from work-related injuries, the worker may be eligible for permanent impairment benefits. There are two types of permanent impairment benefits in Colorado:
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits
303-785-2828 · Free Consultation · Contact A Lawyer
At the Eley Law Firm in Denver, we answer questions about workers’ compensation benefits and protect the rights of workers who have been injured on the job throughout Colorado.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits Are For Those Who Are Able To Work
Permanent partial disability benefits (PPD) are paid to workers who have a permanent physical impairment but can return to some type of employment. The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that injured workers who can earn any wages are entitled only to permanent partial disability benefits and are not entitled to permanent total disability benefits.
Permanent partial disability benefits are paid based on a disability rating provided by the authorized treating physician. This rating is based on a rating procedure provided by the American Medical Association in its publication “The Guides to Evaluating Permanent Impairment” (Third Edition, Revised).
Permanent Total Disability Benefits Are For Those Who Cannot Work
If a worker cannot return to any employment as a result of an on-the-job injury, he or she is entitled to permanent total disability benefits (PTD). Permanent total disability benefits are defined as two-thirds of the worker’s wages for the lifetime of the worker. The amount of these benefits is subject to the same limits as temporary total disability benefits.
In order to receive PTD benefits, the worker cannot be capable of returning to any employment, even if it’s part-time or for much lower wages than the worker received before the injury. Benefits entitlement is often based on the worker’s restrictions, job experience, training and available jobs in the area.
Insurance companies rarely approve PTD benefits without an order from a judge finding that the worker is permanently totally disabled. If you believe you are permanently totally disabled, you should contact an experienced Denver workers’ compensation lawyer at the Eley Law Firm for advice.
How Much Is Your Disability Benefits Claim Worth?
Permanent disability benefits are based on the nature of your work injury or illness and the wages that you earned. The specific value of your claim will depend on the severity and extent of your disability and the impact it has on your ability to work.
In general, the more severe and debilitating your condition is, the higher the potential value of your claim. Disabilities that significantly hinder your ability to perform your job duties and require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation tend to result in a higher disability rating and more compensation.
Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Is Stressful
Obtaining permanent disability benefits in Colorado can be a challenging process. These cases involve often catastrophic injuries that have radically changed the worker’s life. Due to the high value of these claims, they are often met with extra scrutiny from the insurance company, which can make it difficult to obtain fair compensation.
At the same time, navigating the workers’ compensation process is stressful even without considering the severity of the injury or illness. There are numerous complexities, paperwork requirements, and deadlines that must be met. The added burden of a permanent disability can make this process even more overwhelming and emotionally taxing for the injured worker.
This is why you need a workers’ compensation attorney from Eley Law Firm on your side.
Advantages of Working with a Disability Benefits Attorney
While it is possible to pursue a workers’ compensation claim alone, hiring an attorney can bring several benefits to your case. Your lawyer will act as your advocate throughout your case, working tirelessly to help secure the award that you deserve. He or she will handle the critical aspects of your claim so that you can focus on your life.
Below are just some of the advantages of working with a disability benefits attorney:
- Expertise in workers’ compensation laws: Disability benefits attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the specific laws and regulations governing Colorado’s workers’ compensation system. They understand the intricacies of the criteria used to determine permanent disability ratings and the corresponding benefits. This expertise allows your lawyer to navigate the complex legal framework and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Accurate evaluation of disability benefits: Determining the value of permanent disability benefits can be a complex process. You need to be able to assess the extent of your impairment and its impact on your ability to work. A disability benefits attorney can accurately identify and estimate the potential benefits you are entitled to receive.
- Handling complex paperwork and deadlines: Claims for disability benefits often involve extensive paperwork and strict deadlines. An attorney can help ensure that all necessary forms and documentation are accurately completed and filed within the required timeframes. Your lawyer can handle the administrative aspects, reducing the risk of errors or missed deadlines that could negatively impact your claim.
- Representation in hearings and appeals: If your permanent disability claim is disputed or denied, your attorney can represent you in hearings and appeals before the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. He or she will gather evidence, present your case before the court, and fight for your right to fair benefits.
How Much Is Your Disability Benefits Claim Worth?
Permanent disability benefits are based on the nature of your work injury or illness and the wages that you earned. The specific value of your claim will depend on the severity and extent of your disability and the impact it has on your ability to work.
In general, the more severe and debilitating your condition is, the higher the potential value of your claim. Disabilities that significantly hinder your ability to perform your job duties and require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation tend to result in a higher disability rating and more compensation.
Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Is Stressful
Obtaining permanent disability benefits in Colorado can be a challenging process. These cases involve often catastrophic injuries that have radically changed the worker’s life. Due to the high value of these claims, they are often met with extra scrutiny from the insurance company, which can make it difficult to obtain fair compensation.
At the same time, navigating the workers’ compensation process is stressful even without considering the severity of the injury or illness. There are numerous complexities, paperwork requirements, and deadlines that must be met. The added burden of a permanent disability can make this process even more overwhelming and emotionally taxing for the injured worker.
This is why you need a workers’ compensation attorney from Eley Law Firm on your side.
Advantages of Working with a Disability Benefits Attorney
While it is possible to pursue a workers’ compensation claim alone, hiring an attorney can bring several benefits to your case. Your lawyer will act as your advocate throughout your case, working tirelessly to help secure the award that you deserve. He or she will handle the critical aspects of your claim so that you can focus on your life.
Below are just some of the advantages of working with a disability benefits attorney:
- Expertise in workers’ compensation laws: Disability benefits attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the specific laws and regulations governing Colorado’s workers’ compensation system. They understand the intricacies of the criteria used to determine permanent disability ratings and the corresponding benefits. This expertise allows your lawyer to navigate the complex legal framework and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Accurate evaluation of disability benefits: Determining the value of permanent disability benefits can be a complex process. You need to be able to assess the extent of your impairment and its impact on your ability to work. A disability benefits attorney can accurately identify and estimate the potential benefits you are entitled to receive.
- Handling complex paperwork and deadlines: Claims for disability benefits often involve extensive paperwork and strict deadlines. An attorney can help ensure that all necessary forms and documentation are accurately completed and filed within the required timeframes. Your lawyer can handle the administrative aspects, reducing the risk of errors or missed deadlines that could negatively impact your claim.
- Representation in hearings and appeals: If your permanent disability claim is disputed or denied, your attorney can represent you in hearings and appeals before the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. He or she will gather evidence, present your case before the court, and fight for your right to fair benefits.
Workers’ Compensation · Free Consultation · Contact A Lawyer
Call Eley Law Firm today at 303-785-2828 for a free case evaluation from a workers’ compensation attorney. You may also fill out the email form on the Contact page, and a representative from the office will be in touch with you shortly.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping with your workers’ comp case.
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