720.709.5242 megan@coulterlaw.com

FAQ

Below is a list of common questions. The answers provide general information and are not necessarily applicable, or relevant, to your unique case. The information below is not intended as legal advice for your claim. In order to fully evaluate your claim, schedule your free consultation.

Do I have to tell my employer I was injured? If so, how and when?
An injured worker must provide written notice within 4 days of the injury. You may, however, pursue a workers’ compensation claim even if the notice does not strictly comply with this rule. Your claim is not barred simply because you did not provide written notice to you employer within 4 days.
How long do I have to pursue my workers' compensation claim?

Generally speaking, an injured worker must pursue a workers’ compensation claim within 2 years of the date of injury. The 2-year statute of limitations is often dependent upon the type of injury suffered by an employee.

I reported my injury and now the insurance company wants to talk to me? Can I talk to them?
You may speak with the adjuster. The adjuster is the person handling your claim for the insurance company. The adjuster will document the information you provide and may record the call too. If you choose to speak with the adjuster, the information you provide may become important to the insurance company when deciding whether to admit or deny your claim. If you do not know what to do, contact me to discuss the specific facts of your claim, and together we can decide how to proceed.
How do I know which doctor to go to? Do I go to my personal physician?
The employer is required to provide a list of doctors (a designated provider list) within 7 business days of notice, or knowledge, of your injury. If the employer fails to provide this information; then the insurance company cannot require you to be treated by the insurance company’s doctor. There is an exception if you need emergency medical treatment.
The insurance company wants me to sign medical releases. Should I sign them?

The insurance company is entitled to copies of your medical records. They are specifically entitled to the medical records if

    1. they are paying for the medical treatment, and
    2. you had previous treatment for injuries or conditions to the same or similar body parts injured in your workers’ compensation claim.

Additionally, medical records can be important information for the insurance company to evaluate whether to pay for your workers’ compensation claim.

The Workers’ Compensation Rules do require signed medical releases within 15 days from the date the insurance company sent the releases. The insurance company may also request a list of names and providers. If you received these requests from the insurance carrier, please contact me so we can discuss what to do.

I don’t like the doctor my employer sent me to. Can I change doctors?

Generally speaking, you may ask the insurance company for a new doctor.  The request, however, is governed by specific rules.  Contact me to discuss the specific facts of your case. 

What should I do if I need medical treatment, but the insurance company will not pay for it?
The insurance company is permitted to deny payment of medical treatment. Unfortunately, this leaves the injured worker paying for the treatment on their own.

If you need medical treatment, and the insurance company will not pay, contact me to discuss the specific facts of your claim in order to recover your out-of-pocket expenses.

If the insurance company pays for my medical treatment does that mean they accept my workers' compensation claim?
The insurance company may initially pay for medical treatment however they suddenly stop paying. The insurance company is permitted to pay for some of the medical treatment without accepting your claim.
The doctor said I do not need any more treatment. I was told I am at “MMI.” But I think I need more medical treatment. What do I do?
Contact me right away to discuss. You are not required to accept the opinion of your treating doctor regarding maximum medical improvement (MMI) or the accompanying impairment rating. There are, however, specific rules you must follow to contest the doctor’s opinion.
The insurance company suddenly stopped paying my lost wages. I need them to pay my bills. What do I do?

The insurance company may stop paying lost wage benefits. They must, however, comply with very specific rules to stop those benefits. Contact me right away to discuss payment of these benefits. I want to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

The adjuster/insurance company’s lawyer contacted me and offered me money to settle my claim. Do I have to settle?
No, you are never required to settle your workers’ compensation injury. Many times, the insurance company will offer you far less than what your claim is worth. Coulter Law can evaluate your claim and advise on the true value of your claim.
What if I am working remotely and suffer an injury? Can I get workers’ compensation benefits?
Yes, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. It is important to understand that your entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits is very fact specific. Let’s discuss the specific facts of your case.
I did not suffer a physical injury. I am, however, suffering mentally. Am I entitled to workers’ compensation benefits?
Yes, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for a mental injury. Additionally, in June 2020, the legislature expanded workers’ compensation benefits for psychological trauma. Injured workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if a traumatic event is seen or heard.

Call Us

720.709.5242

E-mail Us

megan@coulterlaw.com

Visit

200 Union Blvd., Suite 200
Lakewood, CO 80228

Business Hours

M–F: 8:30am–6pm MST

Mission

Coulter Law's mission is to challenge the insurance companies’ attempt to withhold the benefits you may deserve. Megan Coulter strives to provide calm in the chaos of a system that was designed to help you.