Tips to Prepare for Your Independent Medical Exam

Your Independent Medical Exam (IME) may be one of the most important steps in your Colorado workers’ compensation case. The IME doctor’s report can carry significant weight in determining your benefits, so going in prepared is key. Beware, this is an expert opinion for the insurance company.

Here are five tips to help you get ready:

1. Review your medical records so you can provide accurate, consistent information.
2. Be honest and consistent when describing your symptoms—exaggeration can harm your credibility.
3. Bring a list of medications and symptoms to make sure you don’t forget important details.
4. Arrive early and stay professional—your demeanor is often noted in the doctor’s report.
5. Remember the doctor is observing beyond the exam room, including how you walk, sit, or move. 

Learn more about how to prepare for your Independent Medical Exam (IME) in Colorado here.

 

An IME can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys can help you prepare, challenge unfair findings, and make sure your rights are protected. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation!

4 Steps to Maximize Your Workers’ Comp Settlement in Colorado

If you’ve been injured on the job, your first instinct might be to trust the system to do what’s right. But when it comes to workers’ compensation, that can be a costly mistake. Many injured workers in Colorado settle for far less than they deserve—simply because they don’t know how to fight back.

Here are four essential steps to help you maximize your settlement:

1. Act Quickly – Report the injury and seek medical care right away. Delays can reduce your credibility.
2. Document Everything – Keep track of every detail related to your injury, treatment, and time off work.
3. Don’t Accept the First Offer – Insurers often start with lowball offers. You have the right to negotiate.
4. Hire an Attorney – An experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate your case, identify overlooked benefits, and protect you from unfair tactics.

 

Learn how to maximize your settlement before the end of the calendar year here.

 

You don’t have to face the insurance company alone. Contact the team at Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC. for a free consultation and get the support you need to pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (970) 945-2396 or visit us online today.

Workers’ Compensation Settlements: What to Expect

Reaching a settlement for a workers’ compensation claim depends on various factors, including the extent of your injury and legal representation. Here's what to expect:  

Settlement Timeline Influencers

Severity of Injuries: Serious injuries often require longer recovery times and evaluations.  

Legal Assistance: Experienced attorneys can streamline negotiations.  

Insurance Cooperation: A cooperative insurer helps avoid unnecessary delays.  

Legal Challenges: Disputes or litigation can slow the process.  

 

Tips to Expedite the Process

Cooperate Fully: Provide all requested documentation to your employer and insurer.  

Follow Medical Advice: Adhering to your doctor’s recommendations shows your commitment to recovery.  

Keep Detailed Records: Track appointments, lost wages, and limitations caused by the injury.  

Hire an Attorney: Professional guidance can protect your rights and expedite negotiations.  

 

Every case is unique, so patience and proactivity are essential. By working with a knowledgeable Colorado workers’ compensation attorney, you can improve your chances of securing a fair settlement.  Learn more here about how long it could take to settle your case here.

 

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today to Get Started!

 

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! Call (970) 945-2396 today or schedule your free consultation online.

Understanding the Workers’ Compensation Timeline

The time it takes to settle a workers’ compensation claim varies widely, depending on the complexity of the case, insurance company cooperation, and local laws. Here's a breakdown of the key stages and potential timelines:    

Initial Claim Filing and Processing

- Immediate Reporting: Promptly report your workplace injury to your employer.  

- Medical Treatment: Seek immediate medical attention and adhere to your doctor’s recommendations.  

- Claim Filing: Your employer or their representative must file a claim with the workers' compensation insurer.  

 

This phase typically takes a few weeks, depending on the speed of reporting and processing.  

 

Investigation and Review

Insurance companies investigate to confirm:  

- The nature and cause of the injury  

- Whether the injury happened at work  

- Medical costs and necessary treatments  

 

Disputes can extend this stage, lasting weeks or even months.  

 

Medical Treatment and Benefits

Once your claim is approved, you may receive:  

- Medical Benefits: Coverage for treatments such as doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and therapy.  

- Wage Loss Benefits: Temporary disability payments for lost wages.  

 

Efficient handling by the insurer and cooperation with medical providers play a crucial role in timely benefits delivery.  Learn more here about how long it could take to settle your case here.

 

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today to Get Started!

 

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! Call (970) 945-2396 today or schedule your free consultation online.

“What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?”

If you’re injured at your workplace and don’t have access to workers’ comp coverage, you have two options:

 

1.     Pursue benefits from your uninsured employer – They’re liable to offer you benefits an insurance company would have provided, plus a 25% penalty. Or you can also choose to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer for the benefits you’re entitled to.

2.     Seek aid from the uninsured employers’ fund – Colorado has a safety net for injured workers under uninsured employers. This will help you pay some of your expenses including: medical expenses and wage loss. To be eligible, the injury should have occurred after January 1, 2020, while you were working for an uninsured employer. You must also have a conclusive order from a judge confirming your entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits.

 

Learn more about your options when it comes to workers’ compensation benefits if your employer is uninsured here.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today to Get Started!

 

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys at Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC. today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! (970) 945-2396.

Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries in Colorado

Here are some common workplace injuries that are generally covered by workers’ compensation in Colorado, including:

• Exposure to asbestos
• Strokes
• Cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease
• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Head injuries
• Hernias
• Carpal tunnel
• Bulging discs
• Torn rotator cuffs
• Torn meniscus
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• General anxiety disorder

Most of these injuries are physical trauma, or trauma caused by repetitive motions or an occupational disease, but may be covered in one way or another by  workers’ compensation benefits. 

 

Learn more about common workers’ compensation injuries in Colorado here.

 

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today to Get Started!

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to experienced Glenwood Springs workers’ compensation attorneys at Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC. today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! (970) 945-2396.

Why Should I get an Attorney Involved?

Know your rights! The first thing an attorney can do is help people understand how the legal system works and how to navigate the system along with the pitfalls. If you’re not getting the benefits that you’re entitled to – which is very likely the case because it takes time – we can help. If we have to, we can go to court to get a judge to rule in your favor. 

We’ll investigate your workers’ compensation claim to ensure you get paid what you’re rightfully owed.

Learn more about our no fee unless we win policy here!

 

If you have questions about your workers’ compensation rights, work with our experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys! We want to get you the compensation you deserve. Call now for your free initial consultation at (970) 945-2396

As an Independent Contractor, Do I qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

Do you work in construction?

Did your employer hire you as an independent contractor, but you work 40 + hours a week?

That’s a trap! They’re trying to get themselves out of paying for workers’ compensation insurance. 

According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, “Workers are presumed to be employees unless proven otherwise. To prove that someone is an independent contractor and not an employee, the worker must:

• be free from direction and control in the performance of the work; and
• have an independent business doing that specific kind of work.

Paying someone with a 1099 does not make them a contractor.”

Learn more if you qualify for workers’ compensation as an independent contractor here.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today to Get Started!

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to an experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorney today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! (970) 945-2396.

We’ve Helped Many Injured Workers in Colorado!

"Mathew Kaufman worked with me on getting a settlement for my workman's comp claim. He did his research, kept me in the loop and was very informative with everything. The whole team was very helpful and friendly. In the end we ended up settling the claim for a little more than I had anticipated which was great. He is a very smart, well-educated attorney and I would recommend him to anyone with a workman's comp claim. Thank you for everything Kaufman and Kaufman,” Daniel, Grand Junction, Colorado.

Learn more about what happens when your employer fails to provide workers compensation benefits here!

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today to Get Started!

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to an experienced Colorado workers compensation attorney today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! (970) 945-2396.

Why Should You Settle?

If you’re struggling to pay your bills and medical expenses, you can get paid now if you settle your case. Insurance adjusters want to settle as many cases by the end of the year as possible to look good at their year-end review. Settling and closing cases towards the end of the year gets them to their goal.

Learn more here!

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today to Get Started!

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to experienced Colorado workers compensation attorneys today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! (970) 945-2396.

What if you can’t return to work? What happens then?

If you’re unable to perform your regular work function, you could be eligible for additional worker’s compensation benefits in Colorado. Insurers may provide disability benefits for a workers’ compensation settlement if you have some type of permanent disability. Attorneys at our firm will fight for your right to claim your settlement – over a period of time, or in a lump-sum payment.

Learn more here!

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today to Get Started!

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to an experienced Colorado workers compensation attorney today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! (970) 945-2396.

Why an Attorney is Necessary in Worker’s Comp Cases

Are you having trouble making ends meet after suffering from a work injury?

Are you frustrated dealing with your employer’s insurance company?

Is an attorney absolutely necessary to file for worker’s compensation benefits?

Yes. It’s always a good idea to contact an attorney to understand your rights! You could potentially lose out on a lot of worker’s compensation benefits. You can contact an attorney without formally hiring them, free of charge.

There are a variety of benefits and settlements for injured or ill workers that include but are not limited to:

Medical benefits: The insurer will cover the costs for most medical treatment you need while you’re recovering from an on-the-job injury or illness.

Lost wages: The insurer should make up a portion of your lost wages in most cases.

Don’t miss out on getting the most out of your worker’s compensation benefits. We’ll investigate your case thoroughly and make sure you’re not being deprived out of what’s rightfully yours.

Get Started Today: Contact an Experienced Colorado Worker’s Compensation Attorneys!

If you have questions about your workers' compensation rights, speak to our experienced Colorado worker’s compensation attorneys today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! (970) 945-2396