Fatigue in the Workplace Can Lead to Injured Workers

Do you often find yourself tired while working?

Do you work long shifts that require a high level of physical activity?

Do you get the recommended amount of sleep per night?

According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, “Fatigue is a workplace hazard and can be associated with safety and health of the worker. It affects the health and safety of both the employee and his/her colleagues.” Are you at risk of falling asleep on the job?

Causes of fatigue in the workplace:

• Lack of sleep
• Dim lighting 
• Long shifts requiring high levels of physical activity
• Not enough breaks in jobs that require high levels of mental activity 
• Sleep disorders
• Overindulging in alcohol, caffeine and nicotine 

If you or someone you know has fallen asleep on the job and was injured, contact an attorney today to learn your rights! Injured workers who were victims of their own or another party's fatigue may need financial assistance. Workers compensation is available to those who qualify through the Colorado workers' compensation insurance program. 

At Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC. our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you navigate your claims and handle the complicated administrative and legal procedures. What are you waiting for? Call (970) 945-2396 now to schedule your FREE initial consultation with one of our Colorado workers’ compensation attorneys. The initial consult with our office is free! If you have a question or concern about your claim for Colorado Workers' Compensation, please set up an appointment with us to discuss your rights. 

Do You Have a Case?

Were you injured in a workplace accident?

Do you think your workplace was negligent or at fault for your accident?

Are you wondering if you’re eligible to file for a worker’s compensation claim?

There’s a very good chance you do!

You qualify for worker’s compensation benefits in Colorado if you work or have worked in any of the following positions:

• Agricultural worker
• Temp worker
• Seasonal worker
• Undocumented worker

Other positions may qualify, so it’s important to consult with a worker’s compensation lawyer about your rights as soon as possible. If you’re worried that you won’t be approved for additional benefits, you’re not the only one! But, with the help of an experienced Colorado workers compensation attorney you’ll find out if you have a valid claim for benefits!

If your health has been affected by your job, you’ve been hurt enough. Take some of the burden and worry away by contacting a Colorado workers’ compensation attorney. With an expert by your side through the whole process, you can take your mind off the legal issues and focus on getting better. Call today and get the support you deserve!

Get Started Today: Contact Experienced Colorado Workers Compensation Attorneys!

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 

Job Related Hearing Loss Workers Compensation Claims

Have you suffered hearing loss or tinnitus from your job?

Has your quality of life diminished due to your hearing injury?

Are you having a hard time finding work because you’re now hard of hearing?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), employers are obligated to focus on the following to minimize hearing loss: noise exposure monitoring, engineering and administrative controls, use of hearing protection devices, education, and noise level evaluation.

Did your workplace follow the CDC’s rules before your accident? Imagine how your life would be different if your employer followed the required safety precautions for preventing hearing loss.  

Individuals who suffer from hearing loss can face a reality in which they experience difficulty:

• hearing high frequency sounds
• understanding speech
• communicating with loved ones, co-workers, and neighbors
• playing with children and grandchildren
• participating in normal social activities

Get Started Today! 

The first step in asserting your rights and getting your legally owed compensation is contacting a Colorado workers’ compensation attorney. If your health has been affected by your job, you’ve been hurt enough. Let us take some of the burden and worry away!

We’re open to almost everyone, from any industry or background, and we’re happy to help you with your case. With an expert by your side through the whole process, you can take your mind off the overwhelming legal issues and focus on getting better. Call today and get the support you deserve! 970-945-2396.

When Will Payments Begin?

Are you worried about getting your first workers comp check?

Are you having trouble making ends meet?

Are you wondering when your payments will begin?

According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, “If the insurer determines you’re eligible for benefits, they will start paying for your authorized medical expenses and wage replacement (compensation), as soon as possible. Compensation benefits will be paid directly to you every 2 weeks to partially replace the wages you’re unable to earn due to your injury.”  

Your first payment won’t begin until your case has been admitted or ruled on by an administrative law judge, or until the two parties can agree upon a reasonable settlement. It may not go to trial, but your case needs to run its course to ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible. Want to ensure your rights are protected? Contact our experienced Colorado workers compensation attorneys today to get started.

Contact Experienced Colorado Workers Compensation Attorneys Today!

We’re willing to take on many cases that other attorneys find too difficult. Almost no case is too big or too small! We’ll investigate your case thoroughly and make sure you’re not being deprived out of what’s rightfully yours.

Let us help you today! Call (970) 945-2396 now to schedule your FREE initial consultation with one of our Colorado workers compensation attorneys. The initial consult with our office is free! If you have a question or concern about your claim for Colorado Workers' Compensation, please set up an appointment with us to discuss your rights. Call (970) 945-2396 today!

Understanding the Hearing Process

Are you worried about your hearing?

Are you afraid you won’t be compensated fairly for your injury?

Are you unsure what to expect during the hearing process?

At Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC., we want you to know everything you can expect up front! As a result, you won’t be misled by the insurance company during questioning. You’ll know exactly what to say. Your mind will be much more at ease!

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied after you file, it will usually take three to four months to get a hearing. While an expedited hearing can be requested, it will usually not occur any faster than a regular hearing, because the other side often asks for a continuance to prepare their defense.

What Does the Hearing Process Include?

Discovery- During discovery, both sides exchange information, facts and evidence that will potentially be used in the hearing.

Medical Records- The respondents for the insurance companies will ask about your medical records for the past 10 years. This is one of the key defenses they have against your claim as they explore whether you have a history of similar injuries that were not work-related.

Pre-Existing Conditions- We’ll work closely with you to identify how your workplace accident triggered the pre-existing condition or how it made it worse than it already was, if applicable.

Hire Expert Colorado Workers Compensation Attorneys Today!

Colorado workers compensation attorneys have been representing injured workers on the Western Slope of Colorado with over 72 years of combined experience. We strive to provide fair, honest, and aggressive representation.

Let us help you today! Our expert workers compensation lawyers would like to ensure your rights are protected! Call (970) 945-2396 now to schedule your FREE initial consultation!

What is Maximum Medical Improvement?

Are you still in pain and worried that you won’t qualify for future benefits after your impairment rating?

What happens if you’re unhappy with the maximum medical improvement determination? 

Can you ask for a second opinion?

After a doctor determines your Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), the doctor will provide you with an impairment rating. Your employer's insurance company will then use the doctor's determination to decide what, if any, future benefits you’re entitled to. If the insurance carrier admits permanent disability it will be done through a document called a "final admission of liability." At this point, any temporary disability benefits you have been receiving will stop.

According to Colorado state law, the insurer's decision will fall into one of four categories:

No future benefits: Your employer’s insurance company will decide that you’re not disabled and don’t require any further medical treatment related to your injury. 

Maintenance care benefits: Your employer’s insurer may determine that you need to undergo future medical care to maintain your condition. You can reach MMI even you need future care, as long as that future care is not expected to significantly improve your condition. 

Permanent partial disability: Permanent partial disability is awarded when you experience a permanent impairment or loss of function of a body part or body system, but you’re not so disabled that you can no longer work. Workers with permanent partial disability are entitled to a fixed benefit payment based on the doctor's disability rating and formulas set by state law. 

Permanent total disability: Permanent total disability is awarded to you if you’re disabled to the point that you can no longer earn wages in any future job. Permanent total disability benefits are paid for life. Usually, they’re the same as the temporary total disability payments that were made before you reached MMI; however, there’s a 50 percent offset for Social Security Disability benefits if you’re receiving these.

Are These MMI Decisions Final?

No, you’re allowed to dispute the doctor's determination that indicates MMI has been reached by asking for a Division Independent Medical Examination (DIME). Essentially, this is a request that another doctor issue a "second opinion" about your medical condition.

Get Started Today: Contact Experienced Colorado Workers Compensation Attorneys!

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

Accreditation of Physicians in Colorado Workers Compensation Cases

Have you heard too many horror stories about people who got stuck with a doctor they hated while recovering from a workplace accident?

Are you worried about finding a good doctor that can help aide you in your recovery?

Are you worried you’ll get stuck with an unaccredited doctor risking further injury or a longer recovery?

Getting and staying connected with a doctor for your workers comp injury is not a wonderful process. Nothing having to do with filing a claim is easy, but it’s the law, and we all have to follow it! 

According to Colorado workers compensation laws, your employer will provide you with a list of doctors that provide treatment for injured workers. However, if for some reason, you’re dissatisfied with your doctor, you’re allowed a one-time change within 90 days.

Don’t wait forever! The clock is ticking!

According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, “Level I accreditation is available to chiropractors, podiatrists, dentists and physicians and PAs who don’t perform impairment ratings. Level II accreditation is available to qualified MDs and DOs who perform impairment ratings.” All of the doctors who are on the list that can provide treatment to you should be on the list provided by your employer. However, it’s important to do your research because some doctors may slip through the cracks. 

Ensure that your health is protected and your recovery is on an upward trajectory. It always makes sense to consult with an attorney first. No matter what happened in your case, we’ll let you know whether or not an attorney is needed immediately or at all. Don’t waste your time with a law firm that isn’t giving you answers, and charges you just to ask questions. Our Colorado workers compensation attorneys at Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC. won’t charge you anything to ask simple questions, so what are you waiting for? 

Call (970) 945-2396 now to schedule your FREE initial consultation with one of our Colorado workers compensation attorneys today.