Is Corporate America Failing Its Injured Workers?

Did you know that some states are opting out of the workers compensation system?

Did you know that as a result, it may be harder for injured workers like you to retain any kind of workers compensation benefits?

According to an article written by ProPublica and NPR, “their investigation discovered that unlike most traditional workers’ comp benefits, which can guarantee lifetime medical care, the Texas plans cut off treatment after about two years. Many injured workers are still recovering after that time period; therefore, this time limit drastically affects the fair compensation an injured worker should be entitled to.”

Luckily, Colorado isn’t yet one of the states giving companies the option to opt out! The working class American is still a top priority in the state.  According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, an employer must have workers compensation insurance if they have one or more employees. 

Regardless of your situation, you deserve your legally owed compensation, and shouldn’t have to fear that you won’t be able to provide for your family. Our Glenwood Springs workers compensation attorneys have helped people from every walk of life, whether you’ve immigrated here, your boss tells you that you don’t deserve worker’s comp, or possibly even if you’re suffering from a work-related illness years after it happened.

Contact Experienced Glenwood Springs Workers Compensation Attorneys Today!

If you’re unsure whether you qualify or if you believe you’ve been wrongfully denied workers compensation benefits, speak to an experienced Glenwood Springs workers compensation attorney today! We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve!

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.

What are Colorado’s Top OSHA Violations?

Are you worried about your safety at work?

Do you believe that your workplace is failing to follow OSHA regulations?

Have you witnessed accidents in the workplace that could have been prevented?

The United States Department of Labor reports that the following are frequent violations in the workplace:

1.    Fall protection
2.    Hazard communication
3.    Scaffolding
4.    Respiratory protection
5.    Lockout/Tagout
6.    Powered industrial trucks
7.    Ladders
8.    Electrical, wiring methods
9.    Machine guarding
10.    Electrical, general requirements

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, “Workers, or their representatives, may file a complaint and ask OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA standards. A worker can tell OSHA not to let their employer know who filed the complaint.”

If you or someone you know was recently injured in a workplace accident, it’s important to consult with an attorney to ensure your rights are protected. You aren’t alone! Many people are battling the same issues, and they may have many of the same fears and questions. It always makes sense to consult with an attorney first.

Hire an Experienced Glenwood Springs Workers Compensation Attorney

At Kaufman Law, we stick up for the little guy. We think everyone deserves aggressive representation, and an experienced Glenwood Springs workers compensation attorney who will support them. The law can be complicated, which is why we have spent decades dedicating ourselves to defending the rights of others. Your case deserves the best, most experienced attorneys possible.

With Kaufman Law, your initial consultation is free. We’re happy to hear about your case and give you advice on how to start moving forward. No matter what your work related injury may be, our office will consider helping you and your family. 

“I Need an Attorney, But I Have No Money!”

Can’t afford an attorney?

Don’t worry! At Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC, we don’t get paid unless you get paid.

Colorado attorney fees for Workers' Compensation are set by statute at not more than 20% of contested benefits as a result of the attorney’s efforts. However, this does not include reasonable expenses or cases that are appealed. As a result, people generally consult with us for free until we enter our appearance. After that there’s no charge for time in appointments or for the work done by our office staff.  It’s also unlawful for us to take a fee on past medical expenses we recover. 

Since our Glenwood Springs workers comp attorneys offer a free initial consultation, you’ve got nothing to lose! If you’re eligible for worker’s compensation we won’t beat around the bush. If we can help you we will!

No matter what the 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 Glenwood Springs workers comp attorneys at Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC. won’t charge you anything to ask simple questions, so what are you waiting for?

Contact Experienced Glenwood Springs Workers Comp Attorneys Today!

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for workers compensation benefits, speak to an experienced Glenwood Springs workers comp attorney. We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve! 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.

What Should I Expect After Filing a Claim?

Are you worried that you could lose your job?

Do you know how long will it take for your case to settle?

Are you worried about what could happen if your claim is denied?

According to Colorado Workers Compensation Law, “If your claim is not disputed by your employer or its insurance carrier, it will be approved and an adjuster for the insurance company will typically contact you or your employer with instructions on how to submit your medical bills for payment. But be prepared; things do not always go smoothly. The employer, in an attempt to keep workers’ comp rates from skyrocketing, may fight your right to benefits.” So, be prepared to fight for your workers compensation rights!

If you need help filing for workers compensation you’ve come to the right place! No matter what type of 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 Glenwood Springs workers compensation attorneys' at Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC. won’t charge you anything to ask simple questions, so what are you waiting for? You first initial consultation is free, we don’t get paid unless you get paid!

If you want to file a claim for workers compensation benefits in the Western Slope against your employer, but would like to ensure your rights are protected, call our Glenwood Springs workers compensation attorneys’ today! We practice Colorado Workers' Compensation Law because we care about injured workers. Your case is very important. We make sure you and your case get the attention you deserve!

6 Tips for Improved Workplace Safety

Accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can you do to keep yourself safer at work. Here are 6 tips for workplace safety.

1.    Training
Should be a no-brainer, right? If you’re doing anything dangerous at work, you should have the proper training, so make sure you do. Less obvious is making sure your co-workers are also well trained. Maybe you don’t operate a forklift, but you want whoever does to know what he or she is doing!

2.    Environment
If you’re environment isn’t safe, being well-trained might not matter. If you work with heavy machinery, for example, your equipment should be maintained and inspected for safety. Your workspace is also subject to safety codes; ask around and make sure your company is doing its due diligence to keep you safe!

3.    Equipment
Should you be wearing a hardhat, gloves, mask, or steel-toed boots? Make sure you’re decked out in the gear that will keep you safe. First aid and other emergency equipment should also be accessible. If you can’t see a fire extinguisher from your workspace, find out where it is or talk to a supervisor about beefing up safety measures.

4.    No Shortcuts
If you’ve been at your job a long time, taking a shortcut once in a while might be tempting, but you must resist! Always follow procedure and best practices; some of that stuff is designed to keep you safe. You could compromise your workers comp claim and reduce benefits by 50 percent if safety rules or equipment wasn’t used at the time of your injury.

5.    Cleanliness
Maintaining a clean workspace makes your environment safer. Something as simple as spilled water could cause a disaster for you or a co-worker. Set an example of workplace safety and keep it clean!

6.    Health
Staying healthy outside of work can help you stay safer in your workplace. If you have a physical job, staying fit is important to your safety. Getting enough sleep and downtime will help you be healthier, more alert, and safer at work.

Follow these tips and be safer at work!

If you do experience a workplace accident and are looking for help with the workers compensation process, the Glenwood Springs workers comp lawyers at Kaufman & Kaufman are ready to work for you! A member of the team is available for you at (970) 945-2396. Or, get more information about your rights and benefits here.

What You Need to Know: Older Workers and Workplace Injuries

Worry about getting hurt at work and losing your paycheck? If your younger days are (far) behind you, it might surprise you to know older workers are less likely to be injured at work. More than 20% less likely according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in fact!

Before you think about taking off your hardhat or safety goggles, you should know older workers who were injured at work need more time away from work to recover. At 65 years and older, workers need 60% more time off work to recover from an injury, or about 14 days. That’s a long time to be missing a paycheck!

When you hire the experienced lawyers of Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC to represent you, you’ll be getting the quality representation and compassion you deserve. When you’re injured, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your family will be taken care of while you’re not working.

Get yourself some peace of mind and learn your workers compensation benefits and rights! Reaching out to the Glenwood Springs workers comp lawyers at Kaufman & Kaufman is a great start. Their expert advice and wealth of knowledge is available to you here or over the phone at (970) 945-2396.

7 Ways To Avoid Lifting Injuries!

Are you recovering from a back injury you suffered at work?

Does your job require a lot of heavy lifting?

Do you know how to lift heavy things correctly so you don’t hurt yourself?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 33 percent of all workplace injuries and illnesses that required days away from work in 2011. It’s important to keep your body safe because you only get one! 

The National Safety Council recommends the following when it comes to lifting excessive weight at work safely, including:

1.    Become educated about avoiding back injuries on the job.
2.    Stretch before work.
3.    Maintain good posture.
4.    Assess the load and decide if it can be handled by one person. Check for obstacles in your path. Set the task up to be as easy as possible.
5.    Note that back belts don’t prevent back injuries and can provide a false sense of security.
6.    Use mechanical equipment such as lifts or other equipment when necessary.
7.    Lift by bending at the knees and get as close to the load as possible. Keep your back straight and use your legs to do the heavy work. Avoid twisting when lifting, carrying or lowering the load. When carrying, keep the load as close to your body as possible. When you’re finished, take a few seconds to straighten and stretch your back.

We understand the worry and uncertainty you must feel when you’re not sure where your next paycheck is coming from. Please understand that in the state of Colorado you are entitled to workers compensation benefits if your injury happened at work. It’s important that you discuss your claim with an experienced Grand Junction workers compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

What’s the First Step?

The first step in defending your rights and getting your legally owed compensation is giving our Grand Junction workers compensation attorney a call at 970-945-2396. You’ll be able to speak to one of our worker’s compensation experts, and get advice on the best way to handle your case. We are open to almost everyone, from any industry or background, and we’re happy to help you with your case.

Are you ready to fight for yourself and provide a better life for you and your family? Call Kaufman & Kaufman, LLC. today at 970-945-2396.