Navigating the aftermath of a workplace accident in Lakewood, CO, can be difficult. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial strain of a workplace accident may require professional guidance to recover from. At Matos Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you throughout the entire process.
Since 2016, our trusted Lakewood workplace accident lawyers have helped victims secure compensation for injuries sustained on the job. Contact our law offices today at (720) 912 7274 to schedule a free consultation if you’d like to get started.
NOTE: Our law firm does not handle workplace accident cases. This article is for informational purposes only. Information found in the article does not constitute as formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship.
How Can Matos Personal Injury Lawyers Help After My Workplace Accident in Lakewood, CO?
If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Lakewood, Colorado, a lawyer specializing in workplace accidents can help you navigate the process. Legal representation plays an important part in protecting your rights and securing adequate compensation. Our team of Lakewood injury attorneys can help you with:
- Understanding Workplace Accident Laws: Colorado has specific laws affecting workplace injuries and workers’ compensation. Our Lakewood lawyers understand these laws and how they will apply to your case.
- Evaluating Your Case: Workplace accident lawyers can assess the facts of your accident. We can set realistic expectations and develop an effective approach to securing compensation.
- Navigating Workers’ Compensation: If your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation, our Lakewood lawyers can help file a claim, communicate on your behalf, and protect your rights. We can also help if your claim is denied.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Workplace accident lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies. We can help maximize your compensation and obtain a fair settlement.
- Proving Liability: If someone’s negligence caused your workplace accident, our Lakewood lawyers could help prove their liability or negligence in court.
- Representation in Court: You may need to take your case to trial. Our Lakewood workplace accident lawyers can represent you in court. We will prepare evidence, question witnesses, and present your case to the judge or jury.
With over 44 years of combined experience, our workplace accident lawyers in Lakewood know how to protect your interests. If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident, schedule a free consultation today.
How Common Are Workplace Accidents in Colorado?
Workplace accidents are a concern across the United States, including in Colorado. They happen daily, and the nature and severity of injuries vary widely. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment collects statewide workplace safety data. According to CDPHE data, there were over 21,000 work-related injuries and illnesses in a recent year.
What Are Examples of Workplace Accidents in Lakewood, CO?
“Workplace accident” is a broad term. Workplace accidents usually refer to injuries that occur during employment. These accidents can happen in any industry. Here are some common examples of workplace accidents:
- Slips and Falls: These are among the most common workplace accidents. Slips and falls can occur from wet floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or other obstacles. Injuries may include fractures, bruises, or more severe injuries.
- Falls from Heights: These accidents happen when work is done at elevated heights. Falls can occur from ladders, roofs, scaffolding, or other platforms. Serious injuries can result.
- Vehicle-Related Accidents: Employees who drive for work purposes, such as truck or delivery drivers, may be involved in traffic accidents. These can cause minor cuts and bruises or life-threatening conditions.
- Machine Entanglement: These injuries occur in environments with heavy machinery, like factories or production lines. Workers can get caught or compressed by machines, leading to crushed limbs or worse.
- Exposure to Harmful Substances: Some industries use harmful substances. Injuries from exposure to toxins, chemicals, or dangerous substances can cause respiratory disease, poisoning, or burns.
- Fires and Explosions: Accidents involving fire or explosions can result from faulty gas lines, improper chemical storage, or bad electrical wiring. These accidents can cause service burns.
These examples show the different workplace accidents that can occur in Lakewood, Colorado. Many of these accidents can be prevented with safety training and proper equipment. If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident, schedule a free consultation today.
How Do I Recover Compensation for My Injuries After a Workplace Accident in Lakewood, CO?
Most workplace injuries are compensated through the workers’ compensation system. Under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to compensate injured workers.
Workers’ compensation is typically the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. This means you must file a workers’ compensation claim if you were employed during the accident and the accident and injury occurred while performing work-related duties. You cannot file a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer.
You may, however, file a personal injury lawsuit against other third parties responsible for your injury. Our Lakewood, CO, workplace accident lawyers can help you file a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit, depending on your case.
How Much Is My Workplace Accident Worth in Lakewood, CO?
The worth of a workplace accident claim can vary widely based on your case’s specifics. An important factor is your “damages.” Other factors then come into play when calculating the value of a workplace injury claim. Here’s what is typically considered:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of immediate medical treatment following your accident and projected costs for future accident-related treatments or therapies. Ordinary medical expenses are hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: If your injury forced you to take time off work, you may be compensated for lost income. In severe cases, you may even be entitled to compensation for loss of future earnings if you can no longer work.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages compensate you for the physical and emotional pain caused by your injuries.
- Disability and Disfigurement: Injuries may cause permanent disability, loss of limb or scarring. If your injuries result in disfigurement, you may receive additional compensation.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: These damages recognize the impact of your injuries on your ability to enjoy daily pursuits and recreational activities.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are a type of penalty. If someone’s actions leading up to your injury were particularly reckless or intentional, the court may award these damages.
It is important to note that workers’ compensation typically only covers medical expenses and lost wages. However, if you are filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to seek compensation for all these damages. Our Lakewood, CO, workplace accident lawyers can help you value your current and future damages.
Can I Recover Damages if I’m Being Blamed for a Workplace Accident in Colorado?
The issue of fault and compensation in workplace accidents can be complex. However, systems are in place to protect workers and provide compensation even when they might be partially responsible for their injuries.
For example, Colorado operates under a no-fault workers’ compensation system. This means employees injured on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who is responsible for the injury. This is true even if your own actions contributed to the accident. There are some exceptions, such as injuries resulting from being intoxicated or engaging in willful misconduct.
This no-fault system is important. It allows workers to receive benefits without proving that their employer or co-workers did something wrong. Employers cannot refuse to pay benefits by claiming that your negligence caused the accident.
Comparative Negligence
Fault is more consequential in personal injury lawsuits. In these cases, your compensation will be reduced if you share some fault. Under Colorado’s system, known as comparative negligence, you can recover partial compensation if you were under 50 percent responsible for your injuries.
Once your share of fault reaches 50 percent, you lose your right to sue for damages. An experienced attorney, however, can advocate for you and minimize the amount of liability assigned to you.
How Long Do I Have To File a Workplace Accident Claim in Lakewood, CO?
To receive workers’ comp benefits, you have ten days from the date of the accident to notify your employer of your injury. You must also file your workers’ compensation claim within two years of the accident.
Regarding any potential personal injury lawsuits, you will also have two years to file your claim in court. However, since there are exceptions to these deadlines in some cases, it’s best to contact our law office as soon as you can to preserve your legal rights.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Workplace Accident Lawyer in Lakewood, CO?
Hiring a Lakewood workplace accident lawyer typically requires no upfront fees. At Matos Personal Injury Lawyers, our workplace accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
Under this arrangement, our fee is a fixed percentage of your total recovery. Essentially “no win, no fee,” this means that if you do not win or settle your case, you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees.
Contact Our Experienced Lakewood, CO Workplace Accident Lawyers
At Matos Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Lakewood workplace accident attorneys knows how to protect victim rights. With over 44 years of combined experience, we know how to navigate the nuances of your case to get you the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident, schedule a free consultation today.