Generally, you cannot sue your employer for a slip-and-fall accident at work in Colorado. Our state generally requires you to seek compensation after a workplace injury through the workers’ compensation system instead of filing a lawsuit.
You may qualify to file a lawsuit if a third party caused your injuries, but this lawsuit will not allow you to seek compensation from your employer.
A Colorado Springs slip and fall accident lawyer from the team at Heuser & Heuser, LLP, can explain your legal options in this situation and get started on your workers’ comp claim or third-party lawsuit immediately.
Why Can’t You Sue Your Employer for a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
In most cases, Colorado will not allow you to sue your employer for a slip-and-fall accident. The state expects injured workers to file a workers’ comp claim and use that system to cover medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages.
Filing a claim through workers’ comp allows you to get the funds you need to pay for medical bills and lost wages without proving that your employer caused your injuries through negligence or misconduct.
In fact, with very few exceptions, you should qualify for compensation as long as your injury happened while you were working. A Colorado Springs workers’ compensation lawyer from Heuser & Heuser, LLP, can:
- Assess your situation
- Tell you more about Colorado’s workers’ comp system
- Help you understand what to do after an accident
Reach out now to get dedicated support on your side.
For a free legal consultation, call (719) 520-9909
How Do You File a Workers’ Comp Claim After a Fall?
You can file a claim for compensation after an accident directly with the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The agency provides a workers’ claim for compensation form to begin this process.
You should also report your accident to your employer and secure immediate medical care for any injuries caused by your fall.
You can learn more about how to file your workers’ comp claim with the skilled legal professionals at Heuser & Heuser, LLP. Our firm can review any forms you must file to ensure they’re complete and correct and provide you with the guidance you need after an accident.
How Much Compensation Can You Get After a Fall at Work?
The amount of compensation you receive through a workers’ comp claim will vary. Workers’ compensation may cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your workplace injury.
The system also provides coverage for a portion of your lost income (up to certain limits), so you may get more benefits if you earn a higher salary.
Finally, you may qualify for some additional benefits through workers’ comp, especially if your injuries leave you with a disability that prevents you from going back to work. Our team at Heuser & Heuser, LLP, can tell you more about the types of compensation you may qualify to receive after your accidental injury at work.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Suing Your Employer for a Slip-and-Fall Accident
You can get answers to all of your legal questions after a fall accident at work by turning to our dedicated professionals at Heuser & Heuser, LLP. For example, our legal team can answer questions like:
When Can I Sue My Employer After a Slip-And-Fall Accident?
No, Colorado’s exclusive remedy doctrine means you cannot sue your employer after an accident at work. However, in very rare situations, you may have additional ways to get money for your injuries. For example, if your employer breaks the law and does not carry workers’ comp coverage, you may be able to pursue monetary compensation through the Colorado Uninsured Employer Fund.
Who Decides If I Can Sue My Employer After an Accident?
The legal system in Colorado decides if you can file a lawsuit against your employer. Simply put, even if your employer is at fault for your injuries, you must file a workers’ compensation claim, and you cannot sue your employer.
Can I Sue Someone Else After a Fall Accident At Work?
If a third party caused your workplace injury, you may qualify to file a lawsuit after a fall. Pursuing a third-party claim allows you to obtain compensation not otherwise available through the workers’ compensation system, like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. However, you can only file this lawsuit against the third party, not your employer. Your attorney can tell you more about this legal option if it applies in your case.
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Talk to Us After a Fall Accident at Work in Colorado
So, can you sue your employer for a slip-and-fall accident? No, you will not have the chance to sue your employer if you fall and get hurt at work. Instead, you’ll need to go through the workers’ comp system to secure funds to cover your losses.
Our team at Heuser & Heuser, LLP, can review your situation and give you specific information about your options for making a full financial recovery. We have the experience and legal resources to stand up for injured workers. Contact us now for a free consultation so you can learn more.
Call or text (719) 520-9909 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form