Medical Conditions Covered by Workman's Comp in Colorado
- Under Colorado's Worker Compensation Act of 2010, those working in emergency services, including police officers and firefighters, may qualify for workers' compensation if they contracted hepatitis C in the course of employment. The worker must report the possible exposure within two days, and the insurance carrier or employer must perform a baseline test within five days. This test determines that the employee was not carrying hepatitis C when exposed on the job. Should the employee contract hepatitis C within two years of the exposure, he may be eligible for workers' compensation if the insurer cannot prove that exposure is non-employment related.
- Employees seriously injured while on the job should immediately go to the closest emergency room. The supervisor should receive written notification as soon as possible. For less serious injuries, notify the employer before seeking medical attention. The employer should receive reports on any injury, even those that do not require medical attention. Colorado statute requires written notification of employers within four days of the incident, even if the employer receives notification verbally. Failing to provide written notification may cause the worker to lose days paid by workers' compensation.
- Under Colorado law, employers should designate specific medical providers to treat injured employees for non-emergencies. The injured employee must seek medical attention from that provider to receive benefits under workers' compensation. Workers seeking non-emergency medical treatment from a non-designated provider may be liable for payments. However, if the employer designated specific medical providers, the injured worker may choose his own provider and workers' compensation should pay the expenses.
- All employers,whether using an insurance carrier or self-insuring, must provide injured workers or those with occupationally-related diseases with coverage for medical, dental, surgical and nursing treatment and required hospitalization. The employer must also pay for items such as crutches, wheelchairs, surgical supplies, prostheses and other medically-necessary items needed during recuperation or disability. The employer must also reimburse the worker for reasonable mileage expenses for travel to and from medical providers.