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Colorado Workers' Compensation, Explained

If you've been hurt on the job in Colorado, workers' compensation pays for your medical care and part of your lost wages — at no cost to you. Injury Care Associates is a designated workers' compensation provider with clinics in Denver, Thornton, and Parker.

I'm an Injured Worker I'm an Employer

How a Workers' Comp Claim Works in Colorado

Five steps from injury to recovery.

  1. 1

    Injury Occurs

    Get medical care first. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

  2. 2

    Report It

    Tell your employer in writing as soon as possible. Colorado deadlines apply.

  3. 3

    See a Designated Provider

    Your employer gives you a list of physicians. Choose one and schedule your visit.

  4. 4

    Claim Is Filed

    Your employer reports the injury to their insurer, who reviews the claim.

  5. 5

    Recover & Return

    Follow your treatment plan and any work restrictions until you're released.

For Injured Workers

Here's what to expect, what you're entitled to, and what ICA handles so you can focus on recovery.

Your Rights & Coverage

Colorado law guarantees medical care and partial wage replacement for injuries that happen on the job — at no cost to you.

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Reporting Deadlines

Report your injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible. Missing the deadline can put your benefits at risk.

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Your First Visit at ICA

alk in or schedule. We handle the paperwork with your employer's insurer so you can focus on getting better.

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You Never See a Bill

or authorized work injuries, your employer's workers' comp insurance pays everything. No copay, no deductible, no surprise bill.

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Free Transportation

If you can't drive yourself to a follow-up, we'll arrange a ride. ICA covers the cost — it's part of how we keep you on track for recovery.

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Pinnacol Rx First-Fill Card

If your employer's insurer is Pinnacol, the first-fill card gets your prescription covered immediately — no waiting for claim approval.

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For Employers

Your obligations when an employee is injured — and how ICA helps keep claims on track and costs predictable.

Designated Provider Requirements

Colorado employers must give injured workers a list of designated medical providers. We'll help you build a compliant list and stay current with state rules.

What's required →

Reporting Your Injury Claims

Employers have strict timelines to report injuries to their insurer. Get the right forms, the deadlines, and the documentation that protects the claim.

Reporting Checklist →

Claims Review & Cost Control

Our physician-led claims review process catches over-treatment, validates restrictions, and keeps experience mods in check — without compromising care.

How Review Works →

Required Posters & Notices

Colorado law requires specific workers' comp notices posted at every job site. Request our compliant poster pack — free for ICA clients.

Request Posters →

Official Colorado Resources

State and federal agencies that administer workers' compensation. These links open external sites.

Division of Workers' Compensation

Colorado's state agency. Claims, forms, and dispute resolution.

Visit site

Workers' Comp Claim Forms

Official state forms for injured workers and employers.

Visit site

Pinnacol Assurance

Colorado's largest workers' comp insurer.

Visit site

Federal OWCP

For federal employees and certain industries covered by federal workers' comp.

Visit site

Common Workers' Comp Questions

Do I get to choose my own doctor?

In Colorado, your employer or their insurer provides a list of designated medical providers, and you select your treating physician from that list. If no list is given to you, you may have the right to choose your own provider.

Who pays for my medical treatment?

Your employer's workers' compensation insurance pays for all authorized medical care related to your work injury. You should never receive a bill for treatment of an approved claim.

Will I be paid while I can't work?

If your injury keeps you off work beyond a short waiting period, you may qualify for temporary disability benefits — generally a percentage of your average weekly wage, paid by the insurer.

What if my claim is denied?

You have the right to dispute a denial through the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation. ICA can document the medical side; for the legal process itself, contact the Division or a workers' comp attorney.

Can I be fired for filing a workers' comp claim?

Colorado law protects you from retaliation for filing a legitimate workers' comp claim. If you believe you were terminated because of a claim, contact the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation.

Do I need a lawyer to handle my workers' comp claim?

Most claims don't require an attorney. ICA handles all medical billing and reporting directly with the insurer. If your claim is denied or disputed, consulting a workers' comp attorney is a good idea.

Injured at Work? We're Ready When You Are.

Walk in or book an appointment at our Denver, Thornton, or Parker clinics. No bill to you — ever — for authorized work injuries.

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This page is for general information about Colorado's workers' compensation system and is not legal advice. For claim disputes, contact the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation.