Food Service Worker Injured in Colorado?
Last updated: 2026 · Verified against Colorado DWC regulations
Reviewed by: James R. Holloway, Esq.
Workers' Compensation Attorney · CA Bar #248701 · 14 yrs exp.
Last reviewed: January 2026 · Verified against state DWC regulations
Find out what your fall / slip & trip claim is worth. Colorado workers typically receive $9,000–$72,000. Free, no-obligation assessment.
$9,000
Avg low
$72,000
Avg high
2 years
Deadline
Pre-filled for your situation — just add your wage & impairment info.
Tell us about your work
Your estimated weekly TTD benefit: $533/week
67%
of avg weekly wage (TTD)
$1,325
max weekly benefit
20%
typical attorney fee
2
filing deadline
Colorado Workers' Comp Law — Key Facts
Governing statute: C.R.S. § 8-40-101 et seq.
TTD rate: 67% of average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit: $1,325
Statute of limitations: 2 years from injury
Filing deadline: Report to employer within 10 days
Key features of Colorado's system:
- ✓ Division-designated independent medical examiner (DIME) system
- ✓ AMA 3rd Edition (revised) for impairment ratings (unique to CO)
- ✓ Employer must file a Final Admission of Liability (FAL) at MMI
Colorado's Division of Workers' Compensation (DOWC) administers the system with a focus on medical management and early return to work. Colorado requires employers to maintain an authorized treating physician and uses division-designated medical examinations (DIME) to resolve disputes over MMI and impairment ratings. Permanent impairment is rated under AMA Guides, 3rd Edition (revised), which is unique to Colorado.
What to Expect with Fall / Slip & Trip in Colorado
18%
Average impairment rating
$35,000
Average medical costs
Falls — from elevation (ladders, scaffolding, roofs) and on the same level (slips and trips) — are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries across all industries. Fall injuries typically involve multiple body parts simultaneously: fractures of the hip, wrist, shoulder, and spine are common when a worker cannot brace effectively. Falls from significant height (above 10 feet) have a high probability of causing TBI along with orthopedic injuries, which dramatically increases claim value. OSHA requires fall protection for work at heights above 6 feet in construction. Employer failure to provide guardrails, harnesses, or proper scaffolding is a statutory violation that can support a third-party negligence claim against a general contractor.
Common treatments
- ✓ Fracture reduction and fixation (ORIF)
- ✓ Spinal stabilization surgery
- ✓ Hip replacement (for femoral neck fractures)
- ✓ Neurological evaluation for TBI
- ✓ Physical and occupational therapy
- ✓ Pain management
Documentation needed
- ✓ Emergency room and hospitalization records
- ✓ Imaging studies (X-ray, CT, MRI) for each injured body part
- ✓ OSHA incident report
- ✓ Photographs of the fall location and conditions
- ✓ Witness statements
- ✓ Safety equipment log (showing absence of required fall protection)
Frequently asked questions
How is fall / slip & trip compensation calculated in Colorado?
In Colorado, your weekly benefit is 67% of your average weekly wage, capped at $1,325. Permanent disability is calculated based on your impairment rating.
What is the average fall / slip & trip settlement in Colorado?
Colorado workers with fall / slip & trip typically settle between $9,000 and $72,000, depending on impairment rating, treatment costs, and lost wages.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Colorado?
2 years from injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Contact a workers' comp attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' comp claim in Colorado?
You are not required to have an attorney, but representation significantly increases average settlement amounts. Most workers' comp attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you win. Typical fees are 20% of settlement.
Other Colorado Workers' Comp Claims
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual compensation depends on the specific facts of your case, your state's workers' compensation laws, and the outcome of any proceedings. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in your state.