Workers' Compensation in Colorado
Colorado workers' compensation is a no-fault system that pays covered employees medical and wage-loss benefits for work injuries — and in exchange it is generally the only claim you can bring against a complying employer. This hub explains who must carry coverage, what it pays, and the deadlines, then links four guides.
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
This is general information, not legal advice. Colorado workers’ compensation turns heavily on your specific facts — talk to a Colorado attorney about your situation.
Colorado workers’ compensation is governed by the Workers’ Compensation Act of Colorado (C.R.S. § 8-40-101 et seq.). A few statewide rules shape almost every case.
The exclusive-remedy rule
Workers’ comp is a no-fault system: covered employees receive medical and wage-loss benefits for work injuries regardless of fault. In exchange, workers’ comp is the exclusive remedy against a complying employer — C.R.S. § 8-41-102 abolishes other causes of action against an employer who complies with the Act for covered injuries.
Nearly all employers must carry it
Colorado requires workers’ comp coverage for essentially all employers with one or more employees — full-time, part-time, or family. The duty to carry insurance is set by C.R.S. § 8-44-101. This is stricter than states that exempt small employers.
What it covers
Benefits fall into two main buckets: medical care — reasonable and necessary treatment (C.R.S. § 8-42-101) — and wage-loss (indemnity) benefits (C.R.S. § 8-42-105), including temporary total, temporary partial, and permanent disability.
Key deadlines
Notify your employer of the injury in writing within 10 days (C.R.S. § 8-43-102), and the statute of limitations to file a claim is generally two years from the injury — extendable to three years for a reasonable excuse without prejudice to the employer (C.R.S. § 8-43-103).
The guides
Pick your topic below. To get matched with a local Colorado workers’-comp attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Guides
- Colorado Workers' Comp Benefits
Colorado workers' comp covers reasonable and necessary medical care (C.R.S. § 8-42-101) and wage-loss (indemnity) benefits — temporary total, temporary partial, and permanent disability (C.R.S. § 8-42-105). Temporary total disability generally pays two-thirds (66⅔%) of the worker's average weekly wage, subject to a statutory maximum tied to the state average weekly wage. Confirm current rates and caps.
- Colorado Workers' Comp Claim Deadlines
Colorado sets two key deadlines: notify your employer of the injury in writing within 10 days (C.R.S. § 8-43-102) — late notice can reduce benefits, but not if the employer already knew or there's good cause — and file a claim generally within two years from the injury, extendable to three years for a reasonable excuse without prejudice to the employer (C.R.S. § 8-43-103). Some occupational diseases get longer.
- Colorado Workers' Comp Coverage Requirements
Colorado requires workers' comp coverage for essentially all employers with one or more employees — full-time, part-time, or family. The duty to carry insurance is in C.R.S. § 8-44-101, and anyone paid for work is presumed an employee, with bona fide independent contractors the main exception. This is stricter than states that exempt small employers.
- How Colorado Workers' Compensation Works
Colorado's Workers' Compensation Act (C.R.S. § 8-40-101 et seq.) is a no-fault system: covered employees get medical and wage-loss benefits for work injuries regardless of fault. In exchange, workers' comp is the exclusive remedy against a complying employer — C.R.S. § 8-41-102 abolishes other causes of action against a compliant employer for covered injuries.
Find local help
Connect with a local attorney
Tell us about your situation and we'll match you with a local California attorney who handles matters like yours. Free, no obligation.
Start your free intake