Colorado Workers' Comp Deadlines: 10-Day Notice & 2-Year SOL

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.

This is general information, not legal advice. Deadlines are strict and fact-specific — talk to a Colorado attorney promptly about your situation.

Colorado workers’ compensation has two deadlines you need to know. Miss them and you can lose or reduce your benefits.

Report the injury in writing within 10 days

You must notify your employer of the injury in writing within 10 days (C.R.S. § 8-43-102). Late notice can reduce your benefits — but not if the employer already knew about the injury, or if there’s good cause for the delay. Putting notice in writing promptly is the safest way to protect your claim.

File within two years (extendable to three)

The statute of limitations to file a claim is generally two years from the injury (C.R.S. § 8-43-103). That period can be extended to three years if you have a reasonable excuse for not filing and the employer is not prejudiced by the delay. Certain occupational diseases have longer periods.

Don’t wait

Because notice and filing deadlines are strict — and the start date can be fact-specific — the practical advice is to act early. Understand the broader system in How Workers’ Comp Works, confirm you have coverage, and see what’s available in Benefits. To get matched with a local Colorado workers’-comp attorney, connect with a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly must I report a work injury in Colorado?

Notify your employer of the injury in writing within 10 days (C.R.S. § 8-43-102). Late notice can reduce your benefits, but not if the employer already knew about the injury or there's good cause for the delay.

How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Colorado?

The statute of limitations 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). Certain occupational diseases have longer periods.

What happens if I report my injury late?

Late written notice can reduce your benefits — but not if the employer already knew about the injury or there's good cause for the delay (C.R.S. § 8-43-102).

Related 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 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.

Colorado Workers' Comp Claim Deadlines

Report the injury in writing within 10 days

File within two years (extendable to three)

Don’t wait

Connect with a local attorney

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Related guides