DENVER–January 18, 2011–Pinnacol Assurance, a state government subdivision that provides worker’s compensation insurance continues to appear in the spotlight, more than six months after it was first called out for irresponsible financial activity.

The organization first made headlines in March 2010 when the Colorado Legislature considered tapping nearly a quarter of Pinnacol’s $2 billion surplus to balance the state budget. While this idea was eventually abandoned, Pinnacol didn’t stay out of the news for long.
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Before taking on a summer job, college students need to be aware of on-the-job-dangers and how to prepare for them. As teenagers, taking on jobs such as babysitting, or doing chores around the house, it might not be conceivable to them that a job can be dangerous. But once they reach college and summer jobs become more of a necessity, young adults need to understand the potential dangers, but even more, they need to understand what they’re entitled to if they are injured while working.

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If you’ve been injured at work, no matter how minor the injury may seem at first, it is important to contact a law office that specializes in workers’ compensation claims immediately. The moments and days after an injury occurs are crucial and vital to an injured worker’s situation. There are many dangers involved in waiting to learn about your rights.

Many individuals believe that waiting until the injury “cools off” is the proper course of action. As many doctors will tell you, the true extent of an injury is not always known at first. Also, an injury that seems minor initially may worsen over time to the point where it becomes a major problem.

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If a worker gets injured while on the job, and the workers’ compensation insurance company does not contest coverage, there usually is a fairly specific timeline for the case. This timeline involves the opinions of treating physicians. It is very important to listen to the doctors, and heed their advice and recommendations, in order to keep a healthy and natural timeline for your workers’ compensation case.

A crucial stage in this timeline is when the injured worker reaches “maximum medical improvement,” or “MMI.” This is when the doctor(s) believe that the injured worker has hit a plateau in treatment and recovery. While it is advisable to seek legal representation prior to this point in time, some who have been injured at work choose to handle the intricacies of the case on his or her own. This can have mixed results.

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What should you do if you are injured on the job and the employer does not direct you to a doctor or hospital?

Many people believe that workers’ compensation insurance is a benefit provided to employees strictly for his or her well-being. In fact, workers’ compensation insurance is a requirement for most businesses in Colorado. Therefore, employees should realize that workers’ compensation coverage acts somewhat differently, and employers may be reluctant to report claims.

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The unimaginable has happened…you’ve hurt your back while on the job. How do you know if this is a serious injury and should you report it to your employer?

The human spine is an infinitely complex operating system. Bundles of nerves intertwine with soft tissues and bone, creating opportunities for minor injuries that have serious repercussions. The smallest of back injuries must be taken very seriously. Not all damage will become instantly known at the time of a back injury. Indeed, problems that seem insignificant at first often deteriorate in ways the employee did not foresee.

The spine is also fragile. It doesn’t take much to force a disc out of place, leaving the employee unable to perform any physical tasks for weeks or even months. All of this points to one truism: injuries to the back should always be reported to the employer. Some employers are skeptical of back claims because the effects of them are not immediately visible. However, our parents always told us it’s better to be safe than sorry, and with back injuries that is especially true.

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There are many ways a workers’ compensation insurance company can deny your claim. These ways may all seem the same to the injured worker. In fact, an insurance company may pay for some of your treatment at first, but don’t be fooled—your claim may still be denied in the long run. Sometimes, it may be more cost effective for the insurance company to pay for some initial (cheap) treatment for your injury.

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A recent report by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment showed that the number of work-related deaths in Colorado has risen by 10 percent since 2006.

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