Colorado’s workers’ compensation system runs on deadlines. Some belong to the injured employee, some to the employer, and some to the insurance carrier. Missing one can turn a simple claim into a dispute, so Denver employers benefit from knowing the timeline before an injury happens.
The Colorado Reporting Timeline at a Glance
| Timing | Who | What Generally Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Right away | Employer | Report a death, or an accident injuring three or more employees, to the Division immediately |
| Within about 10 days of the injury | Employee | Give the employer written notice; current Division guidance points to 10 days, and sooner is better |
| Within 7 days of receiving notice | Employer | Date-stamp the employee’s written notice and provide a copy |
| Within 7 business days | Employer or insurer | Provide the written designated provider list |
| Within 10 days of notice | Employer | Report the injury to the workers’ comp carrier |
| Within 2 years | Employee | File a claim with the Division, with limited exceptions |
What Triggers a Formal Claim
Not every injury becomes a formal Division claim. Generally, lost time of more than three shifts or calendar days, permanent impairment, certain occupational diseases, or a denied claim require a first report to be filed with the Division. Carriers often file that report on the employer’s behalf, but employers should confirm it happened.
Why Late Reports Hurt Everyone
An employee who reports late may lose some benefits. An employer who fails to report can face penalties, and an unreported injury can keep the employee’s own filing deadline from starting.
Building a Simple Reporting Process
- Train supervisors to collect written injury reports the same day
- Keep your designated provider list current and easy to hand out
- Save your carrier’s claim reporting contact where managers can find it
Our post on pre-existing conditions and workers’ comp covers another area where documentation matters.
Aspen Insurance Agency in Denver, CO can review your workers’ compensation coverage and reporting setup. For legal questions about a specific claim, a Colorado employment attorney can help. Employers across Denver, CO and the Front Range can reach out to Aspen Insurance Agency anytime.
