If You Are Injured

Immediate Steps

  • If your injury is life- or limb-threatening, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Get yourself stabilized — that's priority No. 1.
  • In all other cases, let your employer know you've been injured before you seek medical attention. Most Colorado employers are required by law to offer you a choice of two designated medical providers. These providers have received special training in occupational medicine and the treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. The medical provider you select from your employer's list will:
    • Treat your initial injuries and manage any related follow-up care.
    • Or, if you were initially treated in an emergency room, he or she will manage all related follow-up care and determine when you are physically ready to return to work.
  • If the onset of pain or illness is gradual, report this to your employer as soon as you notice it.
  • Make sure a first report of injury has been filed. In most cases, your employer is responsible for filing a first report of injury as soon as you notify your boss that you've been hurt. If your injury or illness emerges gradually and you no longer work for that company, you may file a first report of injury yourself by contacting the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation at 303.318.8700.