How Do I Get Workers’ Comp After an Injury at Denver International Airport?
If you get hurt working at Denver International Airport, do you know who handles your claim or how to get benefits?
As one of the busiest airports in the world, Denver International Airport (DIA) relies on more than 40,000 employees to keep its operations running smoothly.
Whether you work in airfield maintenance, facilities maintenance, airport operations, fleet maintenance, snow removal, custodial services, engineering, or another role, your job can involve physically demanding work and exposure to unique hazards.
The good news is that if you’re injured while working for Denver International Airport, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages during your recovery. But navigating the workers’ compensation process can quickly become challenging, particularly when you’re dealing with a large employer and its insurance company.
That’s where we come in. If your claim has been denied, delayed, or disputed, our experienced Denver workers’ compensation attorneys are here to protect your rights.
Learn how we can help you maximize your compensation after a work injury at Denver International Airport by scheduling a free consultation with Babcock Tucker today.
Who’s responsible if a worker is injured at Denver International Airport?
Thousands of people work at Denver International Airport, and they don’t all work for the same employer. Some work directly for Denver International Airport, while others are employed by airlines, restaurants, concessionaires, retailers, contractors, or government agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Who is responsible for your injury and any potential workers’ compensation benefits depends on who your employer is—not simply where the injury occurred.
For example, if you’re a flight attendant employed by United Airlines, your workers’ compensation claim would generally be handled through United rather than Denver International Airport. Likewise, if you’re employed by a restaurant, retail store, or contractor operating at DIA, your claim would generally be handled through that employer.
If you work directly for Denver International Airport, your employer is the City and County of Denver.
That means you’ll generally pursue your workers’ compensation claim through the City rather than an airline or another company operating at the airport.
Are Denver International Airport employees eligible for workers’ comp?
Most Denver International Airport employees are covered by Colorado’s workers’ compensation system. In general, both full-time and part-time employees may qualify for benefits if they suffer a work-related injury, illness, or disease. However, independent contractors typically do not qualify for benefits.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you generally don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits. In fact, in many instances, even if your own mistake contributed to the accident, you may still qualify for benefits.
To receive benefits, you’ll need to show that your injury or illness is directly related to your job, meaning it was caused by your job or happened while performing your work duties.
What types of injuries and illnesses are covered under workers’ comp in Colorado?
Colorado workers’ compensation covers more than just injuries caused by a sudden workplace accident. Depending on the circumstances, benefits may also be available for repetitive stress injuries that develop over time, occupational diseases caused by workplace exposures, and pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by your job duties.
Common injuries and illnesses experienced by Denver International Airport employees that may be covered under workers’ compensation include:
- Broken bones, head injuries, sprains, and other traumatic injuries caused by falls, heavy equipment accidents, or workplace violence
- Back, neck, shoulder, and knee injuries from lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy materials
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendonitis from performing the same motions over time
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke from working outdoors during the summer
- Hearing loss resulting from prolonged exposure to aircraft, maintenance equipment, or other loud machinery
- Frostbite or cold-related injuries while performing winter maintenance or snow removal
- Respiratory illnesses and other occupational diseases caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or other workplace substances
Whether your injury developed suddenly or gradually over time, one of the keys to getting workers’ comp is reporting your condition to your employer as soon as possible.
In addition to there being reporting deadlines for workers’ comp, waiting too long can also make it more difficult to prove that your injury or illness is work-related.
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What workers’ comp benefits are available if a Denver International Airport employee is injured at work?
The types of workers’ comp benefits available depend on the nature and severity of your injury, but typical benefits include:
- Medical benefits. Workers’ compensation covers all authorized medical treatment related to your work injury, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and other necessary care with no co-pays.
- Permanent disability benefits. Employees who suffer permanent impairments may also be entitled to additional compensation.
- Death benefits. If a worker dies because of a job-related injury or illness, certain surviving dependents may be entitled to death benefits for wage loss and assistance with funeral expenses.
- Wage replacement benefits. If your injury prevents you from working or limits the type of work you can perform, you may also qualify for wage replacement benefits while you’re recovering. These typically cover two-thirds of your average weekly wage and are tax-free.
- Disfigurement benefits. Employees who suffer permanent scarring or disfigurement to certain parts of the body because of a work-related injury may qualify for additional compensation.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury that requires long-term medical care or prevents you from returning to your job, it’s crucial that you understand the full value of your workers’ compensation claim before accepting a settlement.
A workers’ compensation attorney can calculate the value of your past and future lost wages, anticipated medical expenses, permanent disability benefits, and any other available compensation and handle negotiations with the insurer on your behalf so you can get the compensation you deserve.
How do I file a workers’ comp claim after an injury at Denver International Airport?
If you’re injured while working for Denver International Airport, take the following steps to protect your right to benefits:
- Get emergency help when necessary. If you suffer a serious injury on an airfield, in a maintenance facility, while operating equipment, or elsewhere at DIA, get emergency medical attention immediately. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for approval or paperwork.
- Report the injury to your supervisor in writing. Colorado generally requires injured employees to notify their employer in writing within 10 days of an injury or the discovery of an occupational disease. DIA employees should follow the City and County of Denver’s internal reporting procedures and provide the date, location, and basic details of what happened. Ask for a copy of the written report for your records.
- Use an authorized medical provider for follow-up care. After the injury is reported, the City should provide information about the medical providers authorized to treat your work injury. You’ll need to choose one of these providers if you want your treatment to be covered under workers’ comp. Tell the medical provider exactly what happened and explain any job duties that were involved.
- File Form WC 15 with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. Filing an incident report with your supervisor is not the same thing as filing an official workers’ compensation claim. You can file a claim by submitting the “Worker’s Claim for Compensation” form (WC 15) to the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. Although workers generally have up to 2 years to file, waiting can create avoidable problems, so it should be submitted as soon as possible.
- Watch for the insurer or claims administrator’s decision. After receiving notice, the City must report the injury through the workers’ compensation process. The insurer or claims administrator will then investigate and determine whether to accept or deny the claim. Save all letters, emails, medical authorizations, work-status reports, and benefit notices you receive.
- Contact an attorney if the process breaks down. Legal help may be necessary if the City does not properly report the injury, you are not given access to medical treatment, you don’t start receiving the appropriate wage-loss checks while you’re off work, or your claim is denied.
Not every workers’ compensation claim requires legal representation, but speaking with a local Colorado work injury attorney may be especially beneficial if your employer or insurer disputes that your injury is work-related, you’re told your condition is the result of a pre-existing condition rather than your job, or you’re unsure how much your claim is worth.
Hurt working at Denver International Airport and need help with your claim?
When you’re pursuing a workers’ compensation claim against a large employer like the City and County of Denver, it’s important to have an attorney who understands not only Colorado’s workers’ compensation laws but also how these employers and their insurance companies evaluate and defend claims.
For decades, the attorneys at Babcock Tucker have dedicated their practice to helping injured Colorado workers recover the benefits they’re entitled to under the law.
Founding attorney Mack Babcock previously represented insurance companies before dedicating his career to representing injured workers, giving him valuable insight into how claims are evaluated and challenged. Both Mack Babcock and member attorney Stephanie Tucker serve in leadership roles within respected workers’ compensation organizations and have helped shape Colorado workers’ compensation law through their advocacy and professional service.
If you’ve been injured while working for Denver International Airport, contact Babcock Tucker today for a free consultation so we can help you get the full compensation you deserve.
