A Guide to Workers’ Comp for Injured United Airlines Workers in Denver
Learn how Colorado workers’ compensation works for United Airlines employees and what steps to take if benefits are delayed or denied
United Airlines is one of the largest employers at Denver International Airport, with thousands of employees working as baggage handlers, ramp agents, mechanics, flight attendants, customer service representatives, pilots, and other aviation professionals.
While United has reported recent improvements in workplace safety and injury prevention efforts, employees still face real risks on the job every day. From lifting heavy baggage and working around aircraft to operating equipment on the tarmac and performing maintenance tasks, workplace injuries can happen in an instant.
Unfortunately, getting workers’ compensation benefits isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. Claims are often delayed, disputed, or denied, leaving injured airline employees uncertain about what to do next.
In this article, we’ll explain how workers’ compensation works for United Airlines employees in Denver, which injuries and illnesses may qualify for benefits, and what steps to take to file a claim in Colorado.
If you’re struggling with a claim or simply want answers about your rights, contact the Denver work injury attorneys at Babcock Tucker for a free consultation.
Is it dangerous to work at an airport?
Yes, recent injury data suggests that airport and airline jobs carry a higher risk of injury than many other occupations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers in the air transportation industry experienced 6.5 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers in 2024. By comparison, the rate across all industries was just 2.6 cases per 100 workers.
That means workers in the air transportation industry experienced workplace injuries and illnesses at more than double the rate seen across all industries.
Air transportation workers were also far more likely to suffer injuries serious enough to affect their ability to work:
- Cases involving days away from work: 4.0 per 100 workers versus 0.9 across all industries
- Cases involving job transfers or work restrictions: 1.6 per 100 workers versus 0.5 across all industries
These numbers indicate that workers in the airline industry not only experience injuries more frequently than the average worker but are also more likely to miss work or require modified job duties as a result of those injuries.
Can United Airlines workers in Colorado get workers’ comp after an injury at work?
In most cases, yes. United Airlines employees who are injured while performing their job duties in Colorado are generally covered under the state’s workers’ compensation system.
To qualify for benefits, you’ll typically need to show that you were working as an employee (not an independent contractor) and that your injury, illness, or occupational disease arose out of your employment.
Colorado workers’ compensation is also a no-fault system. That means you generally do not have to prove that United Airlines caused the accident or failed to provide a safe workplace. In fact, benefits may still be available even if you made a mistake that contributed to your injury.
Workers’ compensation claims can become more complicated when an employer or insurance company disputes how the injury occurred or claims that your illness or pre-existing condition has nothing to do with your job. In those situations, medical evidence often becomes critical.
What types of injuries, illnesses, and diseases are covered by workers’ comp in Colorado?
United Airlines employees perform a wide variety of jobs, which means workers’ compensation claims can involve everything from traumatic injuries to medical conditions that develop gradually over time.
Common examples of covered injuries and health conditions include:
- Back and spinal cord injuries from lifting baggage, cargo, tools, and equipment or being struck by objects on the ramp
- Shoulder injuries, including torn rotator cuffs and labral tears caused by repetitive lifting and overhead work
- Knee injuries resulting from climbing aircraft stairs, kneeling during maintenance work, or slipping on wet surfaces
- Traumatic brain injuries caused by falls, vehicle accidents, violent passengers, or falling equipment
- Fractures and crush injuries involving baggage carts, belt loaders, tugs, cargo containers, jet bridges, and other ground-support equipment
- Hearing loss and tinnitus caused by repeated exposure to aircraft engines and other high-noise environments
- Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic joint damage
- Respiratory illnesses and cancer linked to chemical exposure, fuel fumes, cleaning products, de-icing chemicals, or other hazardous substances
- Heat-related illnesses and cold-weather injuries caused by prolonged outdoor work in extreme conditions
The key to getting workers’ comp for any of these conditions is proving that they were the direct result of your job duties or environment.
In the news: United Airlines worker killed in workplace vehicle accident at DIA
On December 19, 2025, a United Airlines facilities maintenance technician died after a workplace vehicle accident at Denver International Airport. According to a report from 9NEWS, investigators said that two employees were operating separate cherry-picker lifts on airport property when one of the vehicles stopped for reasons that remain under investigation. The second lift then collided with the first, trapping one of the workers.
The employee was freed from the equipment and transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries. United Airlines said it was working to support the employee’s family and coworkers following the fatal incident.
What workers’ comp benefits can United Airlines employees get after a work-related injury?
Many injured workers wrongly assume they must use their employer-provided health insurance after an accident. But workers’ compensation and health insurance serve very different purposes.
Health insurance may help pay for medical treatment, but it won’t replace lost wages if you’re unable to work because of an injury.
Workers’ compensation can provide both medical and financial benefits after a work-related injury or occupational disease. And unlike traditional health insurance, injured workers generally do not have to pay deductibles or copays for authorized treatment covered by workers’ compensation.
Depending on the circumstances, workers’ comp benefits may include:
- Medical benefits for authorized medical care, including emergency treatment, surgery, specialist visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and follow-up care
- Temporary disability benefits that replace a portion of your wages (typically two-thirds) while you’re unable to work because of your injury
- Permanent disability benefits if the injury leaves you with lasting physical limitations or impairments
- Disfigurement benefits for permanent scarring or visible injuries, such as facial scars, burns, or other noticeable disfigurement
- Mileage reimbursement for approved travel to medical appointments and treatment
- Death benefits for eligible surviving family members if a workplace accident or occupational disease is fatal
The benefits available in a particular case depend on the nature of the injury, the worker’s earnings before the injury, medical restrictions, and whether the condition results in any permanent impairment.
How do I file a workers’ comp claim if I’m injured working for United Airlines in Denver?
Many workers hurt their claim by waiting too long to report an injury or assuming that a supervisor already knows what happened. Taking the necessary steps early can help you avoid unnecessary disputes later.
After a workplace injury at United Airlines, you should:
- Notify your employer as soon as possible. Colorado generally requires workers to report workplace injuries within 10 days.
- Seek medical treatment and follow your employer’s procedures for selecting an authorized treating physician. Be sure to tell the doctor exactly how the injury occurred and that it happened while performing work duties.
- Keep copies of accident reports, medical records, work restrictions, and other documents related to the claim.
- Follow up to make sure your employer notified their insurance company within 10 days, and respond promptly to requests for information.
- File a Worker’s Claim for Compensation (form WC-15) with the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation within 2 years.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied or you’re being offered a settlement that is far less than you deserve, speak with a local Colorado work injury attorney who can step in to handle negotiations and protect your rights.
Injured at United Airlines in Denver and need help with your workers’ comp claim?
At Babcock Tucker, our Denver workers’ compensation lawyers have extensive experience helping injured workers navigate Colorado’s workers’ comp system and stand up to large employers like United Airlines and their insurance companies. Our team understands how these claims work, what evidence insurers look for, and how to push back when they aren’t being reasonable.
If you suffered a serious or catastrophic injury while working for United Airlines in Denver, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact Babcock Tucker today for a free consultation to learn how we can help maximize your benefits.
References
Safety data | United Airlines Corporate Impact Report 2024. (2024). United.com. https://corporateimpact.united.com/safety/safety-data/
TABLE 1. Incidence rates of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses by industry and case types, 2021. (n.d.). www.bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/web/osh/table-1-industry-rates-national.htm
Velez, A. (2025, December 19). United Airlines employee dies after vehicle crash at Denver airport. KUSA.com; KUSA. https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/united-airlines-employee-dies-denver-airport-crash/73-dde9f83a-75f1-4215-8a27-78110ca924da
