Here is the conclusion to our blog series Colorado Death Benefits: FAQs.

Q – Will my death benefits payments be impacted if I am receiving other benefits?

While these Colorado death benefits FAQs are informative, contact the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick for more specific answers pertaining to your situation.

A – Possibly – it depends on the other types of benefits you are receiving. According to Colorado workers’ compensation law (8-42-114), the following are some of the types of benefits that can cause Colorado death benefits to be reduced:

• Disability insurance benefits
• Death benefits from another state’s workers’ compensation system
• Federal death benefit payments.

When this is the case:

• The law states that the “aggregate benefits payable for death pursuant to this section shall be reduced, but not below zero, by an amount equal to 50 percent of such periodic payments.”
• Working with an attorney can help ensure that you receive the full amount of Colorado death benefits to which you are entitled.

Q – What if my death benefits claim has been denied? What are my options?

A – For many people, appealing the denial will be the best move. However, what may be news to some is the fact that insurers for employers can look for ways to devalue or even outright deny death benefit claims. This is because insurers are working for employers and are out for their own bottom lines – even if it comes at the expense of people with legitimate death benefit claims.

What this, in turn, means is that families who have had their death benefit claims denied should:

• Not consider this to be the final ruling on their claim
• Strongly consider filing an appeal
• Retain a Colorado workers’ compensation lawyer at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick to ensure they have the best chances of obtaining the Colorado death benefits to which they are entitled.

Q – Do I need a lawyer to help me obtain death benefits?

A – Yes! After losing a loved one, you will need time to grieve, and dealing with a complicated process like applying for Colorado death benefits may only end up compounding your stress during already difficult times.

What can make matters worse are the facts that:

• The application process can be confusing and complex in and of itself.
• Making even one mistake in completing the application, missing a deadline, not properly submitting supporting documentation, etc. can result in lengthy delays in or denials of your Colorado death benefits.
• Having an experienced attorney on your side can greatly facilitate your claim and can give you the best chances of receiving the full amount of benefits you deserve as soon as possible.

Colorado Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick

Have you lost a loved one to a fatal workplace injury? If so, contact the experienced and trusted Colorado workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. You can call us at (303) 447-2644 or email us using the contact form at the top of this page.

From our offices in Boulder, we represent injured people who live throughout Colorado.