How Long Does It Take to Get a Workers’ Comp Settlement in Colorado?

May 18, 2025

Dealing with a workplace injury is stressful enough without having to worry about when your compensation will arrive. Many injured workers feel uncertain about the settlement timeline, and understandably so—it’s not just about receiving a check, it’s about regaining stability and planning for what comes next.

If you’ve been injured on the job, especially in cases involving head injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, or injuries while working in a warehouse, understanding the process and expected timeline for your workers’ compensation settlement can bring much-needed clarity.

The Workers’ Compensation Settlement Process in Colorado

Before diving into specific timeframes, it’s helpful to understand how a settlement works. A workers’ compensation settlement is an agreement between the injured worker and the insurance company, outlining a fixed payment—either as a lump sum or structured payments—in exchange for closing out the claim. Working with an experienced Denver workers compensation lawyer can help ensure that the terms of the agreement are fair and that your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

This agreement is legally binding and must be approved by a judge before the funds are released.

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What Is the Typical Timeline?

In Colorado, the timeline for receiving your workers’ compensation settlement is fairly straightforward once the process is underway:

  1. Settlement Negotiation: After both parties agree on the amount, a formal settlement agreement is drafted and signed.

  2. Judicial Review: The agreement is then submitted to a judge within the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation. This step ensures fairness and compliance with state law.

  3. Payment Timeline: Once the judge approves the agreement, the insurance company has 20 days to issue the payment. Failure to pay within this period may result in penalties, including interest charges.

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What Can Cause Delays?

Despite the legal deadline, there are factors that might delay your payment:

  • Incomplete or unclear documentation: If the settlement paperwork is missing important information, the judge may request revisions.

  • Internal delays at the insurance company: Although they’re required to meet deadlines, insurers may experience processing backlogs or procedural inefficiencies.

  • Complex settlements: Agreements involving structured payouts or Medicare set-asides may require additional approval time.

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How to Avoid Unnecessary Delays

To ensure your payment arrives as quickly as possible, there are a few proactive steps you can take:

  • Double-check your documents: Confirm that all medical records, wage reports, and other necessary information are accurate and complete.

  • Stay in contact with your attorney: Ongoing communication helps catch potential issues early.

  • Work with an experienced workers compensation lawyer: A skilled attorney can help you navigate the process smoothly, anticipate common delays, and make sure everything moves forward on schedule.

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When Should You Expect Payment?

If everything proceeds without issue, you should receive your settlement funds within 20 days of the judge’s approval. While this is the general rule, your specific situation may vary based on the details of your case and the responsiveness of the insurance provider.

Need Help Navigating the Process?

The legal team at Boesen Law is here to help. As a trusted Denver personal injury lawyer and workers’ compensation firm, we understand the importance of timely payments and full compensation.

If you’re unsure about your next steps or want to ensure you get what you’re owed without delay, contact us today. We’ll help you move forward with confidence—and without unnecessary wait times.

Call (303) 999-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form