In Lakewood, CO, workers’ compensation provides medical care options and wage replacement for employees dealing with work-related illnesses or injuries. However, not all injuries qualify for these benefits. Certain situations and types of injuries may exempt you from receiving workers’ compensation.

Understanding the Scope of Employment

An injury must occur while performing job-related duties to qualify for workers’ compensation. Injuries that happen outside the scope of your employment, such as during your commute to and from work, typically do not qualify.

Exclusions for Self-Inflicted Injuries

Workers’ compensation benefits usually exclude injuries intentionally caused by the worker. The claim will likely be denied if an employee deliberately harms themselves or stages an injury to receive compensation. Additionally, workers engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior, such as fighting with coworkers or violating safety protocols, may also be exempt from benefits if the injury results from these actions.

Impact of Intoxication or Drug Use on Claims

Workers injured while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are generally ineligible for workers’ compensation. If an investigation reveals that intoxication played a significant role in causing the injury, the claim may be denied. Some employers may require drug testing after an accident to confirm whether substances were involved.

Criteria for Mental and Emotional Injuries

Not all mental or emotional conditions qualify for workers’ compensation, especially if they are not tied to a specific physical injury or traumatic work-related event. Without a tangible connection to the job, psychological stress alone often does not meet the criteria for benefits.

Colling Insurance Services Inc. – Your Guide to Insurance

Colling Insurance Services Inc. provides comprehensive answers to your insurance questions. We serve Lakewood, CO, and surrounding cities. Contact us today.

As a business owner, maintaining your property’s outward appearance, including its landscaping, is one of your responsibilities. While it may seem like a minor service, there are three key reasons why regular upkeep is essential.

1. Pest Prevention

Regular landscaping maintenance makes it difficult for unwanted pests to nest and get comfortable on your property. Areas that are neglected or poorly managed areas can easily become habitable by rodents and insects, leading to unwanted pest issues inside and outside your property. This can potentially damage the products or services you offer to your clientele.

2. Ensuring Cleanliness and Safety

Proper landscaping keeps the area looking clean and well-maintained. It helps prevent mildew build-up on the property, keeps dirt from accumulating on the building, and ensures walkways are clear and plants are under control. This makes your property safe and accessible for your employees and clients. Regular maintenance also allows you to identify and address any developing issues quickly.

3. Upholding a Good Reputation

Businesses that take care of their property are likely to maintain a good reputation and attract new clients. The outward appearance of your commercial property is a real-time advertising tool that can either attract new clients or deter them. Neglecting your landscaping can make your property appear abandoned and harm your reputation in the community.

If you are in the Lakewood, CO area, contact Colling Insurance Services Inc. for a commercial insurance quote today. We can assist you with required policies and other recommendations suitable for your type of business.

If you have an illness or injury related to your job, workers’ compensation benefits may be available to financially assist you and pay for your medical care associated with the condition. To make sure you get the most from your benefits, our team at Colling Insurance Services Inc. in Lakewood, CO offers the following advice.

Inform Your Employer Immediately

If you suffer an injury on the job, tell your employer ASAP. Waiting can raise red flags that result in the denial of compensation. Most employers have a form for you to fill out, which can be obtained from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Get medical care right away and retain copies of everything.

File Your Workers’ Comp Claim Right Away

Telling your employer about your injury is just the first step. You must also file a workers’ compensation claim to get a caseworker to process your claim. You may be entitled to coverage for medical costs and lost wages. An independent media exam will be conducted by a doctor your employer works with. The doctor will give you an impairment rating after an exam. The rating you are given will qualify you for temporary or permanent disability benefits depending on the severity of the injury.

Be Transparent and Consistent

When filling out forms or making statements to your job or medical provider, communicate honestly and clearly. Be specific about the incident and any pain or injuries resulting from it. Changing the story or keeping information to yourself can result in claims denial, which can be detrimental to your case.

Have an Attorney For Guidance

It is important to get someone on your side legally to give you advice and fight for your rights. Our agents at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. in Lakewood, CO, can help you retain a qualified lawyer. Contact us today with questions and to schedule a consultation.

If you own a business in the Lakewood, CO, area, there is likely a lot on your plate. There’s payroll to meet, inventory to maintain, customers to care for, and more.

At Colling Insurance Services Inc., our commercial insurance services may not be able to help with everything, but there are times when they may save the day and your business. It can help should a customer experience a slip-and-fall or a fire, and it may even help cover the loss of income following a covered calamity.

Commercial insurance from Colling Insurance Services Inc. may even help protect you from theft, one of the biggest causes of small business bankruptcy.

Protecting Your Business from Theft

While commercial insurance can’t necessarily prevent theft, it can help cover your financial losses should theft occur. This includes theft from outside sources, like burglary and employee theft. Let’s say, for example, overnight some evening, thieves break in and steal your computers or a significant portion of your inventory. Commercial insurance would help cover your losses. Even if the bad guys cause damage to your business, your commercial insurance can serve as a cushion.

What some don’t realize, however, is that business insurance may also help cover losses due to employee theft, whether of cash or assets. This can be important coverage, especially for companies that make frequent cash transactions.

Get a Commercial Insurance Quote Today

You work hard to ensure the success of your business every day. Please do your best to protect it with commercial insurance from Colling Insurance Services Inc., serving the Lakewood, CO, area. Let”s discuss your business and its risks, and then we can create a free, no-obligation quote. Learn more about how business insurance can help keep your business up and running with a quote today. Call us at Colling Insurance Services Inc.

A new business owner should seek adequate insurance coverage to protect their place of business, inventory, and equipment. Learn about some of the steps that should be taken to acquire adequate coverage.

An Appraisal

An appraisal of a business will indicate how much coverage is needed. The appraisal should include the value of the business and the land it is situated on. Any assets, including vehicles and equipment, should also be appraised.

A Consultation

A business owner can consult with one of our agents who serve Lakewood, CO. During the consultation with a Colling Insurance Services Inc. agent, the business owner can provide the agent with details about their place of business.

Many types of business insurance will protect a business owner. Our agent will outline how much coverage each type of insurance will provide. They will recommend insurance products that will provide the level of protection the business owner is seeking.

The Documents

When a client is ready to purchase business insurance, they will be provided with some documents outlining the coverage being obtained.

The Lakewood, CO agent who is providing services will outline the coverage. They will request that the client sign the insurance documents. If a client has a change in circumstances in the future, they can meet with the same insurance agent to modify their existing coverage.

Additional Information

If you are a business owner and are seeking insurance coverage, contact one of our agents at Colling Insurance Services Inc. today. The agent you speak with will help you prepare the insurance documents you need to provide your place of business with adequate coverage.

When you own a business with any number of employees, it’s essential that you have a worker’s compensation policy. This insurance is vital for protecting both you and your employees. These policies benefit both you as a business owner and the employees it covers. If you don’t yet have a worker’s compensation policy, it’s time to call us at Colling Insurance Services, Inc., in Lakewood, CO to find out more. 

It Benefits the Business Owner

Running a business can be complicated, but it can also pose dangers to workers. If a worker were injured or contracted a work-related illness there, this policy would pay the ensuing bills. These bills often include medical bills, but there may also be other costs. These can consist of the wages the worker lost when recovering from the injury or illness. Money may also be required for long-term care or even for pain and suffering. When you have this insurance, it protects you against most lawsuits. They can work with the insurance company instead of suing you after an accident. 

It Protects the Employees

If an employee gets sick or injured at work, they need to know that the funds will be available to pay for the medical costs and other bills. They benefit from worker’s compensation insurance because it provides those funds. They won’t have to worry that a small business can’t generate the money for their expenses. The money will be there when it’s needed. 

Get Your Worker’s Comp Policy

Keep both yourself and your employees protected with one of the vital policies. To get more information about these policies and to get started with one, give us a call at Colling Insurance Services, Inc., in Lakewood, CO.

If you own a business, you need commercial insurance. However, knowing which policies are right for you can be daunting. We offer commercial insurance policies at Colling Insurance Services in Lakewood, CO. 

1. General Liability Coverage

General Liability insurance protects you from liability claims. General liability covers the costs if your product or service injures someone or damages their property. 

You are also covered for false advertising, copyright infringement, and slander. Most policies also cover your legal expenses if you are sued. 

2. Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance is similar to a homeowner’s policy. It covers the structure of your building and its contents.

Even if you lease your space, this type of policy is essential. You probably have expensive equipment or inventory. Commercial property insurance covers these items as well. If your manufacturing center, storefront, warehouse, or office is damaged, you’ll have the money to repair or replace the property. 

3. Business Interruption Insurance

It would be best to have business interruption insurance, particularly for small- to medium-sized businesses. If you are unable to open your business for days or weeks, this will seriously affect your bottom line. 

Business interruption insurance is designed to cover the losses of being unable to open your business due to covered situations, including fire or plumbing issues. 

4. Worker’s Compensation Insurance

If you have one or more employees, you are required to have worker’s compensation insurance. If an employee is injured on the job, this policy will cover their medical expenses and lost wages while they recover. 

Commercial Insurance at Colling Insurance Services Inc. 

If you need commercial insurance in Lakewood, CO, contact us at Colling Insurance Services Inc. Our agents help you select the best policies for your business so you are fully protected.

One part of owning and operating a Lakewood, CO business is ensuring the company follows local commercial laws. One such law ensures you are adequately insured with worker’s compensation policies. Worker’s compensation policies are designed to offer employees lost wages and medical reimbursement in case of an accident or illness caused while working. They thus likewise provide employers with work-related injury legal fees and protection from high medical costs. In short, worker’s compensation policies do work to protect everyone, which is a large part of why they are generally mandated by law.

Do I Need Worker’s Compensation Insurance: A Look at the Exemptions

We say "generally" because while most Lakewood, CO businesses will need this type of insurance, there are some exemptions. Our Colling Insurance Services, Inc. team is always here to cut through the noise and get our clients the answers they want about insurance policies. So, if you’re asking whether your business needs to have this type of insurance, our answer is yes, unless:

• You employ casual repair or maintenance workers who earn under $2,000 annually. 
• You employ real estate agents or brokers who are paid by commission.
• You hire independent contractors and not your employees.
• You hire drivers who work with a contract carrier.
• You are a sole proprietor with no employees (you may but are not required to carry worker’s compensation for yourself).
• You have an LLC, and your corporate officers or members choose to exclude themselves (again, you may carry worker’s compensation on their and your behalf but are not required to do so by law).

Learn More With Colling Insurance Services, Inc.

Have more questions about commercial insurance policies? Give our team at Colling Insurance Services, Inc. a call today and let us answer your questions and get your Lakewood, CO outfitted with the right insurance coverage for your needs and budget.