Can You Reopen a Workers' Compensation Claim in Colorado?

 Posted on April 29, 2026 in Workers' Compensation

A workers' compensation claim does not always stay closed once it is settled, and if your condition worsens after your case is resolved, Colorado law may allow you to reopen it. Knowing when you can reopen your claim and how to act can make a real difference in your recovery. A Fort Collins, CO workers' compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and determine whether reopening your claim makes sense.

What Does It Mean To Close a Workers' Compensation Claim in Colorado?

A Colorado workers' compensation claim can be closed for a few reasons, but it often means you have reached maximum medical improvement, or MMI. MMI is the point at which your doctor believes your condition has stabilized and further medical treatment is unlikely to improve it. Once you reach MMI, your benefits are often resolved through a final admission, settlement, or order.

A settlement can take two forms. An admitted liability settlement resolves your benefits while keeping the door open for future medical treatment in some cases. A full and final settlement permanently closes all claims in exchange for a lump-sum payment. The type of settlement you agreed to will determine whether reopening your case is even an option.

When Can You Reopen a Closed Workers' Compensation Claim in Colorado?

Colorado law does allow workers to reopen a closed claim under certain conditions. Under C.R.S. § 8-43-303, you may petition to reopen your claim if your condition has worsened since it was closed, if you made a mistake about the terms of the settlement, or if there is evidence of fraud or mutual mistake in how the claim was resolved.

The most common reason workers seek to reopen a claim is a worsening medical condition. If the injury you suffered on the job becomes more serious over time due to complications, a new diagnosis, or a decline in your ability to function, you may have grounds to reopen.

There are some important limits. You generally cannot reopen a claim if you signed a full and final settlement. That type of agreement is designed to be permanent. If your settlement was not full and final, however, reopening may still be possible.

How Long Do You Have To Request To Reopen a Colorado Workers' Comp Claim?

In most cases, you must ask to reopen the claim within six years of the injury, or within two years of the date the last benefits became due and payable, whichever is longer. If you only need more medical care, you may have two years from the date the last medical benefits became due and payable.

If you miss these deadlines, you may permanently lose your right to seek additional benefits. Do not wait and hope things improve on their own. If your condition is getting worse, speak with a workers' compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

What Benefits Can You Recover if Your Colorado Workers' Comp Claim Is Reopened?

If you successfully reopen your claim in 2026, you may be able to recover additional benefits depending on the nature of your worsened condition. These can include:

• Additional medical treatment and care related to your original injury

• Temporary disability payments if you are unable to work during recovery

• Permanent disability benefits if your condition has worsened beyond what was originally assessed

• Possible job-related or return-to-work issues, depending on the facts of your case and what the insurer agrees to provide

The specific benefits available will depend on your original settlement terms, the nature of your injury, and the evidence supporting your request. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong case and identify all the compensation you may be entitled to.

Contact a Larimer County, CO Workers' Compensation Attorney for a Free Consultation

If your condition has worsened since your workers’ comp claim was closed, you may have more options than you think. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our Fort Collins, CO workers' compensation lawyers are ready to review your case and help you decide whether reopening your claim is the right move. Attorney Hoggatt is a member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. He can help you understand the possibility of reopening as it applies to your case. Call 970-225-2190 today to schedule your free consultation.

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