Colorado law sets rules for electronic workers’ compensation papers

The law defines filing and service to include specified electronic methods as well as physical delivery. These definitions apply to documents and filings under Colorado workers’ compensation law. Service must provide a copy to every party required to receive it. A technical rejection of an electronic filing may mean the division or other parties were not properly served. The act states that it takes effect August 12, 2026, if the General Assembly adjourns on May 13, 2026. If a referendum petition is filed, the affected part takes effect only if voters approve it in November 2026, on the governor’s official declaration of the vote.

Employers or insurers may notify the division electronically, and notices contesting a claim generally must be filed electronically. This applies to employers or insurers notifying the division about workers’ compensation claims and contesting liability. The director may exempt an employer or insurer from electronic filing because it has few filings or faces financial hardship. If the division rejects an electronic notice of contest for a technical error, the rejection does not invalidate notice to the claimant, but it does not count as proper service to the division.

People and organizations required to exchange documents under workers’ compensation law must send or serve them on all required recipients on the same day. This covers required document exchanges under Colorado workers’ compensation law.