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Amendment 57:
Lawsuits by Injured Employees









Summary

State law currently requires all employers with one or more full or part-time employees to provide workers’ compensation benefits for work related injuries and diseases. Additionally, federal and state safety standards exist to ensure safe working conditions of employees. Companies are fined if they do not abide by these standards and employees who are injured receive benefits through workers’ compensation. These current benefits may include: 1) reasonable and necessary medical care at no cost to the employee; 2) tax-free payment for lost wages up to two-thirds of the injured employee’s salary; 3) payment for permanent disability and disfigurement; 4) vocational rehabilitation; 5) funeral expenses; and 6) death benefits for surviving dependents.

Amendment 57 allows an injured employee, currently entitled to damages and full protection of workers’ compensation law and workplace safety laws, to also sue the employer for additional damages.

The Colorado Legislative Council estimates that this measure’s effect on government (not including private companies) could increase government spending and produce a $2 million shortfall the first year.


Position:  Vote NO
Provided by: Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly
Amendment 57 proposes amending the Colorado statutes to:

  • require every private employer in Colorado with ten or more employees to provide a safe and healthy workplace; and

  • allow an injured employee to seek damages in court, beyond workers' compensation benefits, if the employee believes that the employer failed to provide a safe and healthy workplace.
The negative effect of this measure on the state’s economy, the state’s budget, private companies liability and legal costs, and therefore on Colorado families, far outweighs any potential benefits to some injured employees. The current worker’s compensation system effectively balances the needs of employees and employers without compromising safety.

RMFC position:
VOTE XX
Vote NO
RMFC position:
Vote NO