Kaplan Morrell Applauds Passage of Landmark Workers' Compensation Reform in Colorado

DENVER - PrZen -- Kaplan Morrell, a leading Colorado workers' compensation law firm, proudly announces the enactment of Senate Bill 1300, a transformative piece of legislation that gave injured workers the right to select their own treating physicians. This milestone, signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on June 4, 2025, marks the most significant reform in the state's workers' compensation system in over three decades.

For more than half a century, Colorado law mandated that injured workers choose their medical providers from a limited list designated by employers or insurers. This often led to compromised care, diminished trust between patients and physicians, additional litigation costs, and limited compensation. SB 1300 overturns this system, granting workers the autonomy to select any Level I or Level II accredited physician within 70 miles of their residence or workplace, as listed by the Division of Workers' Compensation.

Michael Kaplan, co-founder of Kaplan Morrell and a dedicated board member of the Workers' Compensation Education Association (WCEA) since 2002, played a pivotal role in drafting and advocating for this legislation. His commitment to enhancing the rights and well-being of injured workers has been a driving force behind this reform.

"This law represents a monumental shift towards fairness and dignity for Colorado's workforce," said Kaplan. "By empowering injured workers to choose their own physicians, we are ensuring they receive the quality care they need and deserve. Workers' compensation carriers have historically compromised injured workers and hindered their access to quality care. The purpose of SB 1300 was to prioritize the health of injured workers, which is among their most valuable assets."

Key provisions of SB 1300 include:

• Expanded Provider Choice:  Injured workers can now select any Level I or II accredited physician within a 70-mile radius, promoting personalized and trusted medical care.
• Enhanced Autonomy:  Workers are no longer confined to employer-designated provider lists, reducing potential conflicts of interest and fostering better patient-physician relationships.

Kaplan Morrell remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights of injured workers across Colorado. With offices in Denver, Greeley, and Loveland, the firm continues to provide expert legal representation, ensuring clients receive the benefits and care they are entitled to under the law.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit www.kaplanmorrell.com or call (303) 780-7329.

Media Contact:
Kaplan Morrell Attorneys at Law
Phone: (303) 780-7329
Email: info@kaplanmorrell.com
Website: www.kaplanmorrell.com

Kaplan Morrell is a client-focused law firm specializing in Colorado workers' compensation. With over 20 years of experience, the firm is dedicated to securing the rights and benefits of injured and disabled workers throughout the state. kaplanmorrell.com