The monetary benefit you receive after your have reached MMI is called a permanent disability award. In theory, this compensates you for your lost ability to earn a living by competing in the labor market with workers who are not disabled. In practice, the amount is determined by Colorado's laws and regulations, by a system under which both you and your employer can challenge medical opinions, and by whatever agreements you are able to reach to settle your case.

In Colorado, when your employer or insurer agrees to pay you a permanent disability award, they will notify you on a form called a Final Admission of Liability. The form, usually pink, will be sent to you along with the medical documents on which the Final Admission is based, and other forms that allow you to object and to challenge the amount of benefits. You have only thirty days to object. If you have any question about your Final Admission of Liability, it is extremely important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible. Once the thirty days have passed, your ability to challenge the result in your case will be severely limited.