Michael Kaplan

Michael received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. Michael is licensed to practice law in both Colorado. Michael is the former President of the Workers’ Compensation Education Association (WCEA), which is the leading attorney advocate group for injured workers in Colorado. Since 2002, Michael has been a WCEA board member actively involved with authoring new legislation and rules to enhance the Colorado Workers’ Compensation system.

Professional Players Unions have sought Michael’s assistance representing their injured players. He is one of only two NFL Players Association appointed Colorado panel counsel. He also assists the NHLPA, MLSPA, MLBPA and the Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA).

Michael is a Fellow of the Colorado Bar Association Foundation (less than one percent of all active Colorado attorneys are honored by being made a Fellow). Michael also has contributed to the CBA by serving on its WC Board for over a decade.

In 2016, Michael received the Lansford F. Butler Award for his outstanding service, dedication and commitment in the field of Colorado WC; The LFB Award  is the most prestigious award given to a WC practitioner in Colorado.

The Professionals in Workers’ Compensation Organization with the 2007, 2009 & 2015 WC Outstanding Claimants Attorney award and the 2008 PWC President’s Award honored Michael.

The Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation has recognized Michael for his service on the 2006 & 2008 Medical Treatment Guidelines Task Force.  Michael has also assisted the Division of Workers’ Compensation with developing and revising the Workers’ Compensation Rules of Procedure on several occasions. Michael was also appointed by Colorado’s Governor to the 2012 Pinnacol Task Force.

Every year, starting in 2007, Michael has been recognized by Super Lawyer Magazine as being one of the best Colorado Workers’ Compensation Claimant’s attorneys in Colorado.

Michael has given numerous presentations to help educate the Workers’ Compensation community on behalf of the Nation Business Institute, Colorado Bar Association, Workers’ Compensation Education Association, the Professionals in Workers’ Compensation Association, Sterling Educational Services and WILG.

Michael also is the co-founder of Medical Settlement Specialists, LLC.  MSS assists parties in workers’ compensation systems value the future medical aspects of a claim as well as assist parties in resolving claims amicably.