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Michael Harris Kaplan

Workers compensation Attorney at Denver, CO

4.9   71 reviews
  • Licensed for 22 years
    State CO
    Acquired 2001
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

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 and Michigan. 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 better 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 counsels. 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).

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

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

The National Institute has recognized Michael for Trial Advocacy. 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 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, and Sterling Educational Services.

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Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  71 customer reviews
Posted by Traci | January 13, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
The best in his field
I refer to Michael Kaplan as he has a combination of experience and compassion that makes him the best in the industry. I can always count on him to help anyone needing advice-regardless of whether he takes the case.
Posted by John | November 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
You Can't Go Wrong
I strongly recommend Michael Kaplan of Kaplan Morrell, for any workers compensation issue. The company I was involved with put forward an incredibly low settlement offer, and Mr. Kaplan, recognizing this, went to work to get a fair settlement. The settlement he negotiated was 4 times more than their original offer, and I couldn’t be more pleased. He and his assistant, Tammy, are client focused and provide superb service. John W.
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Response from Michael Kaplan November 21, 2020
Hi John, Thanks so much for the really nice review! We love hearing from our clients. It was a pleasure working with you on your case. I will be sure to let the team know you left such a positive review. My Best, Michael Kaplan
Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Michael Kaplan
After dealing with my employers insurance company for over a year denying me treatment, one of my doctors gave me Michael Kaplans name. Him and his staff helped me through a very difficult time dealing with my work injury. His paralegal Tammy was always there for me and I owe her a debt of gratitude. Thank you Michael for being not just an attorney working on my behalf, but being a friend.
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Response from Michael Kaplan June 4, 2020
Thank you very much for your kind words. We are glad it turned out well for you and are thankful that you chose Kaplan Morrell. My Best, Michael
Posted by anonymous | May 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and Professional
At the beginning, I was intimidated by the legal/worker's comp process and dealing with the insurance company was a nightmare. I'm grateful to have found Kaplan Morrell to help lead me through it. It's evident after working with Mike that he is incredibly knowledgeable and well-respected in the community. From start to finish Mike communicated that his priority was to get me the treatment I needed and the best outcome for my personal situation. He backed this up with his actions and ensured that I was taken care of every step of the way. He understands that each individual, case, and injury are different, which was critical for me having multiple injuries and a really unique situation. Mike and his team handled the process professionally throughout and they delivered the results we were hoping for. Can't thank them enough.
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Response from Michael Kaplan May 11, 2020
Thanks so much for this kind review. I greatly appreciate it. - Mike
Posted by Sam J | April 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Personable
I hired Michael and his team to represent me in a workers comp case that was recently resolved. He provided excellent advice and made navigating the process virtually painless. His paralegal Tammy Roberts was a huge help and was pleasant to work with. Ultimately Michael and his team were able to secure a better outcome for my case than I thought possible. I highly recommend contacting them for any workers comp claims.
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Response from Michael Kaplan April 26, 2020
Hi Sam, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate the kind words. It was a pleasure working with you on your case. - Michael
Posted by Melanie | April 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful
Mike and Tammy have been a god send over the last 4 yrs! They truly helped me understand the process, listened to my concerns and let me have complete meltdowns when I was frustrated with the system! Very professional and down to earth people! I highly recommend Kaplan Morrell!
Response from Michael Kaplan April 26, 2020
Melanie, Thanks so much for the kind review. It was our pleasure working with you on your case! - Michael and Tammy
Posted by Mark and Kim | March 30, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney
Michael Kaplan is the attorney you want on your side. Not only is he a top-notch legal advocate, he follows through on his promises, and tells you the truth. Having represented us for more than a decade, we can attest that Michael has always lived up to the highest standards. We highly recommend Michael Kaplan.
Response from Michael Kaplan April 13, 2020
Mark and Kim, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. It is a great pleasure working with you. I appreciate the kind words. - Michael
Posted by Joan | February 27, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Truly helpful and compassionate consultation
I sure wish I'd found this firm sooner. Though I was recommended to Michael Kaplan too late in the process, he was still incredibly kind and generous with his time and expertise. He even called me back, unexpectedly, days after our consultation with a new idea about my case and a referral for me. He was the most helpful of anyone I've spoken to in this whole process.
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Response from Michael Kaplan March 2, 2020
Joan, Thanks so much for the kind words and nice review. It was a pleasure to meet you and help in any way we could. - Michael
Posted by Yesmeen | February 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Michael cares and WILL fight for YOU!
I can't speak highly enough about Michael Kaplan and his team. Michael fought for me and had my back the entire time regarding my Work Comp Claim. He is sincere, cares about his clients and spoke to me in a way I could understand regarding "legal land." Communication was always timely and prompt and I felt in the loop and he did a great job explaining what was happening behind the scenes. He helped me navigate through my unique and layered case so I can heal and move on with my life. Thank you Michael!!
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Response from Michael Kaplan February 17, 2020
Yesmeen, It was a pleasure working on your case. We appreciate that you took the time to leave us a review. Thanks so much for choosing Kaplan Morrell. - Michael and the team
Posted by Kym | January 31, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thankful Client
I was referred to Mike Kaplan by a judge who is a former employer of mine, as well as a family friend. Mr. Kaplan has represented me in two separate Workers Comp cases. Mr. Kaplan has a great reputation with the medical community, and two of the physicians that treated me during my recent injury spoke very highly of him. I love Mike and his paralegal Tammy! Unlike most law firms, they make communicating with them easy. They were quick to respond to my calls and e-mails, and made sure to answer any questions or concerns that I had. They both went out of their way to make this overwhelming process as easy as possible for me. I am very happy with the settlement that I received, as it was more than double what another attorney that I had a consultation with had promised me. I wouldn't hesitate to hire Mike again, and I truly appreciate all that his firm did for me!
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Response from Michael Kaplan February 5, 2020
Kym, Thank you. We greatly appreciate that you have taken the time to write such a nice recommendation. It has been a pleasure working on your case. All the best - Michael
Posted by Wesley | January 27, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding!!
I was struggling with my workman's comp claim, meaning the workman's comp company. Michael and his staff took it off my hands, and worked though it for me, I didn't have to do anything really. He ended up getting what I wanted and now can get the treatment I was after from the start. I absolutely recommend Michael ! he and his staff are awesome! I found out quickly that sometimes you just need to get an attorney to fight the companies who you thought are working for you but in reality they only have their own interests in mind and are not afraid of cutting you short on your needed treatment. Many times those companies are money hungry and shortsighted on human needs. That was clear to me. I was frustrated and felt set-a-side by my workman's comp company. I wont mention Pinnacol's name. but I will mention MIchael Kaplans Name.
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Response from Michael Kaplan February 5, 2020
Wesley, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. We love hearing from our clients. It was a pleasure working on this case. We are happy to hear you are so pleased with the outcome. All our best - Michael and the team.
Posted by Susan | January 8, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helping through out the process
M. Kaplan and his team worked tirelessly for over a year. Michael and Andrew explained each step and my options. Brandy and Tammy are awesome with all the paperwork and keeping in touch. They were always helpful and very knowledgeable.
Response from Michael Kaplan January 22, 2020
Susan, Thanks so much for the kind words and nice review. We love hearing from our clients. It was a pleasure working on your case. Thanks for trusting Kaplan Morrell. - Michael and the team
Posted by Leslie | October 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
KAPLAN MORRELL
Mr. Kaplan recently handled an issue with my work comp case. I was impressed from the start with how professional his office was. I always received prompt replies to my emails/phone calls and was kept advised of the status of my matter. The issues involved in my claim were clearly explained to me in layman's terms and they took time to make sure I understood my options. He is a highly capable attorney with a very knowledgeable staff. However, what I appreciated the most was the compassion and empathy Mr. Kaplan had toward my situation. His kindness was truly remarkable. I always felt he had my best interest in mind. I could not have asked for a better attorney and will be eternally grateful for his assistance with resolving my claim. I would highly recommend Mr. Kaplan and his paralegal Tammy Roberts to anyone looking for assistance with their work comp claim!
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Response from Michael Kaplan October 28, 2019
Leslie, Thanks so much for the kind words and with your trust and confidence in us as we worked together on your case. It was a privilege to work with you. We appreciate you. - Michael Kaplan
Posted by Doug | October 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
KAPLAN MORRELL
I contacted Mike after I was having a difficult time getting benefits from my employers insurance company. Mike and his team were immediately able to get me the benefits that I deserved. Navigating the workers comp system without an attorney is impossible to do on your own. If I had questions or concerns during my case, Mike and Tammy were always available to answer questions and quickly provide solutions. Mike is not only extremely knowledgeable, but straightforward, compassionate and most of all trustworthy.
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Response from Michael Kaplan October 15, 2019
Doug, Thanks so much for the review. We appreciate that you chose Kaplan Morrell to work on your workers' comp case. Thanks for trusting us! It was a pleasure working with you.
Posted by Lonie | September 18, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trusted lawyer
Michael Kaplan is the BEST lawyer you can hire for workmans comp! He walked us through every process of workers comp for 2 1/2 years. He and his paralegal Tammy Roberts are there for you when ever you call or email. I never had to wait for more than half day to get a response!! The process of the worker's comp law is complicated and overwhelming, but Michael and Tammy, know everything there is to know, you will never have to worry if your going to be left in the dark. Compassionate to his clients, as if they were his own family! We love Kaplan and Morrell for their integrity and compassion! Not to mention their loyalty to you!
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Response from Michael Kaplan October 1, 2019
Lonie, Thanks so much for the kind review and for trusting us with your case. It was a pleasure getting to know you through the process. Thanks again. - Michael
Posted by Robert | September 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Workers comp attorney
I had a very serious work related injury. My doctor suggested that I contact Kaplan Morrell as I wanted to find the best workers comp attorney in Colorado. Michael Kaplan and his team was absolutely fantastic. They took care of all my needs and approached my case with a tremendous amount of professionalism and sensitivity. I was looking for a great workers comp attorney near me,and was grateful to find Kaplan Morrell.
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Response from Michael Kaplan September 16, 2019
This review posted twice! But thanks again for the kind words Robert!
Posted by Robert | September 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent workers comp attorney.
I had a very serious work related injury. One of my doctors suggested that I contact Kaplan Morrell as I wanted to find the best workers comp attorney in Colorado. Michael Kaplan and his team was absolutely fantastic. They took care of my needs and approached my case with a tremendous amount of professionalism and sensitivity. I was looking for a great workers comp attorney near me, and was grateful to find Kaplan Morrell.
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Response from Michael Kaplan September 16, 2019
Robert, Thanks so much for the very kind review. We enjoyed working together with you on your case. Thanks for choosing Kaplan Morrell. We appreciate you! - Michael and the team
Posted by Kaylee | May 30, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exactly what I needed
I was referred to Michael Kaplan from a provider I was seeing following a work related head injury. I was so nervous to begin the process of hiring an attorney; I had no idea what it would involve or how it could impact my situation. I cannot speak more highly of Mike and Tammy. My injury has been very difficult, stressful and life changing, however hiring Mike was the best decision I could have made. Dealing with the worker's comp system is a monster, and not one that should be tackled alone. Michael and Tammy were very responsive to my emails and phone calls. Tammy was direct but gentle, often easing my anxiety about things that I felt completely overwhelmed by. Mike tells it like it is without sugarcoating it or beating around the bush - which is so valued and appreciated when it often feels like everyone else is doing the exact opposite: not listening to you, not telling you the full story, and not believing you. Michael is human, just like the rest of us, and makes sure you know he actually cares about you. Thank you, Michael, Tammy and anyone else who helped with my case. I am forever grateful to all of you.
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Response from Michael Kaplan June 11, 2019
Kaylee, Tammy and I are so happy that we were able to represent you! Thank you so much for the kind words. We really appreciate you. It was a pleasure working with you. - Michael
Posted by Trey | March 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Representation
Michael Kaplan and his team went above and beyond to give me the best representation possible. Michael was very thorough and made sure I knew exactly what I was getting with his representation. He and his team helped me through the process and made sure I received a fair settlement.
Response from Michael Kaplan April 3, 2019
Trey, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a nice review. We are happy to have represented you. - Michael
Posted by Nick | January 18, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Purely Excellent Performance
As a college student at Colorado School of Mines, stress is an inevitability, and a workman's compensation case only add to that stress; however, the great people at Kaplan Morrel supported and served us incredibly. Michael and his staff are friendly and supportive, while staying headstrong and direct to give you the best compensation and advice whenever you may need it. For that, I can not thank you enough. My family and I highly recommend Kaplan Morrel for their resounding expertise and their determination to give us the compensation we deserve.
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Response from Michael Kaplan March 19, 2019
Nick, Thanks so much for the nice review. It was a pleasure working with your family.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 375-450 per hour
  • Contingency 20%-20%

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Kaplan Morrell, LLC
  • 2011 - Present
  • Partner
  • Sawaya, Rose & Kaplan, LLC
  • 2004 - 2011
  • Attorney
  • The Sawaya Law Firm
  • 2001 - 2004
  • Associate
  • Bendinelli Law Firm
  • 1999 - 2001
View all work experience

Education

  • Michigan State University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • N/A
  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • N/A

Associations

  • Colorado Bar Foundation
  • Fellow
  • 2007 - Present
  • Workers' Compensation Education Association
  • Board Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Professionals in Workers' Compensation
  • Board Member
  • 2008 - 2011
  • Colorado Bar Association, Workers' Compensation Section
  • CBA Workers' Compensation Executive Council
  • 2004 - 2015
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Workers Compensation Counsel in Colorado
  • Major League Baseball Players Association
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer 2016
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer 2015
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer 2014
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2014
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2011
  • Outstanding Claimant's Attorney
  • Professionals in Workers Compensation
  • 2009
  • President's Award
  • Professionals in Workers Compensation
  • 2008
  • Outstanding Claimant's Attorney
  • Professionals in Workers Compensation
  • 2007
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (5)
Endorse Michael
Administrative law Attorney | Jun 22
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mr. Kaplan is a zealous advocate for his clients, who is compassionate to his clients, knowledgeable of the law, well spoken and written, and an overall excellent attorney. The legal community knows and respects him. The bench values Mr. Kaplan's approach and analysis. As an attorney who has worked on cases against Mr. Kaplan for almost two decades, it is with all honesty and respect to report that he is one of the best (if not the best) workers' compensation lawyers representing injured workers in Colorado."
Workers compensation Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael Kaplan is an exceptional lawyer in the area of worker's compensation. Michael's stellar reputation among opposing counsel and judges is an important factor which separates him from other lawyers in the field and allows him to achieve great results for his clients. If someone in my own family was hurt on the job, I would not hesitate to send him/her to Michael."
Workers compensation Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael is an excellent advocate whose reputation is untouchable in the community. I recommend him for all workers compensation cases and wouldn't hesitate to ask him to represent my own family."
Workers compensation Attorney | Apr 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Kaplan is an innovator in the workers' compensation field. I fully endorse him."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Michael is a compassionate, knowledgeable, well-seasoned attorney who always has his clients' best interests in mind, and consistently achieves the best results possible for them. Michael would be the first attorney to whom i would turn if i ever needed assistance with a workers' compensation, or social security disability matter."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mike Kaplan is a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney. I have had several cases against him. He knows the law and aggressively represents his client’s best interests in the matter. Mr. Kaplan is professional and courteous to opposing counsel. I highly recommend Mike Kaplan to anyone that is in need of legal advice about workers’ compensation."
Workers compensation Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mike provides great service to his clients and aggressively pursue each case to its conclusion."
View more endorsements
Workers compensation
Workers compensation
Workers compensation
Workers compensation
Personal injury

Avvo Contributions

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Denver Workers compensation Lawyer Michael Harris Kaplan
Michael Harris Kaplan
Workers compensation Attorney
Denver, CO
Licensed for 22 years