In this episode, we speak with Stuart Colburn, who shares insights on the future of workers' compensation. The discussion covers anticipated changes for 2025, including the impact of weight loss drugs on claims, the evolving landscape of claims management services for public employers and the approach to mental health in the workplace.
Stuart also addresses the complexities of presumptions for first responders, highlighting the balance needed between supporting workers and maintaining system sustainability.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*

Stuart Colburn
Attorney/Shareholder, Downs & Stanford, PC
Speaker Biography
Mr. Colburn is a shareholder of Downs & Stanford and opened the Austin, Texas, office. He is board certified in workers’ compensation law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Stuart is a certified lobbyist, serves as the firm’s representative at Division of Workers’ Compensation meetings, and attends legislative meetings and hearings. He has extensive experience in all phases of dispute resolution before the Division of Worker’s Compensation and in district court.
Stuart was the founder and first Chair of the State Bar of Texas Workers’ Compensation Section. He co-authors the Texas Workers’ Compensation Handbook published by LexisNexis and serves on the executive committee of the LexisNexis Advisory Board for Larson’s on Workers’ Compensation. Stuart served as a contributing editor for the Texas Insurance Code Annotated and was a contributor for The Complete Guide to Medicare Secondary Payer Compliance. He is a trustee and a Co-chair of the school of Legal for WorkCompCollege.com. He founded and was first Chair of the executive committee for the workers’ compensation subgroup for the Primerus Defense Institute. Stuart is active in the education of attorneys, adjusters, and employers regarding workers’ compensation. He is certified by the Texas Department of Insurance as a continuing education provider. A sought-after speaker, Stuart has delivered over a thousand speeches regarding workers’ compensation nationwide. He has served as the course director for numerous programs including the Texas State Bar’s Advanced Workers’ Compensation Seminar and Texas Workers’ Compensation Forum.
The State Bar of Texas Workers’ Compensation Section awarded him “The Barb-wire Award” for lifetime service in workers’ compensation. The Texas Bar CLE Staff awarded Stuart the “Standing Ovation Award” recognizing his efforts, commitment, and leadership. He also received the Comp Laude Award by Workcompcentral.com for his contributions as a defense attorney. Stuart is the Chair of the State Bar of Texas Minimum Continuing Legal Education Committee.
Insurance Council of Texas recognized Stuart in 2024 for his contributions to the Workers’ Compensation committee and events.
Stuart passionately strives to remove barriers and increase opportunities to improve the workers' compensation system through advocacy and education, while taking a stand for doing the right thing and opposing those with contrary agendas.
Professional Affiliations
• Travis County Bar Association
• Founding Fellow, Travis County Bar Foundation
• Texas Department of Insurance CE Provider
• Registered Lobbyist
• Board of Trustees member for WorkComp College
• Member of the Mentoring Program Advisory Council
Education
• University of Texas, J.D., 1994
• Southwestern University, B.A., 1991 (Cum Laude)
• Institute of Comparative Political and Economic Systems at Georgetown University, 1989