In Connecticut, the workers' compensation system was designed to protect employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to their job. However, the landscape becomes more complex when individuals juggle multiple jobs. With the rise of gig work and part-time employment, understanding how workers' compensation applies to multi-job holders is increasingly important. This article unpacks the nuances of Connecticut's workers' compensation laws and their application to individuals working multiple jobs, offering insights to both employees and employers.

Workers' Compensation in Connecticut: The Basics

Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance program that provides benefits to employees who were injured or become ill due to their job duties. In Connecticut, this includes coverage for:

• Medical costs related to the injury or illness
• Lost wages due to the inability to work
• Rehabilitation services
• Disability benefits (temporary or permanent)

Every employer with one or more employees is required to carry workers' compensation insurance, with few exceptions, such as certain domestic workers or sole proprietors who opt out.

Challenges for Individuals With Multiple Jobs

For individuals who hold multiple jobs, a workplace injury at one job can have financial and logistical consequences on their overall employment. Workers' compensation laws in Connecticut recognize these complexities and aim to address them fairly. Here are some of the key considerations for multi-job workers:

1. Loss of Income Across Jobs

One of the most pressing issues for individuals with multiple jobs is the potential loss of income from all their positions due to a single injury. For example, if a person sustains an injury at Job A and is unable to work, they may also be unable to perform duties at Job B, even though Job B was not the source of the injury.

Connecticut's workers' compensation system accounts for this by calculating benefits based on the individual's average weekly wage (AWW) across all jobs, not just the job where the injury occurred. This ensures that workers receive compensation reflective of their total earning capacity.

2. Employer Coordination

When an individual works for multiple employers, the process of determining liability can become complex. Workers' compensation claims are filed against the employer where the injury occurred. However, the injured worker must provide documentation of their earnings from all jobs to ensure accurate calculation of their benefits. Employers may need to coordinate with each other, particularly if the secondary job provides additional documentation for wage verification.

3. Concurrent Job Restrictions

Certain physical injuries may prevent individuals from returning to specific types of work, while others might allow for modified duties. For example, someone who sustains a back injury while working in a physically demanding warehouse job may be able to perform sedentary office work at their secondary job. However, workers must comply with medical restrictions, as performing duties beyond those approved by a healthcare provider could jeopardize their benefits.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury if You Have Multiple Jobs

If you work multiple jobs and experience a workplace injury, here's what you should do:

#1 Report the Injury Promptly

Notify the employer where the injury occurred as soon as possible. Connecticut law requires injuries to be reported within one year for an injury or three years for an occupational illness. Delaying this step could affect your eligibility for benefits.

#2 Document Your Employment

Gather records of your employment and earnings for all jobs, including pay stubs, tax records, or employment contracts. This information is essential for calculating your average weekly wage accurately.

#3 Consult a Workers' Compensation Attorney

Navigating workers' compensation with multiple jobs can be complicated, especially if disputes arise over lost wages or benefits. A knowledgeable attorney can help ensure you receive the full compensation you're entitled to.

#4 Follow Medical Advice

Adhere to the treatment plan outlined by your healthcare provider. Failing to comply could result in the denial of benefits.

Key Considerations for Employers

Employers of multi-job workers also face unique responsibilities under Connecticut's workers' compensation laws. If a worker with multiple jobs files a claim, the employer where the injury occurred may be solely liable for workers' compensation benefits, even if the injury impacts the employee's ability to work elsewhere. This underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive workers' compensation insurance and accurate employee records.

Employers should also consider accommodating light-duty work for injured employees. Offering modified tasks that align with medical restrictions can help injured workers return to their primary role while easing the financial strain on both the employee and the company.

Statistics on Multi-Job Workers and Workplace Injuries

• Nationally, 4.9% of workers hold multiple jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While this percentage may seem small, the figure includes millions of individuals, many of whom work physically demanding jobs.
• A study from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that multi-job workers are 34% more likely to experience work-related injuries compared to single-job workers.
• In Connecticut, over 42,000 workplace injury claims were filed in 2022 alone, highlighting the importance of robust workers' compensation systems for all workers, including those with multiple jobs.

Conclusion

For Connecticut workers juggling multiple jobs, a workplace injury can have significant financial and practical consequences. Fortunately, the state's workers' compensation laws aim to protect the rights of multi-job holders by considering their total earnings and providing equitable benefits. If you or someone you know has been injured on the job and holds multiple positions, seeking professional legal guidance can help navigate the complexities of the claims process and ensure fair compensation.

By understanding their rights and responsibilities under Connecticut law, both employees and employers can better address the challenges posed by workplace injuries in multi-job scenarios.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Connecticut’s Workers Compensation can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.