In 2020 alone, there were over 33,000 work-related injuries or illnesses in the state of Connecticut, which resulted in an incidence rate of three cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. In the majority of these cases, the injured workers are covered by the state's workers' compensation benefits program, which pays for medical expenses related to the accident and replaces a portion of your lost wages. The amount of coverage varies by state.

We will cover the specific details of Connecticut's workers' compensation program in the following article. If you were hurt at work or are suffering from an illness brought on by your work environment, you may qualify for workers compensation benefits. However, there is no certainty that your claim will be accepted, and actually collecting benefits might be more difficult than you expect. There are steps to take to give you the best chances at success, which we will go over. But, consulting an experienced Connecticut workers' compensation attorney is highly recommended.

General Information About Connecticut’s Workers Compensation System

State legislature in Connecticut has adopted the worker's compensation system, which works like this. A worker is injured at work. He or she must notify their employer of the injury as soon as possible, and the employer is required to submit a form called the "first injury report" to the State of Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission.

In Connecticut, having workers' compensation insurance is a legal requirement for all companies. Those with sufficient financial resources may choose to self-insure, but they must still disclose this information to the Workers' Compensation Commission and demonstrate their financial capability.

Employees have a legal right to workers' compensation coverage – or comparable insurance – from their employers. So, if there's a situation where an employer has no coverage or lets it lapse, they may be liable for the employees' medical expenses and lost pay.

Regardless of the sector, size of the company, or length of employment, the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Act offers benefits to both full-time and part-time workers, including minors. Generally speaking, all employees are protected from the moment they start working, aside from a few exceptions.

Types Of Benefits Available in Connecticut’s Workers Compensation 

Depending on the seriousness and length of your injury or illness, you may be eligible for a variety of workers' compensation benefits. As mentioned, workers' compensation covers the cost of the employee's medical care. The worker may then qualify for wage replacement benefits based on his or her capacity to resume employment. Due to the risky nature of their employment, construction workers have numerous alternatives for finding recovery as well.

Below are the types of benefits available to injured workers:

• Temporary total disability benefits: This is offered to employees who are temporarily unable to work, but will soon be able to do so once they have recovered. Benefits for temporary total disability equal 75% of the worker's average weekly wage prior to the injury.

• Temporary partial disability benefits: Workers who are unable to return to their jobs but are still able to work in limited capacity with less hours can get temporary partial disability payments. Benefits for temporary partial disability cover 75% of the difference between the worker's present salary and what he or she would have made in the absence of the accident.

• Permanent partial disability benefits: This is offered to employees who sustain an injury that results in a permanent partial loss of use of a body part. The amount of benefits provided is determined by the body part that was injured or lost, as well as the level of incapacity the injury produced.

• Other benefits may be provided for the recurrence of an injury or sickness, including job retraining and vocational rehabilitation, travel costs and time off work for medical treatment.

Steps To File Your Workers' Comp Claim

1. Immediately report your injury to your manager or employer: After a job-related accident or injury has occured, notify your employer as soon as you can.
   
   If an injury is not reported as soon as possible to the employer, your workers' comp benefits could be decreased or simply denied. It's important to report an injury, even if you don't need medical help or require time off work.

2. Seek medical attention: If you need medical attention, you must consent to treatment from the healthcare professional that your employer has chosen.
   
   You can pick your own doctor if your company does not require you to visit a specific provider chosen by them. Follow the doctor's directions, save all receipts and reports you receive, and show up for any follow-up appointments.

3. Submit a Written Notice of Claim: You must file an official workers’ compensation claim with the Workers' Compensation Commission to seek benefits you are entitled to. The Form 30C is required to process your claim.

4. Seek legal help as necessary. In Connecticut, a sizable percentage of workers' compensation claims are rejected. When wages are not coming in due to a work-related injury and you are not granted benefits, expenses mount quickly.
   
   If this occurs, get in touch with a Connecticut workers' compensation attorney. You shouldn't have to pay an upfront fee to an attorney, as most work on contingency, which means they collect fees only when your case is successful. If you don't receive benefits, you will not have a legal bill.

Is There a Deadline to File a Workers’ Comp Claim?

The answer is yes. While the best way to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve is to file a claim as soon as possible, you do have one year from the time of your injury to file a claim. That deadline is three years if you suffer from an occupational disease or illness from the date of your first signs of symptoms.

Let Us Assist You With Your Connecticut Workers' Comp Claim

Get the answers you need. It's important to file a claim as soon as possible after being hurt at work or becoming sick from a work-related illness. However, you may have questions. We are here to assist you.

The team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law are committed to helping our clients with any issues that may arise with their workers' compensation case and its benefits. We have the experience and know-how to help you reach a favorable outcome in your case. We've helped countless clients just like you throughout the state of Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.

Contact us immediately, so we can discuss your situation, going over any options you may have and work toward a resolution.