In Connecticut, the workplace is a critical area of focus for health and safety due to the prevalence of slip and fall accidents. In 2022, private industry employers reported 35,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, resulting in a notable incidence rate of 3.2 cases per 100 full-time workers, which is significantly higher than the national rate. Notably, of these incidents, 23,400 were severe, involving days away from work or restrictions, commonly referred to as DART cases.
The workplace contains equipment hazards, cluttered pathways, and wet floors—all of which contribute to the possibility of a slip and fall accident that results in serious injury. In the event that a slip and fall incident at the workplace results in an injury, follow the subsequent instructions in order to safeguard your legal rights and secure compensation for the harm caused.
If you have questions or need to speak with a slip and fall accident or Connecticut workers compensation attorney, feel free to contact us today. We would love to help you.
Can I File For Workers' Compensation Following a Workplace Slip and Fall Accident?
The Connecticut state legislature adopted the worker's compensation system in this manner. An employee is injured on the job. It is essential that the injured party promptly inform their employer of the accident, and the employer must subsequently submit a document known as the "first injury report" to the Workers' Compensation Commission of the State of Connecticut.
Workers' compensation insurance is a mandatory legal requirement for all businesses operating in Connecticut. Although individuals who possess adequate financial means may elect to self-insure, they are still obligated to provide the Workers' Compensation Commission with this information and furnish evidence of their financial capability.
Employers are obligated to provide workers' compensation coverage or a comparable insurance option to their employees. In the event that an employer fails to provide coverage or allows it to lapse, they could potentially bear liability for the medical expenses and lost wages of their employees.
The Connecticut Workers' Compensation Act provides benefits to part-time and full-time employees, including minors, regardless of industry, company size, or duration of employment. With a few exceptions, all employees are generally given protection the instant they commence their employment.
Individuals who have sustained work-related injuries or illnesses or have been injured on the job may be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits. However, the acceptance of your claim is not guaranteed, and the process of collecting benefits may prove to be more challenging than you initially anticipated. However, it is strongly advised that you consult with an experienced CT workers' compensation attorney about your case as soon as possible following a slip and fall accident in Connecticut.
Obtain Medical Care After a Slip and Fall Accident at Work
Severe injuries can result from a fall, including fractures, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, back injuries, and neck injuries, among others. Despite the fact that it may seem obvious to seek medical attention promptly following a severe injury, serious injury symptoms may not appear for some time, giving the injury the opportunity to progress into a more severe condition that is more challenging to treat in the future.
Be sure that you do not ignore your physical ailments and immediately resume your job responsibilities. Make your health a top priority by obtaining medical attention. It is of the utmost importance to seek medical attention without delay, even if you initially have doubts about the severity of your injuries. Doing so may significantly strengthen your case in the future.
After filing for workers' compensation and disclosing the accident, it is possible that your employer or their insurance provider will require you to undergo an Independent Medical Exam (IME) or acquire medical authorization prior to beginning any treatment. Your treatment, for instance, might require expensive diagnostic procedures like MRIs or CT scans. Additionally, consultation with a specialist may be necessary for treatment. Your insurance company (or employer) may require medical treatment authorization prior to providing treatment; if not, you may be responsible for covering the expenses personally.
Be Sure to Report the Accident to Your Employer Promptly
The State of Connecticut Workers' Compensation Program mandates that any injury or illness sustained on the job be reported promptly to the employer. Failure to notify your employer of the accident or file a claim late may result in the complete denial of your claim.
Many employers have a policy or procedure in place that employees must follow after an accident. Ensure that you adhere to company procedures. Exercise caution when describing your accident, and refrain from making statements that minimize your injuries.
Collect Evidence Relating to the Slip and Fall Accident
Your workers' compensation claim will require evidence that the fall and subsequent injuries occurred on the job. Photograph any potential hazards that could have caused the fall, including dimly lit walkways or stairwells, equipment or cords strewn across the ground, and jagged or slippery flooring.
Keep any medical records, invoices, expenses, or other documentation that pertains to the injury. As you recover, you may also wish to capture photographs of the injured areas.
7 Days a Week, 24 Hours a Day, Brandon J. Broderick, a CT Personal Injury Attorney, is Available to Assist You
Accidents that result in injury may cause worry. They have the potential to negatively impact one's physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind and excellent legal representation. Having fought for decades on behalf of injury clients, including yourself, we are well-equipped to defend your legal rights. Do not allow an insurance company to downplay the severity of your injury or undervalue your claim. You have a right to full compensation when someone else's negligence results in an injury.
Our slip and fall attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are dedicated to providing our clients with superior service and obtaining favorable results. Thus, we are regarded as some of the most reputable slip and fall attorneys in Connecticut.
For a free consultation and to discuss your legal options, please contact us today. We are readily available around the clock, and we look forward to helping you move forward.