A serious fall accident on a job site can turn your life upside down in seconds. Between medical bills, lost wages, and pain from your injuries, you might feel overwhelmed by the thought of navigating the workers’ compensation system or filing a personal injury claim.
At Gould Injury Law, we help injured workers across Connecticut understand their legal rights and recover the full compensation they deserve. If you’ve been hurt at work, here’s what you should know about balancing workers’ compensation and personal injury claims after a workplace accident.
How Workers’ Compensation Works in Connecticut
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to provide medical and wage benefits to employees injured while performing work-related duties. This means you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent to receive workers’ comp benefits—you only need to show that your injury happened at work.
Typical workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Coverage for medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Wage replacement for missed work
- Permanent disability benefits for lasting injuries
- Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses related to recovery
However, workers’ compensation doesn’t cover pain and suffering or other non-economic damages that are available through personal injury claims. That’s why it’s important to understand whether you have additional legal options beyond the comp system.
When a Personal Injury Claim Might Apply
In many workplace accidents, you may only be eligible for workers’ comp. But there are specific situations where you could also file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party—someone other than your employer—whose negligence caused or contributed to your work-related injury.
You may have grounds for a personal injury claim if:
- A property owner failed to maintain a safe worksite
- A contractor or subcontractor acted negligently
- A defective piece of equipment caused the fall accident
- A third-party driver caused a crash during work-related travel
In these cases, you can pursue workers’ compensation benefits and a personal injury claim at the same time.
The Key Differences Between the Two Claims
While both types of claims aim to compensate you for injuries, they serve different purposes:
| Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury Claim |
| No need to prove fault | Must prove someone else’s negligence |
| Covers medical expenses and part of lost wages | Covers full medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering |
| Filed with employer’s workers’ comp insurance | Filed against a third party in civil court |
| Administered through the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission | Managed through the legal system |
By combining these options strategically, injured workers can often maximize their total recovery and achieve more financial stability during the healing process.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Dealing with workers’ comp insurance companies and navigating a personal injury lawsuit at the same time is complex. Errors in reporting or documentation can jeopardize both claims. An experienced personal injury attorney can help by:
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene
- Coordinating with medical providers to document your injuries
- Communicating with insurance adjusters
- Filing both claims without conflicts of interest
- Representing you in hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Commission
With the right legal help, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that all potential sources of compensation are pursued.
Get Help with Your Connecticut Worksite Injury
If you’ve been injured in a fall on a worksite, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and possibly additional damages through a personal injury claim. Acting quickly is essential to protect your rights under Connecticut law.
At Gould Injury Law, our attorneys move fast to secure evidence, file claims, and fight for injured workers throughout the state. We’ll make sure you receive the medical care, lost wages, and fair compensation you deserve.
Call 888-WIN-FAST today for a free consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer. Let us help you get back on your feet—fast.
