You are probably familiar with the term “workers’ compensation.” People across the nation know that workers’ compensation insurance would cover lost income and medical expenses for an on-the-job condition. However, what many people do not realize is that, with the exception of federal employees, not all workers’ compensation policies are the same nationwide. The laws, requirements, and benefits vary from state to state.
For example, in Alabama, a business must have five employees or more to be required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Whereas, in Maine, a business with just one employee is required to carry workers’ comp. On the other hand, Texas does not require businesses to carry workers’ comp insurance at all, except for the fields of construction and government.
If all of this sounds confusing, don’t worry. If you are injured on the job, the experienced fast-working law firm of Gould Injury Law can assist you. You need benefits, and you need them fast! We can help you in navigating the process as fast as possible so you can receive your benefits sooner. Call Gould Injury Law today at 888-WIN-FAST to schedule a free consultation
Businesses In Connecticut That Are Required to Carry Workers’ Compensation
The law in Connecticut states that all businesses with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation for their employees. This also includes contract workers, uninsured subcontractors, and seasonal workers. Household employees who work less than 26 hours per week are not covered by workers’ compensation in Connecticut.
The State of Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) is the agency that oversees and handles workers’ comp claims. The WCC applies stiff penalties if a business fails to obtain proper coverage in a timely manner. These can include issuing a stop-work order and imposing a fine of $300 per worker per day.
Benefits of Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut
The Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act highlights what benefits are to be applied when a work-related injury occurs. The Act stipulates that if an employee is injured on the job or suffers a work-related illness, he or she is entitled to receive workers’ comp benefits. If it is found that the work-related injury resulted from the employee’s use of recreational drugs or alcohol, he or she could be ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Connecticut’s workers’ compensation is divided into temporary partial or total disability, and permanent disability. The system is a “no-fault” system. This means that even if the accident was the employee’s fault or the employee was born with a medical condition that predisposed him or her to the injury, benefits are still to be paid.
Benefits can vary, and, may include:
- Medical expenses: Procedures, surgeries, physical therapy, treatments for illnesses, and medications are all covered for work-related injuries
- Lost income: An injured employee is entitled to receive 75 percent (after taxes) of his or her weekly earnings as they were prior to injury
- Vocational Rehabilitation: When an employee is unable to return to the type of work done before the injury, he or she may receive training for a suitable type of work
- Funeral and death benefits: If someone dies from a work-related incident or illness, the surviving family, or dependents, are entitled to receive up to $4000 for funeral and burial expenses. Also, included is weekly compensation of up to 75 percent of the deceased’s salary.
In Connecticut, undocumented workers do qualify for some benefits. When an employee can go back to work or receive full pay, or a doctor has determined that his or her condition has stabilized, then workers’ compensation benefits will end.
“The Fast Firm” of Gould Injury Law can assist with the process to ensure you get the benefits you need as long as you need them.
The Process of Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut
All employers in Connecticut must post information regarding workers’ compensation in conspicuous locations in the workplace. The information on the posters must describe what qualifies employees for compensation and how to go about getting it. This includes listing information about the insurance provider or where an employee may file a claim.
Further, the notice must be displayed in the type of none other than ten-point bold-face, making it easy for employees to see and read. Employers who fail to comply with these requirements may face fines or sanctions.
The statute of limitations for submitting a claim for workers’ compensation in Connecticut is 1 year for physical injuries and 3 years for illnesses. The time begins on the date that the injury occurred, or when the first symptoms of illness become manifest.
Regardless, if you experience a work-related injury, you should notify your employer immediately. Any delay would call into question the validity of your claim.
After you notify your supervisor, he or she may have a specific physician for you to visit. It is important for you to comply. Thereafter, a report of the injury will be sent to the state’s Third Party Administrator, who will either approve or contest your claim. If approved, you will begin to receive benefits.
Our Fast-working Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help You With Your Claim
In Connecticut, the law does require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees for work-related injuries. However, the insurance adjuster may seek to minimize the cost of your claim. Also, there may be other liable parties that are not connected to your employer’s workers’ compensation policy but could also provide compensation.
For example, several companies may be working simultaneously on a single job site, where accidents frequently occur. The negligence of another company’s employees may entitle you to a third-party claim. Or perhaps, the manufacturer of defective equipment resulting in injury could also be held liable.
You need benefits, and soon! So, when injured in a work-related accident, never limit yourself to settling too soon for too little workers’ compensation benefits. You may be entitled to additional compensation. Our fast-working lawyers can arrange an investigation to make sure that you receive proper compensation for your work-related injuries and that you receive it fast.
Remember, if you have been injured, we can help you get the compensation you deserve – fast! Call Gould Injury Law today at 888-WIN-FAST to schedule a free consultation with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys.
