Connecticut Workers Compensation Laws

The Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act was enacted in 1913 and has undergone numerous changes. The main focus of the Act however, has remained unchanged, it exists to provide benefits to employees who have been injured, become ill or killed while on the job and to protect employers from being sued for benefits.

Every business in Connecticut that has employees is required by law to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage. Exceptions include certain smaller businesses and others listed as Sole Proprietors. Employees can search the online Connecticut Workers’ Compensation verification tool to confirm their employer is covered. Workers’ Compensation Insurance does not protect employers who are negligent and does not exempt them from legal liability in such cases, conversely, the Act does not protect employees who are negligent, such as accidents occurring because an employee is drinking on the job etc.

Another mistake accident victims make is receiving treatment but failing to inform medical personnel that the injury occured while on the job. Workers’ compensation laws are in place to protect employees, not punish businesses. Disclosing that an injury happened at work will not harm your employer, it will however, help you to receive the medical care you need at no cost to you. It may be possible to recover the cost of medical bills even if you failed to disclose the injury was work related. Contact an attorney with experience in worker’s compensation law for help.

Almost. In Connecticut all full-time and part-time employees are covered, including non-citizens and minors. The single exception is for individuals working in or around a private home for less than 26 hours a week, these individuals are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. An employee receives compensation if the injury or illness occured while in the course of employment. This no-fault system does not require negligence to be proved before an employee qualifies for benefits.

Every state has their own time limit, or term in which a workers’ compensation claim can be filed and still be considered valid, this is called the Statute of Limitations. If a claim is not filed within the allotted time period you can no longer request benefits. In Connecticut the Statute of Limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim is one year for injuries sustained on the job, and three years for disease or illness. The time limit begins as soon as the injury occurs, or after the first symptoms of illness appear. It is important for accident victims to file a workers compensation claim as soon as possible. If a deadline is missed, the chance of receiving benefits may be lost. The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Gould Injury Law are dedicated to helping accident victims in a timely manner. Contact Gould Injury Law at 888-WIN-FAST today for a free consultation. If you would like to meet in person, but are unable to come to the office, an associate will be sent to meet with you at your convenience.

If you have been injured at work and your employer disputes your claim, you will need to present your case at an Informal Hearing. If the results of the Informal Hearing are not satisfactory then you will present your case at a Formal Hearing, where a Commissioner will act as a judge and make a ruling.

Simple workers’ compensation claims are often settled without dispute or need for an attorney, however you are allowed an attorney at any time during the claims process. In the unfortunate event that your claim is disputed, the help of a competent, experienced attorney can be crucial in achieving a successful settlement. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can, among other things, gather evidence to support your claim, represent you at a hearing, and negotiate with workers’ compensation insurance adjusters to ensure you get all the benefits you are entitled to.

Evidence

Obtaining strong medical evidence that supports your case increases the likelihood of a successful settlement and ensures that you receive all the benefits you qualify for. A skilled attorney will gather medical records, arrange for independent medical examinations, collect relevant statements from family and friends, interview witnesses and document testimony from experts.

Representation

Having a competent attorney by your side increases the likelihood of a positive outcome for your workers’ compensation claim and goes a long way in reducing your stress and anxiety. Your lawyer will represent you and your interests at hearings and trials and dispositions. Your attorney will present your case and all the evidence gathered to support it, as well as offer opening and closing arguments and raise objections if anything occurs that is improper or out of order. Having legal representation ensures that your rights are protected.

Negotiation

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will have the expertise to approximate the value of benefits you are entitled to. When it comes time to negotiate or structure a settlement offer, this information can be used to refuse low-ball offers from the insurance company. Insurance companies use negotiation tactics that could potentially intimidate or pressure an individual into accepting a settlement that is not in their best interest. An attorney working on your behalf isn’t fooled or duped into accepting any offer that isn’t in your best interest.