Workers Compensation in Hartford, CT

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Connecticut state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Hartford, CT workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Hartford, Connecticut?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Connecticut industry with the highest rate of injury is health services. However, the trade, transportation, and utilities industry, as well as natural resources and mining, also report large numbers of workplace injuries. The most common work-related injuries are sprains and strains, followed by bruises, cuts, and fractures. These injuries are most often caused by overexertion, contact with objects, or falls. While some injuries reported in Hartford are minor, more than half of all reported injuries across the state result in missed work.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Hartford, Connecticut?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

The state of Connecticut requires all employers to carry workers compensation insurance. The exception to this rule is household employees working fewer than 26 hours per week. According to the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission, all necessary and appropriate medical treatment will be covered. In addition, if your injury causes you to miss more than three days of work, you can also receive compensation for lost wages. This compensation is paid weekly, capped at $1373 per week.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Hartford, CT are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Hartford, CT healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. Some of which are critical in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

According to the Connecticut Workers Compensation Commission, Hartford employees who are injured at work or develop a work-related illness must report this to their employer immediately. In addition to notifying your employer, you must file an official claim. You must file this claim within one year of an injury. Alternatively, the claim can be filed within three years of the first symptoms of illness.

Timeline and Other Information

After accepting your claim, your employer must begin making payments within 28 days. If you are receiving temporary disability benefits, they will continue until you are able to return to work. Or, until your doctor determines that you will not have further recovery. For permanent partial disabilities, the duration is determined by the type and severity of the injury. In the event of total permanent disability, benefits can continue for life.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point. Typically about the incident and to any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Hartford, Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Hartford, Connecticut, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or on your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Hartford workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Hartford, Connecticut

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Hartford, CT you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!