Workers Compensation in New Haven, CT
Are you caught in the unexpected whirlwind of a workplace injury in New Haven? The aftermath is often a maze of medical bills, lost wages, and endless paperwork.
Worker’s compensation laws are in place to protect you. Nonetheless, navigating the complexities of claims can be a daunting task. An experienced attorney can be your guide and advocate in this challenging journey. Discover how the worker’s compensation process works and why hiring a local attorney could make all the difference.
Workers Compensation Statistics in New Haven, Connecticut
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 32,700 nonfatal work-related injuries in Connecticut in 2021. Anyone working in finance in New Haven had the lowest statistical chance of harm. However, workers in education and health services face the greatest risks. 4.7 out of every 100 employees in this industry suffered while on the job.
How Does Workers Comp Work in New Haven, 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.
Connecticut generally requires all employers in New Haven to carry worker’s compensation coverage. The benefits can vary but usually include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. However, there are exceptions: certain types of employees, like federal workers and some agricultural laborers, may be exempt. Also, while the law covers mental-mental claims, these cases require stringent proof.
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 New Haven, Connecticut are critical for the 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 New Haven, Connecticut healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred 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.
The state mandates that you report a work-related injury to your employer within one year. This deadline starts from the day the incident happened. While one year may seem like ample time, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Quick action supports your case and expedites the process.
Timeline and Other Information
The timeline to receive benefits varies depending on the complexity of your case. But generally speaking, once you’ve reported your injury, you could receive payments in a few weeks. However, it’s essential to note that more complicated cases can stretch the timeline. It may take several months or even longer when insufficient documentation is available.
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 about the incident and 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 New Haven, Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in New Haven, Connecticut, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt 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 New Havenworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In New Haven, Connecticut
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in New Haven, Connecticut 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!
