Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Laws: What Injured Workers Need to Know

Getting injured as a result of your job can mean long-term health consequences, lost income, high medical expenses, and other unexpected costs. Fortunately, the Connecticut workers’ compensation laws do allow you to pursue benefits to make up for your losses.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut

Workers’ compensation is an insurance system that provides financial support and medical benefits to injured Connecticut workers. Employers carry workers’ compensation insurance, through which employees can file claims. This is a no-fault system, which means you don’t need to prove that someone’s negligence or recklessness led to your injury.

Workers’ compensation coverage applies to a wide range of workplace accidents. So long as your injury occurred at your work or while you were at work, you should speak with a Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney about filing a claim. Some of the most common workplace accidents include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slips and falls
• Machinery injuries
• Exposure to hazardous substances or environments
• Repetitive stress injuries that develop over time

Workers’ compensation is a widely used system amongst Connecticut workers. In 2024, there were 21.8 thousand cases that involved days away from work, job restriction, or transfer. The estimated total of occupational injuries in Connecticut was 31,016 in 2023.

How the Workers’ Compensation System Works

The workers’ compensation system works when you suffer a work-related injury or discover an illness caused by your work. After this, you should notify your employer as soon as possible in order to meet strict deadlines in Connecticut’s workers’ compensation laws. You should also seek out medical attention as soon as possible, such as from Stamford Hospital at One Hospital Plaza, or the Bridgeport Hospital at 267 Grant St.

Your employer then notifies their workers’ compensation insurer, who investigates the claim and determines whether the requested benefits should be approved. However, a case is not always as straightforward as filing a request and then receiving the full benefits you deserve. Often, cases are denied, or you aren’t able to recover the full amount you need.

A Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney can help you handle a case involving denials, disputes, or severe injuries. Complex cases are often brought before an administrative judge who facilitates hearings regarding a workers’ compensation case. A lawyer can prepare a strong case that pushes for maximized benefits.

Types of Benefits You Can Receive Through a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Disability payments are often the most significant type of benefit in a workers’ compensation case. The four types of disability benefits are:

• Temporary total disability (TTD). These benefits are available if your injury prevents you from performing any job duties while you recover. TTD can replace up to 75% of your average weekly wage, or between $343.20 and $1,716,00 a week.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD). TPD is designed for workers who can return to work but have restrictions that cause them to earn less while they are still recovering. TPD can be up to $1,220.00 per week.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD). PPD benefits can provide compensation if you are left permanently impaired and can only work in a limited capacity. PPD can be between $50.00 and $1,220.00 per week.
• Permanent total disability (PTD). PTD may be available if you are permanently unable to work, either in your original job or another field. Similar to TTD, PTD can provide up to 75% of your weekly wages, or between $343.20 and $1,716.00.

Another key benefit is compensation for your medical costs. You can recover the cost of medical care for your injuries, including both the initial medical treatment and rehabilitative services or ongoing care. However, under Connecticut’s workers’ compensation laws, your employer may choose or approve your medical provider.

Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer From Morizio Law Firm

Lawrence Morizio is a Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist, a rare distinction in Connecticut, where there are fewer than 50 specialists. At Morizio Law Firm, we use this expert knowledge and experience to build workers’ compensation claims that push for the full recovery our clients deserve.

We have over 25 years of experience helping Connecticut workers maximize their benefits and awards through the workers’ compensation system. This includes out-of-state workers working in Connecticut or Connecticut residents who were injured while working out of state.

FAQs

What Are the Three Main Requirements to Obtain Workers’ Compensation?

To obtain workers’ compensation, you must be an employee, have an injury that occurred at work or due to your job duties, and work for an employer who carries workers’ compensation insurance. If these three requirements are met, you can file a workers’ compensation claim and may obtain benefits.

Can a Hernia Be Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

Yes, a hernia can be covered under workers’ compensation if it is a result of your job. For example, if you were doing heavy lifting as part of your job duties, and this aggravated or caused a hernia, you may be able to recover compensation. If you believe you have a hernia, it is important to keep track of what duties led to the injury, save all medical documents, and report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.

What Does Not Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

You may not qualify for workers’ compensation for several reasons. Some of the most common include self-inflicted injuries, injuries that happen while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or injuries that happen due to intentional misconduct. Furthermore, certain types of workers, such as independent contractors, do not typically qualify for workers’ compensation.

What Are Three of the Rights You Have as a Worker?

As a worker, three of the most important rights you have when it comes to a workplace injury include the right to file a claim without retaliation, the right to have your medical care covered by workers’ compensation, and the right to wage replacement if you are disabled. If you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, they can uphold these rights, so you aren’t left with unfair financial burdens after a workplace injury.

Learn How Morizio Law Firm Can Help

At Morizio Law Firm, our expert Connecticut workers’ compensation attorneys are the dedicated, aggressive team you need to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to set up a case consultation.