Updated CT Legislation in 2024-25 Affecting Injured Workers in Connecticut

When the Connecticut State Supreme Court ruled in March 2025 to reject precedent, it reversed decades of established benefits practices that resulted in workers’ compensation insurance premiums being raised to extreme levels to cover the potential costs. The state then updated CT legislation in 2024-25, affecting injured workers in Connecticut, and reset the cost of premiums to normal levels after employers complained about the significant change in the cost.

Before costs were reset, however, the City of Meriden estimated its insurance costs would increase by $1.2 million. Similarly, several municipal, state, and private companies estimated premium costs of up to $320 million.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 35,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by Connecticut private employers in 2022. This demonstrates how many workplace incidents may lead to workers’ compensation claims in the state.

Workers’ Compensation Laws in Connecticut

During the case Gardner v. Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the court allowed an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to award claimants reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) ongoing temporary partial disability benefits under Connecticut General Statute §31-308(a) in lieu of §31-308(b) and receive benefits up to 520 weeks or 10 years.

Prior to and after the update to correct the adjustment, the framework allowed an injured worker to receive benefits while also working towards recovery and a return to work.

All temporary disability support ended once the worker reached MMI. If the injury caused permanent disability, then the injured worker received permanent work restrictions or a permanent disability option. Workers who could, returned to work in a different capacity or job responsibility. The approach enabled insurance premiums for employers to remain stable.

Changes Made During the Update

The updated bill passed the Connecticut House and Senate on May 19, 2025. It adds a subsection to the Workers’ Compensation Act as §31-308a (c) and reduces eligibility from 520 weeks to 60 weeks when a claimant is unable to perform their work duties. Claimants must participate in a vocational rehabilitation program to receive the 60 weeks. Note, the 60 weeks can be reduced if a claimant has already collected compensation under §31-308a (a).

The updated amendment does expand the benefits an injured person can receive in post-PPD benefits, but it is a drastic reduction from 520 weeks, or 10 years allowed with the Gardner ruling. The legislature went ahead and fixed other shortcomings in the Workers’ Compensation Act, including adding a paid benefit for unmarried workers’ parents to receive benefits.

Workers’ compensation attorneys had also previously complained about the number of weeks of benefits paid for different injuries.

For a cervical spine or neck injury, the payout was for 117 weeks for a total loss of function, while the same injury in the back or lumbar spine was 374 weeks. The law was updated to make the cervical spine injury for paralysis pay out for 208 weeks in Connecticut.

In summary, the amendments or updates to the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act include the following:

• Temporary partial disability benefits for injured workers who have reached MMI and receive a rating. The injured worker must participate in a vocational rehabilitation program to receive 60 weeks of disability benefits.
• The ALJ discretion was deleted and changed to mandate that an ALJ shall award PPD benefits in lieu of any other compensation.
• In death cases where the deceased did not have any dependents, the parents receive a death benefit for up to a maximum of 312 weeks.
• PPD for cervical spine (neck) injuries disability benefits increased to 208 weeks for total paralysis and an adjusted amount based on the injury rating.
• The esophagus and intestinal tract are now scheduled body parts and eligible for 180 or 347 weeks, respectively.
• The statute states that an ALF cannot award TP or PPD benefits to claimants who are considered totally disabled.

The new law affects all workers’ compensation cases filed on or after July 1, 1993.

FAQs

How Does the 2025 Legislative Reversal of the Gardner Decision Impact the Duration of Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits in Connecticut?

The 2025 legislative reversal of the Gardner decision impacted the duration of temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits in Connection by reducing the period for TPD to 60 weeks while an employee is unable to work, and then after a worker has achieved Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Injured workers receiving TPD must attend a vocational rehabilitation program to receive an additional 60 weeks if needed.

What Are the Newly Increased Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Payout Weeks for Neck Injuries Under the Connecticut Worker’s Compensation Act?

The newly increased permanent partial disability (PPD) payout weeks for neck injuries under the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act is 208 weeks instead of the previous 117 weeks. The change applies to all claims filed on or after July 1, 1993. Injured workers may also qualify for an additional 60 weeks when attending a vocational rehabilitation program.

Can Employees in Connecticut Other Than First Responders Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries?

Yes, all Connecticut employees covered by workers’ compensation can claim benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) resulting from work-related traumatic injuries or events. You must be diagnosed by a mental health professional and stem from traumatic events such as witnessing a severe injury, death, or the immediate aftermath. The benefit also applies if a worker is a witness to a violent crime or provides aid to a person who later dies.

How Do the 2025 Legislative Updates in Connecticut Change the Vocational Rehabilitation Requirements for Injured Workers?

The 2025 legislative updates in Connecticut changed the vocational rehabilitation requirements for injured workers by reducing benefit duration from 520 weeks to 60 weeks. The change also eliminates the option for an Administrative Law Judge to award temporary or permanent disability benefits for those who are permanently disabled.

Workers receive 60 weeks of benefits after they reach Maximum Medical Improvement from taking part in a vocational rehabilitation program.

Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

You need to hire a Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney to maximize benefits while navigating changes to the law. When you are injured, you are busy trying to recover. Whether you go back to work or are permanently disabled, you need support and to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer who is an expert so that you get the financial support you need.

Morizio Law Firm provides all the experience and specialized legal skills necessary to tackle even the most complex workplace injury claims. If your claim is denied, we can represent you at a hearing and pursue fair compensation. Our Board-Certified Expert Workers’ Compensation attorneys understand the hearing process and how to negotiate with insurance companies to deliver the benefits you deserve. Schedule a consultation today.