How to File a Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Claim

Workers’ compensation in the Constitution State of Connecticut is designed to help employees who’re suffering job-related injuries or illnesses. However, filing a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim may not be straightforward depending on your case.

The workers’ compensation claims process may be confusing and intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the process can significantly increase your chances of approval.

This legal guide can cover general pointers regarding workers’ compensation, but the best way to handle your case is through direct guidance with an attorney.

How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in Connecticut?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance available to employers meant to cover injuries directly resulting from work.

Almost every business is mandated by Connecticut to cover their employees through workers’ compensation, but certain exceptions apply.

Employees must immediately report their condition and accept initial medical treatment from employer-designated physicians to start their workers’ compensation claim. To receive medical assistance, you must file a 30C Claim Form to your employer.

Don’t worry about medical fees if your condition satisfies Connecticut workers’ compensation requirements. The employer’s insurance company will cover immediate medical expenses while you recover from your injuries.

Workers’ compensation in Connecticut follows a no-fault system of insurance. This means benefits are paid by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage regardless of who caused the accident or injury.

In exchange for these benefits, an employee cannot bring a civil action against the employer for pain and suffering or other damages.

Who is Covered Under Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut?

Both part-time and full-time employees are covered under Connecticut workers’ compensation. Connecticut businesses with at least one employee are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. Examples include:

• Sole proprietors
• Part-time employees
• Business partners
• Family members on the business’ payroll
• Seasonal employees

There are exceptions to who Connecticut considers an employee, such as casual employees, those working in a private home for less than 26 hours a week, and corporate officers who opt-out of coverage.

How to Respond to a Work-Related Injury in CT

If you are injured on the job, report your injury immediately to your employer, who must then provide you with proper medical attention.

After receiving immediate treatment, if your employer has a designated medical provider, you’re legally obligated to accept their medical services. You must also accept medical care plans provided by your employer according to Connecticut workers’ comp law.

While you recover, your employer must submit an “Employer’s First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness” form to their insurance carrier and the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

IMPORTANT: Do not delay in reporting workplace injuries, as that can risk getting your claim denied. File a proper written notice of claim—a 30C Form. This is the responsibility of you, the employee.

Ask your employer for the name of their workers’ compensation insurance company. Follow the directions and, if you need assistance, call an attorney to make sure you’re not making mistakes that may jeopardize your claim.

How to File Your CT Workers’ Compensation Claim

Report the injury to your supervisor and acquire immediate medical care if needed. Your employer will provide names of healthcare providers contracted to provide care under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy.

File a Notice of Claim, Form 30C, to put your injury report on-record. This form must be filed within one year of your accident or diagnosis of your injury.

Within 28 calendar days, your employer must provide written notice if their insurance carrier will accept or dispute your claim.

Although the employer files a First Report of Injury to notify the insurer, it is the Form 30C, which is filed by the injured worker and served upon the employer, which satisfies this statutory requirement.

When Should You Settle a CT Workers’ Comp Claim?

Wait to agree to a settlement until your doctor says that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This status means that you’re not likely to improve with further treatment.

Medical conditions can evolve and worsen over time, and accepting a settlement early may prematurely end your case. Your initial settlement may not be enough, and you may not be able to reopen your claim.

Stay patient throughout the workers’ compensation process, and work with your attorney to see how long your workers’ comp lasts. Don’t hastily accept lump-sum payments until talking with an attorney.

What Injuries May Qualify for Workers’ Comp in Connecticut?

Many injuries or illnesses qualify for workers’ comp as long as it occurred within the course and scope of employment. This includes but is not limited to:

• Illnesses caused by exposure to chemicals or irritants while employees are working.
• Accidents or injuries sustained while working, such as burns, broken bones, or back injuries from lifting something.
• Repetitive stress injuries that develop over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits Available to Employees

The four types of workers’ comp benefits you may qualify for under Connecticut workers’ comp are:

• Temporary total disability (TTD): Temporary disability is defined as a work injury that can be reasonably treated within a period of time under proper treatment. It is often calculated using two-thirds of your gross pre-tax wages including overtime.
• Temporary partial disability (TPD): You may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits when you’re able to perform limited work and your employer can provide such opportunities while you’re injured. These benefits are calculated by the difference between your part-time wages and the amount you earned before injury.
• Permanent partial disability (PPD): An employee’s injury may permanently reduce work capacity, but they can still work other roles while disabled.
• Total permanent disability (TPD): TPD benefits are awarded if an employee cannot meaningfully work any job role due to their condition.

How Long Does Workers’ Comp Last in CT?

How long your workers’ compensation benefits last in Connecticut depends on your work injury. For temporary benefits, it only ends when you achieve MMI or you’re able to go back to work. For permanent benefits, it may last until your whole life to make up for being unable to work due to a work injury.

If you miss time from work, payment of your wage loss benefits starts after you have been disabled for three days.

From there, you can receive wage loss benefits indefinitely. It depends on your injury and whether your doctor believes you can return to work. In Connecticut, your claim will remain open during this time.

Can You Quit Your Job While on Workers’ Comp in CT?

Yes, but it may affect your payments. You will probably continue to receive coverage for medical care. However, you may lose or see your wage replacement benefits reduced.

Depending on your circumstances, you may continue to see coverage for partial or permanent disability. If your benefits aren’t enough to compensate for your injuries, also consider filing for social security disability; you may qualify for both at the same time.

IMPORTANT: Contact a workers’ comp attorney in Connecticut to review the specifics of your situation before quitting your job.

Can You Get Fired for Receiving Workers’ Comp in CT?

No, the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act states that an employee cannot be fired due to filing a workers’ compensation claim. Even so, they may fire you for another reason, as Connecticut is an at-will employment state.

Employers may reserve the right to fire you if they have a sufficient reason, possibly outlined in your employment contract. You cannot face adverse action such as pay reductions or work status solely for being on workers’ comp.

If this happened to you, reach out to an attorney who specializes in workers’ comp cases and wrongful termination.

Is There a Time Limit to File for Workers’ Comp in Connecticut?

Yes, a Form 30C should be filed as soon as possible after a work-related injury takes place. There is a statute of limitations for filing workers’ compensation claims:

• Within one year of the date of an injury
• Within three years of the date you first noticed symptoms of an occupational disease.

Find a Connecticut Workers’ Comp Attorney With LegalASAP

It’s common for someone to suffer an injury or illness because of their job. Private industry employers reported 35,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Connecticut in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

LegalASAP partners with 500+ law firms with thousands of attorneys across the United States. We can help you find a local workers’ comp attorney in Connecticut who will help you file your claim, and help you prepare for the consultation.

Fill out this short evaluation form, and we will contact you as soon as possible.