Every year, thousands of Connecticut workers suffer injuries and illnesses while on the job. These injuries come in many different forms, ranging from carpal tunnel injuries suffered by office workers after years of repeating a single task to work-site falls by construction workers.
Though workers are guaranteed the right to a safe workplace and most are eligible for workers’ compensation, it is not uncommon for workers to find the payment offered by their employers to be insufficient to cover the costs of their injuries. The workplace injury attorneys at Ronald M. Scherban, P.C. have helped many workers fight for the compensation that they deserve.
What You Need To Know About Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut
The State of Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation Commission provides some great resources for workers who have been injured on the job. Here are a few things that they list on their website:
- Workers’ compensation covers the majority of employees, including non-citizens, minors, part-time employees and full-time employees.
- You are eligible for workers’ compensation from the very first day on the job.
- You are eligible for workers’ compensation even if the accident wasn’t the fault of your employer, as the program is a “no-fault” program.
- Most workers cannot sign away the rights to workers’ compensation, unless it is a settlement package approved by an official Commissioner.
- Workers’ compensation is not given to employees who were intoxicated during the time of their injuries.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Benefits typically include compensation for medical costs, treatment and ongoing care for injuries received on the job. Workers’ compensation generally includes two-thirds of weekly wages for time missed at work. The amount of payment can vary, based on the level of disability suffered by a worker. For example, if a worker’s injuries result in complete loss of work capacity on a permanent basis, packages include permanent total disability benefits.
What To Do After Being Injured on the Job?
- Inform your employer, preferably in writing.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- File a claim with your employer.
- Keep all medical records, bills and notes regarding treatment, medications and ongoing care.
- Consult with an attorney familiar with workers’ compensation cases.
Having an attorney familiar with these cases will help ensure that you are treated fairly by your employer and their insurance company. You do not have to accept the first offer given to you by your employers if you feel it is inadequate. Your attorney will be able to work with you to explore your options and deal with your employers, supervisors and insurance companies.
