When you are injured, it is a good idea to know the basics of filing for your workers’ compensation benefits in Connecticut.
Unless you have been injured at work before, the process to obtain benefits due you under your employer’s workers’ comp policy may not seem straightforward. Our firm has been helping injured workers in Connecticut for more than 30 years, and we know how important your first steps after an injury can be for the outcome of your claim.
What you should do if you are injured on the job
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program created to speed medical and wage relief to injured workers, while protecting employers from personal injury lawsuits. When a worker is deemed eligible, they may receive medical care, benefits while disabled, vocational rehabilitation to acquire new skills, and financial compensation for permanent injury and disability.
Receiving benefits is not automatic, and can be a time-consuming process if an insurance carrier denies your claim. When a claim is disputed, there is a system of hearings available to the injured worker to determine appropriate coverage and benefits.
Here are some steps to take if you are injured in the course of your work, or if you discover you sustained an occupational illness:
- Report the injury to your supervisor: Relay the details of your injury to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible.
- Get medical care: Your employer will provide you with the name or names of healthcare providers that are contracted to provide care under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy. Unless your employer tells you otherwise, you must initially seek medical care from their preferred providers.
- File a Notice of Claim: In order to receive any worker’s compensation benefits, you must file Form 30C, entitled “Notice of Claim for Compensation.” In order to preserve your rights to benefits, the Claim must be filed within one year of your accident or diagnosis of your injury. A delay in filing directly affects when, and if, you will receive any benefits. If you do not file Form 30C, you may not receive benefits.
- Response to your claim: Within 28 calendar days of filing your Notice of Claim, your employer must provide written notice if the insurance carrier is choosing to dispute your claim.
- Denial: If your claim is denied, you can move forward through a hearing process, beginning with an informal hearing to discuss your case and offer evidence on your behalf. If your claim is denied, it is a good idea to speak with or retain an experienced workers’ comp attorney before proceeding with an appeal.
A denied claim is common. If you are denied workers’ compensation benefits for which you are eligible, get good legal advice.
Highly experienced worker’s comp lawyers serving injured workers in Connecticut
When you need knowledgeable legal guidance about workers’ comp, we can help. Contact us at Williams Moran, LLC for a free consultation to discuss your case.