What Injured Union Workers in Connecticut Need to Know About Their Rights

When you're a union member, you've fought for better working conditions — but when you get hurt on the job, who fights for you?

Whether you're laying iron in New Britain, driving a Teamsters rig through Hartford, or teaching in a unionized classroom, your injury doesn't just affect your body — it puts your paycheck, your health benefits, and your family's future on the line.

At James F. Aspell, P.C., we know how complicated things can get when a workplace injury collides with union benefits, workers' comp claims, and pressure from the job site. That's why we've built a practice specifically designed to protect injured union workers across Connecticut.

In this article, we'll break down what makes union workers' injury claims different, why standard workers' compensation lawyers may miss crucial benefits, and what to do if you're hurt at work and unsure what comes next.

Union Workers: Strong Contracts, But Complex Claims

Union members have spent decades fighting for stronger protections in the workplace — and those victories show up in your collective bargaining agreement (CBA). From health insurance continuation to injury leave, many union contracts offer benefits that go above and beyond the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Act.

But here's the catch:

Most insurance adjusters — and some lawyers — don't understand how those union benefits interact with workers' comp laws.

If your lawyer overlooks your CBA rights or fails to coordinate your claims properly, you could:

• Lose out on extra paid time off

• Miss deadlines to file a union grievance

• Forfeit benefits you've spent your whole career fighting for

That's why working with an attorney who understands both labor and workers' compensation law is critical.

What Makes Union Injury Cases Different?

Here are just a few examples of how your union status changes the legal landscape after a workplace injury:

1. Benefit Stacking and Coordination

Some CBAs allow wage continuation for a period of time after injury — but if that overlaps with temporary total disability (TTD) checks from workers' comp, coordination is essential to avoid overpayments, offsets, or forfeited benefits.

2. Continuation of Group Health Insurance

Unlike non-union employees, Connecticut unionized state and municipal workers often retain their group health insurance after an injury — but only if this benefit is preserved correctly during claim negotiations.

3. Job Protection and Return-to-Work Clauses

Your job may be protected while you're out recovering — but if a return-to-work isn't handled according to union rules, you could lose your position, benefits, or even seniority.

4. Grievance Rights

Some injuries involve disputes over job duties, light duty assignments, or terminations. These may require filing a union grievance alongside a comp claim — and timing matters.

Who We Represent

At James F. Aspell, P.C., we proudly represent union workers across Connecticut, including:

• State and municipal employees

• Police officers and firefighters

• Iron Workers, Teamsters, and tradespeople

• Electricians, plumbers, and pipefitters

• Unionized healthcare professionals

• Educators and school staff

If you're a Union Plus Legal Plan member, you may be eligible for reduced legal fees — and we're proud to be a vetted attorney in that program.

What Should You Do After a Work Injury?

If you're hurt on the job and you're a union member, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Report the Injury Immediately

Tell your supervisor and union rep as soon as possible. This starts both the workers' comp and potential grievance timelines.

2. Document Everything

Keep copies of your injury report, doctor's visits, union handbook, and CBA. You'll need these to show what benefits you're owed.

3. Call a Lawyer Who Understands Union Work

Not all personal injury or workers' compensation attorneys know how to handle union cases. You need someone who understands the structure of your union and how to coordinate your comp benefits with your CBA rights.

Why Experience Matters in Union Injury Cases

Attorney James F. Aspell has more than 30 years of experience fighting for injured workers in Connecticut — and that includes complex union claims.

We've seen the mistakes that less-experienced lawyers make:

• Forgetting to preserve continuation of benefits

• Filing comp claims that conflict with CBA provisions

• Failing to account for union disability benefits or wage supplements

Our firm handles both sides of the claim — protecting your comp rights and working with your union to make sure your full benefit package is activated.

You Don't Have to Go It Alone

If you're reading this and wondering whether your benefits are safe — or if your last comp check felt too low — don't wait to get answers.

We offer free consultations, and we don't get paid unless we recover money for you. Whether you're a public employee, a union tradesperson, or part of the Union Plus network, we're ready to help you stand tall and get what you've earned.

Call Today to Protect Your Union Rights

Don't let confusion — or the insurance company — shortchange your recovery. If you've been injured on the job and you're a union worker in Connecticut, call James F. Aspell, P.C. at 860-500-1414 or contact us online to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.

You've spent your career protecting others. Now let us protect you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get both workers' comp and union disability benefits?

Yes, in many cases — but how they interact depends on your CBA. We'll help you coordinate both to maximize your recovery.

2. What if I'm forced to return to work before I'm ready?

Your union contract and state law may protect you. Call us immediately to explore your options.

3. Do I need to file a grievance if I'm injured?

It depends on the issue — job loss, retaliation, or disputes over return-to-work often involve both comp and union procedures.

4. Can a union lawyer also help with third-party injury claims?

Yes. If your injury was caused by a non-employer (e.g., equipment failure or subcontractor), we can file a personal injury claim alongside your comp case.

5. I'm a Union Plus member — do I get reduced fees?

Yes. We're a proud member of the Union Plus Legal Plan. Be sure to mention your membership during your free consult.