It's essential to understand what workers' compensation is, even before you experience an on-the-job injury. Knowing your rights is vital, but it's just as important to learn about the limitations of workers' compensation coverage.
The main goal of our workers compensation practice is to make the Connecticut workers' comp claims process process as smooth and easy as possible for injured workers. We know that you have enough to deal with as you file your claim, seek benefits, and try to heal from your illness or injury. To assist your journey, we've compiled a handy, helpful guide that explains what workers' compensation is, what questions you need to ask, and what you should do following a workplace injury.
Connecticut Workers' Compensation Defined
What is workers' compensation? In its simplest terms, workers' compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to workers who have been injured or made ill as a result of their employment. Most, but not all Connecticut employers must have a workers' comp insurance system in place for their employees.
Workers' comp kicks in when an employee suffers an illness or injury at work or while performing their duties. Its purpose is to pay benefits that help with an injured employee's medical treatment, missed wages, and rehabilitation. If an injury results in a long-term or permanent disability, then a worker may be entitled to disability benefits, as well.
The Connecticut workers compensation commission is designed to provide protection for both injured employees and their employers. As an employee, you can file a claim after suffering an injury. In return, however, you usually can't sue your employer for negligence, although there may be exceptions on some state-based workers' comp claims.
Experiencing an Injury at Work
As part of our efforts to help injured or ill employees with all aspects of the Connecticut workers' compensation process, we want you to know what you should do when you're injured at work, step-by-step:
- Seek first aid or emergency treatment
- Report the injury to your employer within 24 hours of the injury, in writing
- File a workers' compensation claim with your employer
- Find out if you need to visit an approved medical provider
- Visit the doctor, making sure to say that your visit is for a work-related injury
- Keep detailed records of doctors you visit, people you speak to, travel, missed work, out-of-pocket expenses, and receipts
From there, you also have the option to get in touch with a workers’ compensation attorney to help you file your claim and traverse the landscape of workers' comp. For example, an attorney can help you to deal with challenged or rejected claims to ensure that you receive your full benefits.
The Law offices of James f. Aspell, P.C. will step in to make things easier,
Different Types of Workers' Compensation Coverage
To fully understand what workers' compensation is, you need to familiarize yourself with different types of coverage. Most of the time, each state has a state-run program, but that depends on your job. Federal employees must apply for federal workers' comp.
You should be aware that each state has its own regulations in place, as well. That's why it's imperative to learn about the workers' comp system in Connecticut before submitting a claim. In fact, it's not a given that your employer has to offer workers' compensation benefits.
What's Covered Under Workers' Compensation?
Injuries that occur at the workplace are usually covered by workers' comp insurance, but you don't necessarily have to be at your job. Employees who experience an injury while performing their duties can receive benefits, as well. Let's say that you're a driver at your job. If you're in an accident while making a delivery, then you may be protected.
There are some exceptions, though. Namely, you may not be covered if you're in a fight that you caused, if you're intoxicated, or if the injury occurs during your commute.
As we mentioned, the workers’ compensation system can also protect employers from litigation and liability. That's the case most of the time, but there are exceptions. You can look at your options if your experience:
- Discrimination
- Failure to be promoted
- Gross negligence on the part of your employer
- Malicious intent
- Or wrongful termination
You should also know that under Connecticut law, your employer cannot discriminate against you as a result of filing a claim for workers' compensation.
Now that you know what workers' compensation is and what to do when you're injured at work, you can fight for your rights and find other people who can help you with your claim. The team at the Law offices of James f. Aspell, P.C. are always here if you have any other questions about workers’ comp because we are Connecticut workplace injury specialists's handling your CT work injury is our top priority..