Why a Quick Call to a Workers' Compensation Lawyer Could Save You Thousands

At the Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C., we get calls every week from people who start the conversation with, “I'm not sure if I even need a lawyer…”

They're not looking to file a lawsuit. They're just curious. They have a quick question. Maybe something doesn't feel quite right, or the insurance adjuster told them something that made their gut say, “That can't be right.”

And more often than not, their gut is absolutely correct.

Here's the truth: insurance companies don't make money by paying claims quickly or fairly. They make money by delaying, denying, and keeping unrepresented workers in the dark. If you don't know what to ask for—or even what your rights are—you're playing their game. And that game is rigged against you.

This post will walk you through two of the most common tactics insurance adjusters use to shortchange injured workers in Connecticut, and why a simple, no-cost call to a workers' compensation attorney can make all the difference.

The Hidden Importance of a Permanency Rating

One of the biggest “secrets” insurance companies hope you never find out is this:

You may be entitled to a tax-free cash payout, even after you've returned to work.

In Connecticut, that payout is based on something called a permanency rating—also known as a permanent partial disability (PPD) rating. This is a percentage your treating doctor assigns to an injured body part after you've reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). It reflects the long-term loss of function in that area.

For example, if you injure your shoulder and your doctor determines you have a 10% permanent loss of function, that equates to a set number of weeks of benefits under the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Act, paid at your comp rate and completely tax-free.

This rating is money on the table. But here's the trick:
Insurance adjusters almost never tell injured workers to go back to their doctor and ask for it.

Why? Because the longer you delay getting that rating—or if you never get it at all—the more money the insurance company saves. They hope you move on, never knowing you left thousands of dollars behind.

At our firm, we regularly talk to workers who are months past their MMI date and never once heard the words “permanency rating.” They assumed the claim was over. It wasn't. They just didn't know they were still owed money.

That's why one phone call can change the outcome of your case. We know the questions to ask, and we'll make sure your rights are protected at every step.

The Pre-Existing Condition Lie: A Costly Mistake

Another common trap? Blaming part of your impairment on a pre-existing condition so they only have to pay a fraction of what they should.

Let's say you have a back injury and your doctor assigns a 20% impairment rating. The adjuster says, “We'll only pay for 10% because the other 10% is due to pre-existing degeneration.”

Sounds logical, right?

Wrong.

Under Connecticut law, you are entitled to compensation for the entire impairment, unless you've already been paid for the pre-existing condition. If no prior workers' comp claim was filed or paid out, they don't get to subtract anything.

In plain terms:
If you've never been compensated for it, you get the full rating. Period.

This is one of those moments where experience matters. We've had many cases where clients were ready to accept a lower rating—sometimes thousands of dollars less—because they didn't know any better. Once we stepped in and explained the law, they got what they were actually entitled to.

These aren't isolated cases. These are everyday occurrences for unrepresented workers in Connecticut.

Why Insurance Companies Want You Unrepresented

Here's a hard truth: insurance companies prefer that you don't have a lawyer.

When you're on your own, they can:

• Control the flow of information

• Pick and choose what they tell you

• Delay your benefits

• Mislead you on your rights

• Offer lowball settlements

And the kicker? They often sound helpful while they do it.

Adjusters are trained to be friendly, conversational, and seemingly trustworthy. But their job is to resolve claims at the lowest possible cost for their company—not to look out for your best interests.

That's where we come in.

At the Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C., we level the playing field. We know the tactics, the timelines, and the traps. We make sure our clients don't get steamrolled by silence or misinformation.

When Should You Call a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?

If you're wondering whether to call a lawyer, here's a simple test. Ask yourself:

• Have you been out of work due to your injury?

• Are you unsure whether your medical bills will be paid?

• Have you reached MMI but haven't received a permanency rating?

• Did the adjuster mention a pre-existing condition?

• Are you being asked to settle but don't understand the numbers?

• Do you feel like something is missing, but can't quite explain why?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, a short call could save you thousands. And in most cases, that call is completely free.

What to Expect When You Call Our Office

We don't believe in pressure tactics or scare tactics. We believe in straight answers.

When you call our office, you'll speak with an experienced professional who understands the Connecticut workers' compensation system. We'll listen to your story, ask a few key questions, and give you honest feedback.

If you don't need a lawyer, we'll tell you that.

But if your case has red flags—or if the insurance company is pulling tricks you don't even see—we'll explain your options, clearly and plainly.

You don't have to sign anything. You don't have to make a decision right away. But you'll walk away informed. And that's what matters most.

What's at Stake

In Connecticut, a serious work injury can impact every part of your life: your paycheck, your health, your future. The decisions you make early on—about doctors, medical ratings, and settlements—can determine whether you get the full compensation you're entitled to or walk away with far less.

At our firm, we've helped injured workers recover six-figure settlements they never would have seen on their own. We've fixed mistakes made by insurance carriers. And we've restored peace of mind to families that were left in the dark.

It all starts with one call.

Final Thoughts: You Don't Know What You Don't Know

Injured workers are not expected to be legal experts. But when you don't know the rules, you risk leaving money on the table—and a lot of it.

That's why a free consultation with a Connecticut workers' compensation attorney isn't just a smart move. It's a necessary one.

You only get one shot at getting this right. Make it count.

Need help with your Connecticut workers' compensation claim?
Call us today at (860) 523-8783 or contact us through our website. It won't cost you anything to ask—but the advice could be worth thousands.