Connecticut workers have the right to compensation for injuries or occupational diseases suffered at work. To preserve these rights, however, a work accident victim must act quickly.
Time periods restrict the time a workers’ compensation claim may be filed. A claim for an accidental injury must be filed no later than one year from the date of the injury. The statute of limitations for an occupational disease claim is three years from the first sign of the underlying illness. Delays with reporting injuries also increase the chance that an employer may dispute coverage.
Injured workers must immediately report an injury to their employer. Medical treatment has to be provided and the employer should send injured employees to a company medical facility, a walk-in clinic or a designated physician. An injured worker must accept treatment from any employer-designated provider. Employers also have to file a first report of injury form with their compensation carrier and the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Workers should also file a written notice of claim. Connecticut provides a 30C form for these claims. An employer must commence payments within 28 calendar days without prejudice. When an employer disputes a claim, an official notice must be provided containing the reason for the denial.
An insurance carrier must receive the first report of injury form and a wage statement from the employer to begin compensation payments. The workers’ physician also has to provide a medical report which confirms that a work-related injury is disabling the worker. The employee’s federal tax filing status and number of exemptions has to be submitted. An insurance carrier can usually send an advanced payment where the wage statement is missing.
An attorney may not be needed in undisputed claims and the Commission’s district offices or its Education Services may provide information on workers’ compensation in Connecticut. However, injured workers have the right to legal representation. It may be advisable to seek counsel, particularly where a claim may be disputed, to preserve rights. Prompt legal representation may help assure that lost wages and medical expenses are awarded to workers and employees can successfully navigate Connecticut’s workers’ compensation process.
Source: State of Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission, “An Employee’s Pocket Guide To Connecticut Workers’ Compensation,” Accessed Nov. 17, 2014
