Connecticut workers who are injured on the job or suffer conditions or illnesses because of their work should know that they can apply for workers’ compensation benefits if the issue keeps them from working. However, there are various requirements that the worker must adhere to when applying for workers’ compensation benefits. Following the basics is imperative. Not doing so can have a negative impact on one’s claim. One requirement is the providing the notice of claim for compensation.
According to the Workers’ Compensation Act, the employee must inform the employer that he or she plans to file for workers’ compensation. This will give the employee the right to file one year from the date at which the injury occurred and three years from the initial time when the symptoms of an occupational disease manifested itself. The employer will inform the insurer of the workers’ compensation claim with the First Report of Injury. There is a form — 30C — that the employee serves to the employer. This fulfills the legal requirement for workers’ compensation.
When the employer has gotten the notice, it must be forwarded to the insurer, so a determination can be made as to whether the employee should receive workers’ compensation based on the claim. The employer or insurer will then have 28 days to begin making payments for time the worker has been out of work or to issue a denial. If they fail to do either, they cannot contest the claim and will therefore be accepting responsibility. When the payments have started within those 28 days, the employer or insurer will have as much as one year to contest the workers’ compensation claim.
Workers who believe they should get workers’ compensation benefits will frequently face problems not because their injuries or occupational disease are illegitimate, but because they failed to adhere to the required procedures under the law to get the benefits. Should there be confusion about this or any other issue with workers’ compensation, it is important to seek professional advice before proceeding.
