Frequently Asked Questions | Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation covers most work-related injuries and illnesses. This includes traumatic injuries (which are the most common), as well as illnesses and conditions that are directly related to your employment.

You should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. The formal claim process begins when your employer files a First Report of Injury form with their insurance carrier. It’s advisable to consult an attorney to ensure all procedures are correctly followed.

You should report your injury to your employer immediately and file a claim no later than one year from the date of injury for traumatic injuries, or three years from the first manifestation of a symptom for an occupational disease or illness.

Benefits can include medical treatment, wage replacement benefits if you are unable to work (Total Temporary Disability) or light duty (Temporary Partial Disability), Permanent Partial Disability Benefits, mileage reimbursement, vocational rehabilitation, and potentially other benefits depending on your specific situation and type of claim.  

In Connecticut, you may initially be required to go to an employer-mandated medical facility. However, you have the right to choose your own doctor after this.  If your employer has a Managed Care Plan, you will have to pick an in-network doctor.  You may also be required to attend a Respondent’s Medical Exam (RME) at other points in your case regarding any number of issues, including but not limited to proposed medical treatment, or whether your injury is causally related to the injury you are claiming happened at work.

No, but sometimes they do.  It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim. This includes termination, demotion, or any form of discrimination.  A claim for Retaliatory Discharge can be brought under these circumstances.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. An attorney can guide you through the process and help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

A workers' compensation attorney can help ensure that you file all the necessary paperwork correctly, represent you in hearings (which you will not necessarily have to attend if you have an attorney), negotiate with insurance companies and their attorneys, and help you secure the maximum benefits you are entitled to.