Connecticut Workplace Injuries Lawyers
The state of Connecticut provides a thorough system of workers’ compensation insurance that is intended to provide financial assistance for a worker who has suffered an injury on the job. A worker injured on the job may even be told, “You don’t need a lawyer. Just file a workers’ comp claim.”
However, getting the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve can be a frustrating experience. At the law offices of Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we take the weight off our clients’ shoulders by handling all aspects of their workers’ compensation claims and any related personal injury lawsuits.
Serving injured people since 1988, we handle many different types of accidents and injuries that occur in workplaces throughout Connecticut:
- Industrial and factory accidents
- Construction accidents
- Ladder accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Heart and hypertension claims for police and firefighters
- Repetitive trauma injuries
- Low back injuries
- Pre-existing conditions
- Injuries from falls
- Shoulder and knee injuries
Workers’ Compensation In Connecticut
The Connecticut workers’ compensation system prohibits an employee from filing a private lawsuit against his or her employer to seek financial compensation after a workplace accident. However, it is still a good idea to consult an attorney after a workplace injury for one of several reasons:
- If you experience problems with the workers’ compensation insurance company — for example, if you are refused workers’ compensation or are ordered back to work before your doctor declares you fit — then you have a right to independent legal representation.
- Police officers and firefighters with workers’ compensation claims based on heart illness or hypertension may need the help of an experienced advocate to guide them through this complex system of compensation specific to peace officers and firefighters.
- If your work-related injury involved a motor vehicle accident, then you have the right to file a private lawsuit against the negligent driver of the vehicle, even if the driver was also an employee of your company.
- If the accident that caused your injury may have been caused — even in part — by another person or a defective product that is unassociated with your employer, then you may have the legal right to bring a lawsuit against the third party to demand additional compensation for your injuries. These types of third-party lawsuits are especially common in construction site accidents, where equipment failure may be partly to blame for the accident and resulting injuries.
- If you are claiming both workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance, you may need an attorney who can handle both claims at once to make sure you obtain the highest possible benefits from each system without running afoul of the various rules and regulations.
How it Works
Contingency Fees
At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we handle all Workplace Injuries cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today. Contact us online or call our New Haven law firm directly at 203-865-8430.
Questions
Workplace Injuries FAQs
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation (“workers’ comp”) is a no-fault system providing benefits for a work-related injury or illness. All employers are required to provide workers’ compensation. The program is administered by the state of Connecticut (Workers’ Compensation Commission).
Can I sue my employer directly instead?
No. That is the trade-off of workers’ comp. In exchange for providing wage and medical benefits, employers have immunity from personal injury claims, even when there is evidence of employer negligence.
Can I sue my co-worker for causing my injury?
No. You cannot sue your co-worker, subordinate, supervisor or any party in your chain of employment. However, you can sue third parties outside of that chain. (See below.)
What are the benefits under workers’ comp?
- All “reasonable and necessary” medical care arising from your injury
- Wage benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly pay
- Disability payments if you are permanently injured or unable to work at all
- Death benefits to a spouse and dependent children
Can I choose my doctors?
Yes and no. Your employer may require you to go to a certain hospital or clinic when you first seek treatment for a work injury. After the initial treatment, you do not have to stay with the “preferred” providers. You can choose which doctors to see for follow-up care, and workers’ compensation must cover it.
There was no accident, but I am injured. Can I take workers’ comp?
Yes. Many times there is no specific accident or event. Maybe you were doing normal lifting, turning or bending in your job when you felt sharp pains. Maybe you woke up one day and had trouble breathing or couldn’t raise your arm. The key is establishing medical causation between work activities and the injury/illness.
Can I get workers’ comp for a pre-existing condition?
Yes, if the job aggravated your pre-existing medical condition. For example, if you fell at work and aggravated an old knee or shoulder ailment, you would be covered. However, insurers may try to blame it on activities outside of work.
Can my claim be denied?
Yes. Claims may be rejected for failure to report the accident, failure to detail what happened or incomplete medical documentation. The employer may also challenge whether it was job-related or whether you are hurt badly enough to miss work.
Denied claims can be appealed through the Workers Compensation Commission. Contact a lawyer if you have not already. Our lawyers have a good track record of getting clients authorized or reinstated after a claim denial or termination of benefits.