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:
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:
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.
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).
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.