If you’re injured on your job, Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) administers the state’s workers’ compensation laws to cover your medical expenses and some of your work-related losses. Under some circumstances, you also might be able to seek damages for the same injury as a personal injury. Below is what you should know about your rights under both sets of laws, and how an attorney can help you.

A Guide to Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury 

1. Workers’ Compensation Law

The WCC makes sure injured workers receive medical benefits and compensation for their time lost from work. Workers do not have to prove anyone was at fault to receive benefits, but they do need to notify their employer as soon as possible when they are injured. The WCC approves voluntary agreements, and hears and decides contested claims and appeals. The commission also closes cases through full and final stipulated settlements in situations, such as workers who are fully or partially disabled or disfigured permanently.

2. Personal Injury Law

Personal injury claims include compensation for pain and suffering, which are not covered under workers’ compensation. Generally, workers covered by workers’ compensation insurance are not entitled to file personal injury claims against their employers. Workers’ compensation law makes an exception if an employee can prove their employer intended to harm them.

Injured employees and workers have the right to sue a third party for personal injury. For example, an employee can sue the manufacturer of a product they used at work that harmed them. Also, they can sue a coworker or intruder who injures them on the job.

3. How Attorneys Help Injured Workers

Workers’ compensation lawyers help injured employees win contested claims, seek voluntary agreements, present their claims in appeals, and negotiate settlements. Personal injury attorneys represent injured workers in third-party claims and lawsuits and investigate whether personal injury claims should be brought against employers.  

For more than 30 years, personal injury lawyer Mark O. Grater, Attorney at Law, has served injured workers of New London County, CT. He has fought for their rights in all types of injury and accident cases, including workers' compensation. Board-certified in civil trial advocacy, this dedicated attorney has a proven record of professionalism and success. Call (860) 449-8059 to schedule a consultation or visit his website to read more about his personal injury services.