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The workers' compensation system gives people who have been injured on the job an opportunity to pursue financial support for the setbacks they're experiencing. The application process can be an intimidating if you've never had to navigate it before. To streamline and understand the crucial components of workers' compensation in Connecticut, below is an overview of the claims process.

Get Medical Attention

Your health is a priority, so obtain medical treatment as soon as possible after being injured at work. Your employer may request you see a doctor of their choosing from their provider network. If there is a provider network you must first treat with a provider in this network. During the exam, explain in detail the extent of your injuries; medical personnel will document this information in your records, which will be important for the workers’ compensation application. Tell the provider where and when you were hurt and how it happened. Be sure to request a copy of your medical records.

Notify Your Employer

workers' compensationReport the work injury to your employer once you've been treated by a doctor. Do this right away. If you don’t the employer and worker’s compensation insurance company will question your claim and may earnestly deny the claim which will probably create litigation. Employers typically give injured workers specific forms to fill out, including an accident report know as a First Report Of Injury. You have one year from the date of injury to report a workplace accident to an employer, but the sooner you report it, the sooner the process will get started, and the lower the likelihood your employer will dispute the claim. The employer then must file their own form—the Employer's First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness—with the workers’ compensation board.

Fill Out a Claim Form

Your employer should give you a workers' compensation claim form upon request. If they don't, download it from the state’s worker’s compensation commission website. Provide all the necessary information and any materials to further support your claim, such as medical records and statements from eyewitnesses.

Receive a Decision

Once the Worker’s Compensation Commission has reviewed your claim, it will either approve or deny it. Your employer has the right to dispute your claim, which can make the decision process longer. But if you are denied, you can appeal the decision. At this point, if you've not already done so, hiring an attorney is beneficial, as they can guide you through the legal system and ensure you have the strongest claim possible.

 

 

After sustaining a work injury, be sure to act quickly to protect your rights and interests. The Law Office of Thomas L. Brayton, III is here to help. With three decades of experience, Attorney Brayton serves the New Haven County, CT, area in workers' compensation, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. He holds top ratings on AVVO® in 2019. Call (203) 591-8689 to schedule a consultation or visit his website to read more about his workers’ compensation services. 

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