Although some professions are more hazardous than others, work injuries can occur in any industry. This is why Connecticut law requires all businesses with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Should you get hurt while performing your job duties, this will help relieve the financial burden of medical expenses and any lost wages. However, there are certain actions you must take to protect your right to benefits. Experienced injury lawyers recommend taking the following steps to avoid having your claim denied.

What to Do If You’ve Suffered an On-the-Job Injury

1. Seek Medical Treatment 

Your first priority should be getting medical attention for your injuries. This is the only way to make sure your condition is properly diagnosed, and you receive the care necessary to recover. Additionally, neglecting to see a doctor right away may cause your employer and their insurer to have doubts about the severity of your injury or if it happened at work. By seeking medical treatment, you’ll have official documentation to support your claim. If there’s any dispute over your benefits, an injury lawyer will use this as evidence to provide a compelling argument on your behalf.

2. Notify Your Employer

Next, you must notify your employer of the incident. While many states give a specific deadline for reporting a work injury, Connecticut law simply advises this should be done as soon as possible. Regardless, failing to let your employer know immediately can result in your benefits getting reduced or denied. To ensure you have a record of when you provided notification, it’s best to do so in writing and request a copy of the report. Also, the sooner your injury is reported, the quicker your claim can be processed.

3. File the Proper Paperwork

Once your employer has been informed, you’ll need to file Form 30C, which is a Notice of Claim, with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. This should be sent by certified mail so you can keep track of when it was received. In Connecticut, employees have one year from the date of injury to file a claim for benefits. Missing this deadline will likely result in an automatic denial. Generally, it’s in your best interest to work with an injury lawyer who will ensure your paperwork is submitted correctly and on time.

If you’ve been involved in a workplace accident, reach out to Peck & Peck Attorneys At Law for help understanding your legal rights and options. Offering more than 35 years of experience, this team of injury lawyers will provide step-by-step guidance through the claims process to prevent you from making costly errors. They’ve successfully represented countless employees across Hartford County, CT, and will greatly increase the chances of your claim being approved for the maximum amount. Call (860) 236-4782 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online for more information on their services.