Getting hurt on the job can put your life on an uncertain path. If you must recover from an injury at home or in the hospital, you could lose income, making it challenging to pay your bills.
While you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, claiming them may not be a straightforward or stress-free process. An Enfield personal injury lawyer from the Claggett, Sykes & Garza can handle your workers’ compensation claim while you heal from the accident.
Call us today for a free case consultation. Our Enfield workers’ compensation lawyers can advise you on your claim and explain how our firm can manage the process for you.
Notify Your Employer Right Away About a Work Injury
If you suffered a work-related injury or illness, you must report it to your employer immediately. If you cannot notify your employer right away, then you must do so no later than 30 days after the injury occurs. You should also get prompt medical treatment.
Once your employer knows about the injury, it must fill out the Employer’s First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness (FRI) form.
The company should submit the form, also called an accident report, to the Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). This accident report is not a benefits claim. According to the WCC, you must file a Form 30C, a written notice of claim. This action records your claim and protects your right to future benefits.
Injured in an Accident?
Get the Compensation You Deserve. Our Experienced Lawyers Can Help.
Why Work With Our Enfield Worker’s Compensation Injury Lawyers?
Our attorneys at the Claggett, Sykes & Garza work hard to recover the compensation our clients need after a work-related injury or illness. Our case results include awards for workplace injuries, including a $100 million verdict.
We represent our clients throughout the process and do not shy away from handling challenging cases. Before making any decisions, you can consult our attorney about workers’ compensation benefits.
We can tell you which benefits you qualify for and handle your appeal should your employer’s insurer dispute or deny your claim. We can also file a third-party injury lawsuit if someone other than your employer is liable for your losses.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Connecticut
Employers carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves from work-related injury lawsuits. This insurance is no-fault, which means neither the worker nor the company has to admit or prove fault.
This means the employer agrees to cover the injured worker’s medical care and part of their wages. In return, the employee agrees not to sue the employer for damages. Once an employee accepts these benefits, they cannot sue their employer later for more money.
Our Enfield catastrophic injury lawyer can help you file for benefits not covered by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering. In addition to seeking medical care right away, you must follow all prescribed medical treatment and the procedures your employer and the workers’ compensation system require.
What do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?
If you are eligible for benefits under workers’ compensation insurance, it can cover:
- Medical expenses for necessary treatment for the injury.
- Wage replacement if the injury kept you out of work.
- Ongoing and long-term care costs related to injury treatment, such as physical therapy.
- Disability benefit payments for a temporary or permanent disability.
- Vocational or educational assistance (job retraining).
- Death benefits for eligible dependents if a family member suffered fatal job-related injuries.
A Time Limit Applies for Filing a Benefits Claim — don’t Delay
You generally have one year from the date you suffered an accidental work injury to file a workers’ compensation claim in Connecticut. If you suffered an occupational disease, it is three years from the time you first noticed a symptom.
You must meet these deadlines to protect your right to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Our legal team can address any issues that arise, including meeting the deadlines.
Suffered a Personal Injury?
Let Us Fight for Your Rights and Maximize Your Compensation.
We Will Handle Your Case While You Take Care of Your Recovery
We understand that applying for benefits can be challenging. The process can be overwhelming or hard to follow, especially when you are dealing with an injury. We will take on the legal responsibilities of your case so you can focus on what matters—healing from the accident.
Our Enfield workers’ compensation claim attorneys will evaluate your case and determine the next steps to take. Before we begin, we can talk with you to learn about the incident, your injuries, and how they affect your ability to work.
Once you hire us to represent you, we can:
- Gather evidence to document your injuries and treatment (e.g., medical records, an incident report, witness statements, correspondence with your employer or its insurer).
- Complete all required forms and file your benefits claim on time.
- Communicate with the insurance company about your claim.
- Prepare for possible claim disputes.
- Challenge a denial or termination of your benefit payments.
We can advise you on the specific benefits you qualify for after we review your situation. Call the Claggett, Sykes & Garza today for a free consultation.
Injured Due to Negligence?
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Ready to Assist You.
If You Receive a Workers’ Compensation Denial, We Can Challenge It
Even if you file your claim on time, your employer or its insurer could deny it. They may claim your injury did not happen during work-related activities. They could also say you reported your injury too late or that you don’t have enough medical evidence to support the claim.
We are familiar with the various reasons insurers deny claims, and we’re ready to take them on. When a dispute arises, our workers’ compensation lawyers in Enfield can:
- Guide you through the appeals process, helping you understand what it involves.
- Prepare and submit essential paperwork for the appeals process.
- Collect additional evidence that supports your claim.
- Represent you at a hearing or trial and challenge the opposing side’s arguments.
- Handle settlement discussions, ensuring proposed offers meet your needs.
We will answer your questions and regularly update you on the status of your case.
Third-Party Liability Lawsuits and Work-Related Injuries
Workers’ compensation does not cover intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. However, if another party outside your employer or co-worker caused your injury, you could file a personal injury lawsuit to recover these losses.
Examples of third parties include:
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Product manufacturers
- Property owners
- Vehicle drivers
- Equipment maintenance providers
- Cleaning services
- Security services
As with other personal injury lawsuits, our Enfield workers’ compensation claim lawyers must prove the third party’s negligence caused or contributed to your work injury. This includes showing:
- How their actions or inactions violated the duty of care they owed you.
- How this violation directly injured you and caused your damages.
Wrongful Death Damages
If your loved one suffered fatal injuries at work because of a third party’s negligence, you might be able to pursue compensation with a wrongful death lawsuit. Parties in these cases typically recover funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and other losses.
Our Enfield wrongful death lawyer can explain your legal options during a free consultation.
Filing Deadline Applies to Injury Cases — Act Now
You have a limited time to sue a third party for damages. You must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the work accident, per Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584. If exceptions apply in your case, we can let you know if they change the filing deadline.
Call Today for Help With an Enfield Workers’ Compensation Case
The Claggett, Sykes & Garza is ready to help you file a claim for a work-related accident. You could be eligible to receive compensation for your medical care, lost income, and other losses. Our Enfield workers’ compensation lawyers can also appeal a denial if your employer or employer’s insurer rejects your claim.
We will get to work for you promptly. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about paying in advance to secure legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
