If you have sustained an injury at work, you need a legal expert to help protect your rights. A work injury attorney can ensure you get compensation for your losses such as medical bills and lost wages. Most employees are entitled to workers’ compensation. Employees who are not eligible for this compensation can explore other options.
After being injured at work, your costs can quickly add up. Sadly, you might be facing costs you can’t afford. An attorney can help you explore all sources of compensation for maximum recovery. They can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that you only take the necessary steps to recover the compensation you need.
Who Are Eligible to File for Workers’ Compensation?
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The workers’ compensation system in Connecticut makes benefits available to the majority of workers who sustain a workplace injury or illness. It includes full-time and part-time employees. But the compensation coverage has some exceptions. For instance, employees who get injured because of alcohol or substance abuse cannot recover benefits. Private home workers who work for less than 26 hours every week can’t also seek workers’ comp benefits.
Benefits are available to workers who work in any occupation in the state. This includes construction, healthcare, education, manufacturing, transportation, professional services, retail, and others.
Work Injuries that Qualify for Benefits
Connecticut workers’ comp covers all kinds of work-related injuries and most kinds of work-related illnesses. No matter your particular condition, you must talk to an attorney about filing a compensation claim. Examples of work-related injuries and diseases that workers’ compensation may pay include back and spine injuries, neck injuries, brain injuries, hip injuries, facial injuries, and shoulder injuries. If you are eligible for worker’s compensation, a lawyer can help you pursue a claim for benefits.
But if you are not eligible, your attorney can help you get compensation through other ways. For instance, they can help you file a personal injury claim if somebody else is to blame for your injury or illness. Also, your attorney can help you apply for social security benefits, and file a premised liability if you sustained an injury due to a property hazard. Even if you can seek workers’ comp benefits, your attorney can still help you pursue other forms of compensation.
Reporting Work Injuries Promptly
Reporting work injuries promptly is a critical step in ensuring your eligibility for compensation in Connecticut. When you sustain a work-related injury or illness, it’s imperative to inform your employer as soon as possible. Timely reporting helps establish a clear record of the incident and ensures that you adhere to the state’s legal requirements.
Failure to report injuries promptly can have adverse effects on your ability to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Employers and insurance providers may question the legitimacy of your claim if there are delays in reporting. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to notify your employer immediately and seek medical attention promptly. By doing so, you not only protect your rights but also facilitate a smoother process when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Can Your Attorney Help You Secure a Settlement?
Workers’ compensation insurance providers usually negotiate settlements with claimants represented by an attorney. If your claim is beyond workers’ comp, your lawyer can also negotiate a settlement for such a claim. However, a settlement is not guaranteed. Ultimately, you can decide to accept one or continue to fight for more.
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