Connecticut Workers Compensation Claims: Eligibility, Filing and Appeals

Although employers must provide their own worker’s compensation insurance and pay benefits, the Worker’s compensation system is run by the Connecticut Workers Compensation Commission. The Commission oversees employee compliance with insurance requirements, provides forms and procedure information for filing claims, hears appeals and resolves disputed claims.

The majority of employees in Connecticut are covered by Connecticut workers compensation. Exemptions exist for those who are domestic workers in private homes who work 26 hours per week or less. Corporate officers and partners can opt out of workers compensation coverage.

Covered Work Related Injuries in Connecticut

Injuries and illnesses that arise out of a work related accident are covered by workers compensation insurance. The injury must be sustained while in “the line of duty in the business or affairs of the employer, upon the employer’s premises or elsewhere by the direction, expressed or implied of the employer. Coverage is denied if you are injured as a result of alcohol or substance abuse.

How to file a Connecticut Workers Compensation Claim

As soon as you are injured, you should report your injury to your employer. Report your injury prior to seeking medical treatment if possible to ensure full coverage of your medical expenses. Your employer may designate a physician or provider, and you must go to this provider for your treatment in order for the full amount of the medical expense to be covered.

When reporting your injury, you should submit an “Employers First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness Form” and/or Form 30C from the worker’s compensation commission. This form is available from your employer or from the Workers Compensation Commission online or via phone. The form should be submitted both to your employer and to the Worker’s Compensation Commission. This constitutes written notice of your claim and put your claim on record. You have one year from the date you are injured to file a claim for injury, and three years from the date a work related illness is diagnosed.

Workers Compensation Claim Denials

Claims may be denied for a number of reasons. The most common reasons for delay include late notice of injury, and insufficient evidence that the disability arose out of the course of employment.

Appealing a Connecticut Workers Compensation Denial

If your employer or insurer intends to deny the claim, they must provide you with written notice of the denial within 28 days of filing the claim. When your claim is denied, you will need to prove that your injury or illness arose from your job. You have the opportunity to present evidence, testimony and expert witnesses at an informal hearing. 

The informal hearing is held in the District Office of the Workers Compensation Board in your local town. The hearing is presided over by a Workers Compensation Commissioner who will decide whether you are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits.

Collecting Connecticut Workers Compensation Benefits

Employers must either begin making payments or deny a claim within 28 days of receiving the claim. Payments include covered medical expenses provided by authorized medical providers. In the event of death, burial and survivors benefits are paid.

Temporary and permanent disability benefits are also paid if the injury renders you unable to work for more than eight days. These are based on a percentage of your wages and the extent of your disability. As of 2009, payment rates are calculated at 75% of your average weekly wages minus FICA and deductions. No taxes are taken from worker’s compensation benefits.

Hiring a Connecticut Workers Compensation Lawyer

The Connecticut worker’s compensation commission advises that it is not necessary to get legal help in undisputed claims, although you have the right to do so. However, the Worker’s Compensation Commission suggests that it would be prudent to hire an attorney for disputed claims. If the Commissioner feels that it is advisable for you to have legal counsel, you will be notified of your right to an attorney. Attorney’s fees are generally paid as a portion of your worker’s compensation settlement.

Connecticut Workers Compensation Office Locations

Workers' Compensation Commission
First District Office
999Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
Phone: (860) 566-4154
Fax: (860) 566-6137

Workers' Compensation Commission
Second District Office
55 Main Street
Norwich, CT 06360
Phone: (860) 823-3900
Fax: (860) 823-1725

Workers' Compensation Commission
Third District Office
700 State Street
New Haven, CT 06511-6500
Phone: (203) 789-7512
Fax: (203) 789-7168

Workers' Compensation Commission
Fourth District Office
350 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (203) 382-5600
Fax: (203) 335-8760

Workers' Compensation Commission
Fifth District Office
55 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
Phone: (203) 596-4207
Fax: (203) 805-6501

Workers' Compensation Commission
Sixth District Office
233 Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (860) 827-7180
Fax: (860) 827-7913

Workers' Compensation Commission
Seventh District Office
111 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: (203) 325-3881
Fax: (203) 967-7264

Workers' Compensation Commission
Eighth District Office
90 Court Street
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 344-7453
Fax: (860) 344-7487