Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Bristol

Injured lady from work filing for claims.

Bristol, Connecticut, boasts a diverse economy that offers employment opportunities across many sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and services. Workplace injuries can occur in these industries and others, leaving workers uncertain about their future.

If you’ve been hurt on the job in Bristol, understanding your rights to pursue a workers’ compensation claim is crucial to protecting your financial stability.

At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, our experienced Bristol, CT workers’ compensation lawyers understand the challenges injured workers face. With over 55 years of combined legal experience, we provide trusted legal representation to hard-working clients throughout Connecticut.

If you’ve had an injury at work, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your Bristol workers’ compensation claim.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance system that provides medical care and other benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or develop occupational illnesses. The no-fault system ensures injured workers receive medical treatment and wage replacement benefits regardless of who caused the workplace accident.

The Connecticut workers’ compensation system requires businesses to maintain workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees from work-related injuries. In exchange, employees receiving benefits generally cannot sue their employers for workplace injuries. This arrangement allows injured workers to receive paid medical care and financial support without proving negligence.

Do All Employers Have to Provide Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Their Employees?

Connecticut law requires virtually all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This comprehensive coverage ensures that workers receive protection from their first day on the job, regardless of their employment status or the size of the employer’s business.

However, certain workers are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, including:

  • Independent contractors (even though some employers improperly classify employees as contractors to avoid providing coverage)
  • Domestic employees who work fewer than 26 hours per week in their employer’s home
  • Certain agricultural workers
  • Executive officers and partners (under certain conditions).

If you have sustained an injury at work and believe your employer improperly denied you workers’ compensation benefits, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate your situation and discuss your options to appeal your denied claim.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bristol, CT Workplace Injuries?

Injuries on the job occur in many ways. Understanding the common causes of workplace injuries can help workers recognize when they may have a valid workers’ compensation claim:

How Soon Do I Have to Notify My Employer That I Have Been Injured on the Job?

Connecticut law requires injured workers to promptly notify their employers about a work accident. You should report your injury to your supervisor or the human resources department immediately after the incident.

When you report a workplace accident, your employer should send you to the company medical clinic, hospital emergency room, or designated doctor for medical treatment. Any delays in reporting the accident increase the chance that your employer or the insurance carrier will dispute your claim.

What Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Could I Receive?

Connecticut’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits to help injured workers navigate the challenges of serious injuries caused by a work accident. The benefits include:

  • Medical treatment benefits for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury
  • Temporary total disability benefits if you cannot work during your recovery period
  • Wage differential benefits if you can perform limited work duties or return to a lower-paying position during recovery
  • Permanent partial disability benefits for permanent impairments or loss of function in specific body parts
  • Vocational rehabilitation, which provides retraining services for workers who cannot return to their previous occupation
  • Disfigurement benefits for significant scarring or permanent physical changes
  • Survivor benefits for dependents if a worker dies from a work-related injury or illness.

How Long Can I Stay on Workers’ Comp in Connecticut?

The duration of workers’ compensation benefits depends on the severity of your injury and your recovery progress. Temporary disability benefits will continue until you reach maximum medical improvement and the doctor releases you.

For permanent disabilities, the duration varies based on the specific body part affected and the degree of impairment. Connecticut law establishes specific payment schedules for different types of permanent injuries. Some severe injuries may qualify for lifetime benefits, while others are subject to predetermined payment periods.

What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

You should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Bristol, CT, if you have received notice that your claim has been denied. An initial denial does not mean you cannot receive workers’ compensation benefits. Many valid claims are denied initially. If an employer or its insurer denies your claim, you must take additional steps to develop your case.

You should contact a workers’ compensation attorney at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, as soon as possible. One of our experienced personal injury attorneys can explain the reason for the denial and develop a strategy to overcome the insurance company’s objections.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim in Addition to My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Workers’ compensation generally prohibits employees from suing their employer for workplace injuries. However, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against a third party who contributed to the work accident. Third-party claims can provide additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers.

Potential third-party defendants include:

  • Industrial equipment manufacturers whose defective products caused your injury
  • Property owners who maintained unsafe conditions
  • Contractors working at your job site
  • Drivers who caused vehicle accidents while you were working.

Third-party personal injury claims can allow you to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other losses not covered by workers’ compensation.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Connecticut?

Connecticut law establishes specific deadlines for filing workers’ compensation claims. You must file your Form 30C notice of claim within one year of your work accident or three years from the date when you first experienced symptoms of an occupational disease.

However, certain circumstances may extend the deadline for filing a claim, such as when employers fail to provide proper notice about workers’ compensation rights or when injuries develop gradually over time.

Contact a Bristol, CT Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, our dedicated attorneys understand the challenges injured workers face when dealing with insurance companies and complex legal procedures.

Whether you need help filing your initial workers’ comp claim, appealing a denial, or exploring additional compensation options, we are ready to put over 55 years of combined legal experience to work for you. Contact Jainchill & Beckert, LLC today for a free consultation with an experienced Bristol, CT workers’ compensation lawyer.