What Is the Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut?

Man injured from work filing for workers compensation claim.

Connecticut law provides a one-year statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims. In most cases, an injured worker must file their claim just one year from the injury date. The deadline for occupational diseases is typically three years from when they first experienced symptoms.

These deadlines may seem far off in the future. However, failing to act quickly can jeopardize your workers’ comp claim and potentially prevent you from accessing the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. Delaying getting medical attention also risks the injury getting worse and making your recovery more challenging. If the injury doesn’t heal properly because you delayed treatment, it could affect your ability to work in the future.

Can My Workers’ Compensation Claim Be Denied if I Fail to Report the Injury in Time?

Even though Connecticut law allows you to file a workers’ compensation claim one year from the injury date (or three years from the first onset of symptoms), you must report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. If you fail to notify your employer promptly, the delay may result in the denial of your benefits.

Employers and their insurance carriers are more likely to question claims when a significant gap lies between the date of the injury and the date on which you reported it. Prompt reporting also creates an official record and strengthens your case if there is any dispute about how or when the injury occurred.

How Can a Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help with My Claim?

Connecticut’s workers’ compensation system can be challenging to navigate independently, especially when you’re focused on healing. Missing strict deadlines and reporting requirements could put your benefits at risk. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you protect your rights, avoid mistakes, and improve your likelihood of receiving the full benefits you are due. For instance, at Jainchill & Beckert, we can:

  • Explain your legal rights and obligations under Connecticut workers’ compensation law.
  • File all required paperwork on time and in the correct format.
  • Collect and organize medical records that support your injury claim.
  • Communicate with your employer’s insurance company on your behalf.
  • Challenge claim denials or delays through hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
  • Calculate the value of your lost wages and medical expenses to pursue proper compensation.
  • Weigh the pros and cons of any settlement offers the insurer makes.
  • Represent you at formal hearings and appeals if disputes continue.

What Should I Do Immediately After I Suffer a Work Injury?

The most important thing to do after a workplace injury is to take swift action to protect your health and preserve your claim within Connecticut deadlines. Take the following steps as soon as possible to establish a clear record:

  • Get medical care right away – In emergencies, go to the ER. Tell every provider it’s work-related.
  • Report the injury – You should report it to your supervisor on the same day or promptly. Put it in writing and keep a copy.
  • Write down the names of witnesses and their contact info – Make sure you note the date and time of the incident and record their observations.
  • Photograph the scene – Get photos of any relevant equipment, conditions, and visible injuries.
  • Follow all medical instructions – Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and work restrictions to the letter.
  • Give notice – File Form 30C (Notice of Claim for Compensation) with the Workers’ Compensation Commission and give a copy to your employer.
  • Keep a journal of your symptoms – Make notes of your pain levels, and missed work, but do not post about the accident or your activities on social media.
  • Save everything – Keep copies of any bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and insurer letters, and track your mileage as you travel to and from medical appointments.
  • Consult a Connecticut workers’ compensation lawyer at Jainchill & Beckert – We can work on your case immediately.

What Can I Do If My Employer Refuses to File an Accident Report for My Injury?

If your employer refuses to document your injury properly, you still have the right to proceed with your claim. You should always file Form 30C directly with the Workers’ Compensation Commission and with your employer – doing so officially initiates your claim and bypasses employer inaction. Retaining medical records and other supporting documentation of your medical costs will also help. If your employer refuses to cooperate, a Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney from Jainchill & Beckert can enforce deadlines and make sure your claim continues without unnecessary delays.

How Long Do Most CT Workers’ Compensation Settlements Take?

The length of the workers’ compensation claims process can vary considerably and depends on the severity of the injury and how aggressively the insurance company disputes the claim. Some cases are resolved in a few months, while others may take a year or longer if hearings are needed. Medical treatment, evaluations, and negotiations can all affect the timeline. Working with an experienced lawyer can help streamline the process and reduce unnecessary delays in reaching a fair resolution.

How Long Can an Injured Connecticut Worker Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

You can receive workers’ comp benefits in Connecticut for different lengths of time, depending on the type of benefits and the type and severity of your injury:

  • Medical Benefits – Available for as long as treatment is reasonable and necessary
  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Paid until you can return to work
  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Paid while working reduced hours or duties, or while searching for suitable work
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Duration of payment depends on the body part and medical impairment rating
  • Vocational Rehabilitation – Provided until retraining or job placement is complete.

A workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and the benefits you’re entitled to receive under Connecticut law.

Contact a Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you suffered an injury or illness at work, don’t wait to contact our team at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, for help with your workers’ compensation claim. We have over 55 years of combined experience working efficiently and passionately to safeguard the rights of injured Connecticut workers like you and have recovered millions for our satisfied clients.

Don’t wait to act after a workplace injury. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation and learn what Jainchill & Beckert can do to support you.

Aaron has been practicing law throughout Connecticut for over two decades. In that time, he has developed a strong reputation for providing both excellent and compassionate legal representation to every client that passes through our doors. He has litigated cases in nearly every courthouse in the state, and our clients benefit from his deep knowledge of the law within his practice areas and beyond.  

Reflecting the high quality of his services, he has been certified as a Civil Trial Attorney by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification. This honor is granted to fewer than 100 attorneys in the state, as well as fewer than 4% of attorneys nationwide. Aaron graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1995 and the Western New England University School of Law in 1998.