[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/blog\/workers-comp-for-pre-existing-injury\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/blog\/workers-comp-for-pre-existing-injury\/","headline":"Can You Get Workers\u2019 Comp for a Pre-Existing Injury in CT?","name":"Can You Get Workers\u2019 Comp for a Pre-Existing Injury in CT?","description":"After suffering an injury at work in Connecticut, you may worry whether you can still file a workers’ compensation claim if the accident aggravated a pre-existing injury. Fortunately, Connecticut law allows injured workers to get benefits for pre-existing injuries. As long as the work accident was a “substantial contributing factor” that made the condition worse, […]","datePublished":"2023-05-03","dateModified":"2025-10-14","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/blog\/author\/aaron-jainchill\/#Person","name":"Aaron Jainchill","url":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/blog\/author\/aaron-jainchill\/","identifier":26,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c3eceb4f20bb4ccaaa8ed40340cf7b5faf00d03f8566833d956b0ad145822af?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c3eceb4f20bb4ccaaa8ed40340cf7b5faf00d03f8566833d956b0ad145822af?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Jainchill & Beckert, LLC","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/RealEstate38.png","url":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/RealEstate38.png","width":300,"height":207}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/back-pain.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/back-pain.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/blog\/workers-comp-for-pre-existing-injury\/","about":["Worker Compensation"],"wordCount":905,"articleBody":"After suffering an injury at work in Connecticut, you may worry whether you can still file a workers’ compensation claim if the accident aggravated a pre-existing injury. Fortunately, Connecticut law allows injured workers to get benefits for pre-existing injuries. As long as the work accident was a “substantial contributing factor” that made the condition worse, an employee should be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for a pre-existing condition. You will need medical documentation showing the status of your condition before the accident and that your symptoms and condition are now worse to prove your case.Common Causes of Workplace AccidentsSome of the most frequent causes of workplace accidents in Connecticut include:Slips, trips, and fallsFalls from heightsFalling objectsOverexertionImproper handling or storage of hazardous materialsExposed wires or power linesDefective or poorly maintained tools, equipment, and machineryNegligent operation of equipment or vehiclesLack of safety or personal protective equipmentInadequate training and supervisionDisorganized or messy workplacesCommon Injuries Sustained in Workplace AccidentsWorkers may suffer a wide variety of injuries on the job, such as:LacerationsDegloving injuriesBurnsElectrocutionsRepetitive stress injuriesSprains, strains, and tearsHerniated spinal discsInternal organ injuries and bleedingFacial injuries and scarringHearing or vision lossBroken bonesTraumatic brain injuriesSpinal cord injuries and paralysisCrush injuriesAmputation or dismembermentWhat Compensation Can I Receive Through a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim in Connecticut?A workplace injury can have a major impact on your life \u2013 both physically and financially. To help with these costs, benefits available from Connecticut workers\u2019 compensation may cover:Medical benefits that pay for all reasonable and necessary treatmentReimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments and proceduresReimbursement for prescriptions and medical equipmentWage replacementTotal disability benefitsPartial disability benefitsVocational rehabilitation servicesDisfigurement and scarring benefitsInjury recurrence or relapseWhat If I Was Partly Responsible for the Accident?You have the right to receive the full scope of workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace accident \u2013 even if you bear partial responsibility for the accident. Connecticut workers’ compensation operates as a no-fault system. Employers must provide employees with benefits for any work-related injuries regardless of whether the employer or injured employee bears any fault for the accident.However, Connecticut law does provide an exception to this no-fault rule if an employee suffers a work injury due to intentional and serious misconduct or on-the-job intoxication. Under those circumstances, workers\u2019 compensation benefits will not be available.How Long Do I Have to File a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim in Connecticut?Under Connecticut workers\u2019 compensation law, you must report your work injuries to your employer immediately after an accident. If your injuries prevent you from immediately reporting, have a trusted coworker or friend report it for you. Your employer should then file a First Report of Injury Form with their insurer and the Workers\u2019 Compensation Commission.The statute of limitations gives you only one year from the date of a workplace accident to file an official notice of claim for compensation. For occupational diseases, you have three years from the first symptoms to file notice.Can I See a Doctor of My Choice After a Workplace Injury in Connecticut?You must see an employer-designated healthcare provider for initial treatment if your employer has a designated provider. After this initial treatment, you may choose another attending physician. However, you may still not have full freedom of choice for your doctor.If your employer participates in an approved medical care plan, you must pick a physician from the plan’s list of doctors. You may select any Connecticut-licensed physician if your employer does not participate in an approved medical care plan. If you move to another state, an administrative law judge may authorize an out-of-state physician to provide your treatment.When switching attending physicians, you must either:Get a referral from your current attending physician,Obtain approval from your employer or its workers\u2019 compensation insurance carrier, orPetition an administrative law judge for approvalWhat Should I Do After a Workplace Accident in Connecticut?Steps you can take to protect your eligibility for workers\u2019 compensation benefits after suffering an injury at work include:Notify your employer \u2013 State law requires you to notify your employer of a work injury immediately, or you may jeopardize some of your workers’ compensation benefits.Document the scene \u2013 Take photos and videos of the accident scene, get contact information from any eyewitnesses, and request copies of any accident reports drafted by your employer.Seek medical attention \u2013 Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries. But remember that your employer has the right to select a healthcare provider for your initial treatment.Gather your bills and pay stubs \u2013 If you have out-of-pocket expenses for your treatment or miss time from work, keep copies of records to ensure you get reimbursed.Consult with a Connecticut workers’ compensation attorney \u2013 Talk to an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and understand what to expect when pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.Contact a Connecticut Workers\u2019 Compensation LawyerDon’t let your employer or the insurance company unfairly deny your workers’ comp benefits after a workplace accident. Reach out to Jainchill & Beckert, LLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can discuss how your pre-existing injuries may affect your options for obtaining workers\u2019 compensation. Let a Connecticut workers\u2019 compensation lawyer from our firm fight to protect your rights and interests."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Can You Get Workers\u2019 Comp for a Pre-Existing Injury in CT?","item":"https:\/\/www.jblawct.com\/blog\/workers-comp-for-pre-existing-injury\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]