Most employees with a direct-hire arrangement are eligible for Connecticut workers’ compensation benefits if they get hurt at work. Benefits can also be available to those diagnosed by a medical professional with a work-acquired medical condition.
Whether a worker has 20 years of experience or was on their second day of training and whether they work full or part-time has no major impact on their eligibility for benefits. What matters is the origin of their medical condition and their adherence to the right procedure. There are several necessary steps people must complete to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Communicate with an employer
Typically, a worker hurt on the job has to advise their supervisor of the incident right away. Unless the situation is an emergency that requires that they leave without filing paperwork, they typically need to inform the appropriate party of exactly what happened and other relevant details. That initial report is crucial for their eligibility for benefits.
Seek medical attention
In scenarios involving work-acquired illnesses like repetitive strain injuries or illnesses caused by chemical exposure, medical treatment may come before reporting the matter to an employer. In most cases, however, workers first notify their employers of an injury and then leave to seek treatment. Advising the healthcare professional of the nature of the injury or the relationship of the symptoms to the worker’s profession is crucial for establishing a connection between there medical challenges and their employment.
File a formal benefits claim
Workers typically need to submit a Workers’ Compensation Commission Form 30C to begin the formal claims process. Workers have one year from the date of their injury or three years from when a condition began presenting symptoms to perform this step.
Complete a treatment plan
The doctor overseeing the worker’s treatment may make numerous recommendations. They may instruct a worker to change job functions, request accommodations or take a temporary leave of absence. They may also recommend treatments ranging from medication and physical therapy to surgery. Workers typically need to follow those recommendations in order to qualify for benefits.
Consider speaking with a lawyer
Particularly in cases involving debilitating injuries or illnesses, workers may need help navigating all of the red tape. A workers’ compensation attorney can advise an employee of their rights and help them with paperwork. They can help handle communications with an employer and assist workers when challenges arise.
Knowing how to navigate the workers’ compensation claims process can increase an employee’s chances of maximizing their benefits. Eligible workers can receive medical coverage and disability benefits to help minimize the economic harm caused by work-related medical challenges.
