Workers’ Compensation – FAQs

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

1. HOW DO I FILE A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM IF I AM INJURED WHILE WORKING?

You should report the injury to your employer and file a Form 30C (Notice of Claim for Compensation) by certified mail with both the Workers’ Compensation Commission office and with your employer.

2. WHAT BENEFITS AM I ENTITLED TO?

If you are unable to work at all, you are entitled to 75 percent of your net average weekly wage for the past 52 weeks after deducting Federal and State Income Tax and Social Security. If you are able to perform some work after the injury, you may also be entitled to 75 percent of the after-tax and Social Security difference between the amount of income you receive after your injury and what you would have received if you had not been injured. The maximum benefits for temporary total and temporary partial disability are adjusted on October 1st of each year. In addition, you are entitled to have all of your medical, hospital, and prescription bills resulting from your injury paid. Benefits are also payable if you have a permanent partial disability. The Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Rehabilitation Services offers vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to the type of work which caused the injury or illness.

3. IS THERE A WAITING PERIOD BEFORE ELIGIBILITY BEGINS?

You must be incapacitated for more than three days before total or partial incapacity benefits commence, however, medical and hospital benefits do not have a waiting period.

4. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY EMPLOYER DISPUTES MY ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPENSATION?

You can request the Workers’ Compensation Commissioner to hold an informal hearing to discuss and attempt to resolve any disputes.

5. DOES MY EMPLOYER HAVE INSURANCE TO PAY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS?

Employers are required by law to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance or to file a Certificate of Self Insurance. Substantial penalties are imposed if the employer doesn’t carry insurance.

6. WHERE ARE THESE HEARINGS HELD?

There are eight district offices where hearings are held in Connecticut. Danbury and most surrounding towns are in the Seventh District with hearings held in Stamford and New Milford. Newtown is in the Fourth District with hearings held in Bridgeport.

7. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY EMPLOYER OR ITS INSURANCE CARRIER REFUSES TO PAY COMPENSATION?

The Commission will schedule a formal hearing which is a legal proceeding in which testimony is taken, evidence is submitted, and a stenographic record is taken. After a formal hearing is completed, the Commission issues a decision which is binding on the parties.