A work-related injury or illness can jeopardize your ability to work, sometimes permanently. Part of your rights as a worker in Connecticut is access to workers’ compensation to provide support during your recovery.
Knowing how to respond to your injury and how to communicate your needs to your employer can help you maximize your benefits.
The Statute of Limitations
Connecticut state law protects your employer from fictitious claims of a work-related injury or illness. They also do not need to approve your workers’ compensation claim if you file it after the Statute of Limitations passes. By law, for injuries, you have one year to file a claim beginning from the day of your injury. For illnesses, you have three years from the onset of your symptoms to file a claim.
According to Connecticut’s Official State Website, immediately after experiencing an injury or recognizing an illness related to your job, you should notify your employer. Your supervisor can act on your behalf to file a workers’ compensation claim if your injury or illness prevents you from responding in a timely manner.
The value of mindfulness
When you report your claim, provide specific details about what happened and the resulting outcome. Consistently communicate with your employer and provide the necessary information in a timely manner. During this critical time, be mindful of what you post on social media or share with your friends and family. Saying too much could compromise your benefits.
When it comes to medical care, select a doctor that is within the network provided by your employer’s workers’ compensation benefits program. Make sure to attend all of your appointments including those for physical therapy and vocational rehabilitation. The insurance company may keep track of your adherence to your doctor’s instructions. Stay in touch with your employer and regularly notify them of any progress to your condition.
