Getting hurt on the job is likely not something you think about when you get up to go to work for the day. But workplace injuries happen frequently, and you may find that you cannot return to work or your normal life after a workplace accident.
According to the State of Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission, the workers’ compensation system provides weekly benefits while disabled, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation and additional benefits for disfigurement, scarring or permanent physical disability. To ensure you receive these benefits following a workplace injury, there are certain steps you must take.
Notify your employer
Let your employer know about the workplace accident and your injury as soon as possible after it occurs. The longer you wait to notify your employer, the more likely it is that your employer will try to dispute your claim.
Seek medical attention
For your initial medical treatment, your employer will send you to a designated clinic, hospital or physician. You must go to the facility or clinic designated by your employer for this initial medical treatment.
File a workers’ compensation claim
Once you receive medical attention, start your workers’ compensation claim by filing a “written notice of claim.” By doing this, you put your claim on official record and preserve your right to any potential workers’ compensation benefits you might receive.
Even if you follow this general process after a workplace injury, your employer may still try to refute your claim. If you got hurt at work and did not receive workers’ compensation benefits, take legal action to preserve your right to these benefits.
