The steps you take in the first hours and days can shape your entire claim.

•       Report the injury to your supervisor or employer the same day, and put it in writing if you can

•       Get medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor, and tell the provider it happened at work

•       Write down what happened, where it happened, and who saw it

•       Keep copies of medical records, injury reports, and any messages about your claim

•       Do not sign anything from the insurance company until you understand what it says

Connecticut law generally requires written notice of your injury to your employer within one year of the date it happened. Occupational illnesses and injuries that develop over time have their own timelines.

That said, waiting is risky. Reporting the same day makes it much harder for an insurance company to argue that your injury did not happen at work.

You are not required to hire one, and some straightforward claims move forward without legal help. But the insurance company has a team managing your claim, and mistakes with deadlines, medical records, or settlement paperwork can be hard to undo.

An attorney becomes especially helpful when a claim is denied, benefits are reduced or stopped, your injury is serious or permanent, or you receive a settlement offer.

Your first consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs to get started. In workers' compensation cases, attorney fees are regulated under Connecticut law and are generally paid from the benefits recovered rather than out of your pocket.

We will walk through exactly how fees work during your consultation so there are no surprises.

No. Connecticut law prohibits employers from firing, demoting, or discriminating against you for filing a workers' compensation claim. If you believe that has happened, you may have additional legal options, and it is worth speaking with an attorney right away.

Depending on your injury, benefits may include:

•       Medical treatment related to your injury

•       Wage replacement while you are unable to work

•       Compensation for permanent impairment

•       Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous job

•       Death benefits for dependents when a work injury is fatal

Part time, seasonal, and tipped employees are covered from their first day on the job.

Temporary disability benefits are generally based on 75 percent of your after tax average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum rates the state updates each October.

Your average weekly wage should include things like regular overtime, tips, and commissions. Insurance companies do not always calculate it correctly, so it is worth having it reviewed.

It depends on where you are in your claim and how your employer's medical care is set up. In the early stages, your employer or the insurance company may direct where you receive treatment, and Connecticut law gives you certain rights to treat with a physician of your choosing as your claim moves forward.

Treating with a provider who has not been properly authorized can lead to denied bills, so talk to an attorney before switching doctors.

A denial is not the end of your case. You have the right to contest it through the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission.

Common reasons for denial include late reporting, disputes over whether the injury is work related, pre-existing conditions, and missing medical documentation. Many of these issues can be addressed with the right evidence.

Deadlines apply after a denial, so do not wait to get help.

Not before you understand exactly what you are giving up. Before agreeing to any settlement, ask:

•       Does it include future medical treatment, or does it close those rights permanently?

•       Does it fairly reflect my permanent impairment rating?

•       How will it affect my future earnings and any other benefits I receive?

•       Has my condition stabilized, or could it get worse?

Settling too early can have long term financial consequences, which is why we recommend having an attorney review any offer first.