When you’ve been injured on the job, you need to be certain that your immediate and long-term medical expenses will be covered and that you’ll still be able to take care of yourself and your family while you’re unable to work. That’s what the Connecticut workers’ compensation law is designed to provide, and the attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers are here to make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation and support that you deserve.
Workers Compensation Lawyers Connecticut
We are an experienced workers’ compensation law firm representing a wide range of clients who have been injured on the job. Our experience in representing workers includes helping professionals from doctors and lawyers to waiters and waitresses. Whether you are an iron or steelworker, a police officer, a firefighter, or a pipefitter, the laws have been written for your protection. We are here to make sure that you have a passionate advocate working on your behalf.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we know that the workers’ compensation process can be stressful and frustrating – that’s why we work so hard to make sure that you understand all the steps that are involved and to smooth the way and make it easy for you to get every benefit to which you are entitled. From helping to fill out forms to collecting all of your medical records for submission, we have extensive experience in every step of the process.
We’ll even make sure that your medical bills are paid! Our goal is to make sure that you obtain the lost wages that you need and the compensation that you deserve as quickly as possible, so we will represent you at hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, negotiate on your behalf with employers or insurers, and do whatever we need to do to ensure that you get the best result possible. We do all of this without charging any up-front fees or costs: We don’t get paid until you receive your compensation, providing you with the confidence of knowing that you have an advocate who is working hard on your behalf.
Injured workers should never have to choose between their health and their paycheck. We help clients secure the benefits and support they deserve.
Schedule a free legal consultation with our personal injury team.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Connecticut
There are two different categories of workers’ compensation benefits. One is the payment of medical expenses for work-related injuries or illnesses. It covers all treatments that are needed. The second is compensation for any earnings that you lose as a result of the inability to work. These are called wage loss and indemnity benefits, and they cover both lost earnings and permanent disability. The determination of how long this second category of benefits is available is dependent upon whether your disability is permanent or temporary as well as whether your disability is total or partial.
The highest maximum benefit is awarded to total disabilities, and they are paid for the duration of the disability. By contrast, partial disability benefit amounts are determined based on a number of variables, including the severity of the disability and which body part or parts are affected. There are preestablished benefits for a specific time period, and all of these are outlined within the state’s laws pertaining to workers’ compensation.  We’ve assembled some basic information regarding the available benefits:
- Medical benefits: Provides for medical, surgical, hospital, rehabilitation, and similar expenses based upon an existing fee schedule. There is no maximum or minimum, and it is available for as long as is needed.
- Temporary total disability: Provides wage replacement for workers who miss more than three full days of work. The rate is set at 75% of gross pay at the time of injury minus Social Security, state, and federal taxes. The minimum is 20% of the maximum benefit and the maximum allowed is 100% of the state average. It is available for the duration of the total incapacity unless otherwise ordered or agreed to.
- Permanent total disability: Provides for coverage for six specific injury categories presumed to cause total disability and pays 75% of gross pay at the time of injury minus Social Security, state, and federal taxes. The minimum is 20% of the maximum benefit and the maximum allowed is 100% of the state average. It is available for the duration of the total incapacity unless otherwise ordered or agreed to.
- Temporary partial disability: Provided when the worker is able to return to work but at less than pre-injury wages and offers 75% of the difference. There is no minimum and the maximum rate is established at 100% of the state average wage for production workers. It is available until the partial disability ends or the time period established for the individual body party is reached.
- Permanent partial disability: Provided when the worker is determined to have suffered the permanent loss of function or body part use. Payment is made when a physician has determined that maximum improvement has been achieved. Pays 75% of gross pay at the time of injury minus Social Security, and state and federal taxes, with no minimum and the maximum established at 100% of the state average. Duration is based upon the specific body part or function.
- Discretionary wage differential: Specifically provided based on the discretion of a commissioner and offered when a partial disability has created a wage disparity. The rate is 75% of the difference between pre and post-injury wages, with no minimum and a maximum allowed of 100% of the state average. Duration is also discretionary.
- Disfigurement and scarring: Provided when significant and permanent scars occur to the head, face, or neck, or a body part whose disfigurement will impact the worker’s ability to find employment. This is awarded as a one-time payment, with no minimum and a maximum of 100% of the state average multiplied by the number of weeks awarded.
- Death: This is provided to a surviving spouse or eligible dependents, based on 75% of the gross pay at the time of deathless Social Security, state, and federal taxes. Where no survivors exist the benefits can be offered to other dependent family members for a period of up to 312 weeks, based on their level of dependency. Minimum is established at 20% of the maximum benefit but no more than 75% of their net average wage, with a maximum of 100% of the state average, plus burial benefits of up to $4000. Duration is based upon relationship.
FAQ’s
What is a workers’ compensation lawyer, and when should I consider hiring one in Connecticut?
A workers’ compensation lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in helping employees who have been injured on the job receive the compensation and benefits they are entitled to under Connecticut’s workers’ compensation laws. You may want to consider hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Connecticut if you have been injured at work, and your employer or their insurance company is denying your claim, delaying your benefits, or offering you less than you believe you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in Connecticut?
Many workers’ compensation lawyers in Connecticut work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win your case. The attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of your settlement or judgment, usually ranging from 20% to 33%. This arrangement allows people who may not have the financial resources to pay upfront legal fees to still have access to quality legal representation. It’s important to discuss the specific fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to ensure that you understand the costs involved.
How long does it take to resolve a workers’ compensation case in Connecticut?
The timeline for resolving a workers’ compensation case in Connecticut can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the extent of your injuries. Generally, your employer or their insurance company has 28 days to investigate your claim and either accept or deny it. If your claim is accepted, you should start receiving benefits within a few weeks. If your claim is denied or you disagree with the amount of benefits you are receiving, you may need to file a formal appeal, which can take several months to a year to resolve. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Connecticut can help you navigate the legal process and work to ensure that you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Connecticut Workers’ Comp Lawyers Near You
The attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers are extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut and can advise you as to what potential benefits you may be entitled to based on your injury and level of disability. They can also explain the important details of how workers’ compensation is distributed, including how often you will receive payments, the minimum and maximum amounts you may be entitled to, and the various benefits. In most cases, the disability is based on the average weekly wage that was established in the year prior to the injury or illness.
For a compassionate and knowledgeable representation of your workers’ compensation claim, contact the attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers. We are available to meet with you and answer all of your questions and will work hard to get you the compensation that you deserve.
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