Accidents in the workplace can happen anywhere, including at home while working remotely. The workplace can potentially be full of hazards that could lead to a slip and fall accident, such as wet flooring, or clutter or debris in walkways. When you suffer a slip and fall injury while working, you may have the option to file a claim and obtain workers' compensation.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have been injured in a workplace slip and fall in Connecticut, talking to a CT workers' comp lawyer can be very helpful in deciding what to do next. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has years of experience and is ready to advocate for you.
In the following article, we offer a guide about what to do if you want to safeguard your rights and get workers compensation for your losses.
After a Workplace Slip and Fall, Can I File for Workers' Compensation?
Employees typically have the right to workers compensation benefits if they are hurt at work, regardless of who is at fault. The cost of medical care, as well as lost pay during the time the employee is unable to return to work or can only return to light duties are covered by workers compensation benefits.
To cover both medical costs and provide compensation, the majority of companies in Connecticut are required to have workers compensation insurance. However, after a slip and fall, the process of collecting workers compensation payments can be complicated.
Talking to a qualified slip and fall lawyer can save you a lot of time and worry.
What Does Connecticut Workers' Compensation Pay?
If an employee is sick or hurt at work, they are entitled to receive 75% of their average weekly pay after taxes. In Connecticut, the highest weekly compensation benefit is $1,373.
You are also entitled to have 100% of your medical costs covered as well.
How Long Does Workers' Comp Benefits in Connecticut Last?
The type of injury you received, the time of your recovery, and the category to which you are injured can all impact this.
You are eligible to receive payments for the entirety of a total disability. As long as you require medical attention, you will continue to receive benefits. Additionally, you are eligible to receive salary differential benefits for a partial disability for up to 520 weeks.
Steps to Take After A Slip And Fall Injury
Get Medical Care
Falls can result in serious injuries, such as fractures, brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, back injuries, and neck injuries. In such cases, emergency medical services should be contacted, and treatment is started right away.
Remember that even severe injuries may take time to manifest symptoms, giving them time to worsen and become more challenging to treat. Falls frequently result in head injuries and soft tissue damage, such as whiplash.
Avoid the temptation to rush back to work after suffering an injury. Put your health first and go to the doctor. Even if you don't believe your injuries are serious, seeking medical attention right away can be important for later case support.
Your employer or their insurance provider may require you to receive an Independent Medical Exam (IME) or require medical authorization for treatment after you report the accident and file for workers' compensation. For instance, the care you receive can necessitate pricey diagnostic procedures like MRIs or CT scans. Or you might require medical attention from an expert. If this is the case, your insurance provider (or employer) can demand authorization for medical care before you can receive it, leaving you to foot the bill alone.
Compile Evidence
Having evidence that your slip and fall injury and subsequent fall occurred at work is necessary for your workers' compensation slip and fall claim. If possible, take pictures of any obstacles that you think may have caused the fall, such as uneven or slippery floors, debris, or dimly lit walkways or stairwells.
Ensure you keep all of the documentation pertaining to your injuries, including bills, receipts, and medical records. As you recover, you should take pics of your injuries.
Report Your Injury Immediately
The filing deadline for a workers' compensation claim is strict in most states. In Connecticut, you have one year to file a workers' comp claim and up to three years if you are suffering an occupational disease or illness. However, it's vital to report the accident as soon as possible to your employer.
If an accident and injury is not reported quickly, benefits from workers' compensation can be reduced or even denied. Even if you don't need medical attention or time off work due to your accident, it's still necessary to disclose it.
Without following the correct steps, a workers’ comp claim can be challenging.
Consult With A Workers' Compensation Attorney
It is important to have a worker's compensation lawyer to guide you who is familiar with the workers' compensation system in Connecticut, especially for severe injuries. An attorney will put together all the information needed to give you the best chances at success. Insurance companies frequently delay, reject, or misclassify an injury just so they can pay out less money.
Although filing for workers' comp may seem simple, it does not always ensure that you will be paid properly. The lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law are committed to helping clients in workers' compensation disputes all around Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. We have the depth of resources and years of experience necessary to ensure a favorable outcome.
For a free consultation, get in touch with us today.