Workplace accidents are unfortunately common, often leaving victims unable to work and in need of significant medical care. In fact, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 2.9 million nonfatal injuries reported by private industry during 2015. Fortunately for people who are injured while working, Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation Program provides them with benefits, regardless of fault.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work?
State law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance that will cover the medical expenses and lost income of workers who are injured in on-the-job accidents. In return for this guaranteed coverage, workers are generally unable to file a lawsuit against their employer after workplace accidents. While the fact that it is a no-fault system may make it seem as if recovering compensation would be fairly easy, it is important to remember that workers’ compensation insurers are in the business of making money, and their profitability depends on paying out as little as possible.
Medical Attention Will Create Evidence in Support of Your Claim
One of the most common ways that insurers try and avoid paying on claims is claiming that an injury was not work related. If you sustain a workplace injury and fail to get medical attention, it can make it much easier for the insurer to claim that you sustained your injury elsewhere.
For example, if you strain your back while at work but do not think it is worthy of reporting and then subsequently make your existing injury worse when helping a friend move, it could be very difficult to obtain benefits.
Furthermore, seeking medical attention will help establish the severity of your injuries, which may be necessary when seeking authorization for medical treatment or claiming benefits for lost time from work to establish that you require treatment and that you need to take time off of work.
Call Us Today to Speak with a Hartford, CT Workers’ Comp Attorney
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you should talk to an attorney as soon as you can. To learn more about how we can help you, call Leighton, Katz & Drapeau today at 860-875-7000 or send us an email through our online contact form.
