Connecticut law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical costs and wage replacement for employees who are injured while performing their jobs. It also provides certain benefits for permanent disability. However, the law does not require the employer or insurance company to settle your case nor can you be forced to settle your case. The law does not provide any minimum amount that your case can settle for.
Many workers receive benefits in the form of monthly or weekly payments until their injuries have healed and they return to work. However, these benefits can continue for years if a worker has been disabled by their injury and cannot return to work for a long time - if ever. And even if the injured worker returns to work, they may have problems in the future.
The insurance company may offer you a lump sum settlement instead of continuing payments or to avoid paying benefits or medical bills in the future. The insurance company will base its settlement on its own guidelines and estimates and, too often, the settlement offer is grossly inadequate to cover your future losses. Once you accept an offer, however, you will lose the right to ever request additional benefits stemming from that same injury. This means that any offer should be carefully evaluated to make sure it is enough.
An experienced attorney will have the resources to advise you whether a particular amount is adequate for your injuries. We will take into consideration the following factors:
- Future Medical Treatment - If you have a disabling injury, you will likely require ongoing medical treatment and care. Your settlement should be enough to cover the estimated costs of the treatment you need for the rest of your life.
- How Much Income You Would Have Earned - If you cannot work, you will continually lose income you would have earned until your retirement age. Your benefits should partially replace those wages.
Knowing whether to accept a certain settlement will depend on your circumstances and we can evaluate your situation and provide advice in your particular case.
Discuss Your Situation with a Hartford, CT Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you are involved in any type of workers’ compensation claim, please do not wait to call the workers’ compensation attorneys at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau for help. Contact us at 860-875-7000 today.
1 http://wcc.state.ct.us/law/menus/wc-act-2015.htm
