A catastrophic injury at work can mean lost wages, medical bills, and expensive and time-consuming rehabilitation. Thankfully, Connecticut has a worker’s compensation program designed to cover employees who are hurt on the job. However, obtaining benefits is not always as simple as you might expect, and even a minor error can mean unnecessary delays or denials in receiving much-needed benefits. At Berman & Russo, our local team of workers’ compensation attorneys is ready to help. Reach out today to connect with a South Windsor catastrophic injury lawyer who can guide you through the process of applying for benefits or appealing a denied claim.
Catastrophic injuries are injuries that cause a large amount of damage to your body and affect your ability to live and work. These kinds of injuries can be permanent or take months or years to heal.
Some examples of catastrophic injuries you could sustain in the workplace include:
Industrial workplaces like warehouses and construction sites often have higher risks of these kinds of injuries because of the use of heavy machinery and dangerous equipment, but any workplace could be the site of a catastrophic injury. Slip and falls, auto accidents, falls from heights, repetitive motion, heavy lifting, and exposure to chemicals can all result in serious injury and can happen at a variety of workplaces.
Regardless of what causes a South Windsor workplace injury, it is crucial to seek prompt medical care and speak with a trusted attorney as soon as possible after sustaining catastrophic harm. Working with a lawyer early on helps ensure a smooth process and lessens the chance of a delay or denial of benefits.
Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to keep an injured worker afloat when they cannot work, and provide them with needed medical care. Instead of suing an employer for an injury, workers must file for benefits with their employer and the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission (W.C.C.).
You could receive up to 75 percent of your weekly wages from the past year, up to a maximum amount set each year by the W.C.C. when you are completely unable to work—as evaluated by a doctor and understood by your employer’s insurer. That amount could be reduced by the amount of work you can do when you are partially able to perform your job.
Workers’ compensation also pays for medical expenses related to the workplace injury, including surgeries, rehabilitation, follow-up visits, medical devices, and prescriptions. Of course, employers and insurers may try to restrict or reduce benefits by questioning the extent of the injury or whether it is related to your job duties.
Understanding these benefits and how they can change over time is where a South Windsor workplace catastrophic injury attorney can help. Our team can review the details of your situation to determine what benefits you could be eligible for and put in the work to ensure you receive the maximum amount available.
When you are injured at work, your livelihood is on the line. That is nothing to take lightly. Having an experienced local lawyer in your corner could mean the difference between a successful claim and an unsuccessful one. Call Berman & Russo today for a free consultation with a South Windsor workplace catastrophic injury lawyer. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.