Workers’ Compensation Claim Eligibility in Enfield

Advancements in protective equipment, technology, and working conditions have made most worksites considerably safer than they once were. However, accidents resulting in on-the-job injuries and illnesses still occur. Workers’ compensation coverage is a safety net that helps injured employees get the medical care they need for their injuries as well as wage benefits in some instances for being out of work while recovering.

Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney as early in the process as possible after a workplace injury could help you determine whether you meet the requirements to file a claim for benefits. Reach out to Berman, Russo & Merwin today to learn more about workers’ compensation claim eligibility in Enfield.

Compliance With Procedural Requirements

Obtaining workers’ compensation benefits is not an automatic process. Just because someone experiences an on-the-job injury does not mean that their employer will immediately pay them compensation to cover their medical costs and lost wages. To collect benefits, an injured worker must take the following steps:

• Report their injury to their employer as soon as possible
• Seek medical treatment from the medical provider or practice chosen by the employer and keep all receipts and medical reports
• File a formal Form 30C Notice of Claim for Compensation promptly after an injury or discovering a work-related illness

Our seasoned Enfield attorneys could help an injured worker determine their eligibility for workers comp benefits and comply with the procedural requirements.

The Injured Worker Must Be an Employee

An employer’s mandatory system of workers’ compensation insurance is only applicable to their employees. To collect benefits, the injured worker must prove they were an employee of the company that subscribes to the workers’ compensation plan at the time of their workplace injury. Some workplaces, such as construction sites, have many different workers performing a wide range of tasks. Not every worker on a construction site is a direct employee of the construction company. For example, electricians, independent contractors, painters, roofers, subcontractors, and other third parties would not be eligible to obtain workers’ comp benefits from the construction company.

Injuries or Illnesses Must Be Work-Related

To be eligible for benefits, an Enfield worker must prove their injury or medical condition occurred because of their job.

Acute Injuries

People who experience harm in sudden accidents can file claims to collect benefits. Most commonly, the kinds of accidents that cause unexpected injuries at work are slips or trips and falls, objects falling onto someone, fire-related accidents, motor vehicle collisions, or crush injuries from being stuck between two objects such as a moving piece of machinery and a wall.

Long-Term Occupational Illnesses or Injuries

Employees can receive benefits for injuries that do not occur from one isolated incident. This includes conditions that develop over an extended period of time because of their jobs. Overexertion injuries, such as herniated discs and rotator cuff injuries, can build up over time from performing regular heavy lifting or carrying heavy objects every day. Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome from typing all day or tendonitis from performing the same factory job, can also make a worker eligible for compensation.

Toxic Exposure Injuries

People who develop serious respiratory or other chronic illnesses from long-term exposure to hazardous substances, such as asbestos or certain cleaning chemicals can also collect benefits.

Our experienced attorneys could help a worker prove their injury was related to their work by investigating the accident or event that led to the injury and gathering supportive evidence.

Speak With an Enfield Attorney About Worker’s Compensation Benefits Eligibility

At Berman, Russo & Merwin, our local legal team has dedicated our practice to helping people like you navigate the legal process after getting hurt. Our team could help you understand workers’ compensation claim eligibility in Enfield and take the steps necessary to receive medical care and wage reimbursement.

Call today to begin reviewing the details of your situation.