Bellenot & Boufford, LLC

For most people who have suffered serious work-related injuries, the first question is: What are my workers’ compensation rights? If you have been hurt at work, you might not know what your rights are. You might be wondering whether there is anything you can do to obtain compensation for your medical expenses without losing your job.

If you have been hurt at work, it is important to know your rights. You have the right to:

Your choice of medical provider: Most people think they have to go where their employers send them. Although you might initially have to go to the doctor recommended by your employer, you also have the right to seek medical care from other providers.

A weekly paycheck: If you are totally or partially unable to work, you may be entitled to a weekly workers’ compensation benefit.

Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses: You may have paid up-front for the cost of traveling to and from medical care and hearings and other relevant expenses. Travel costs can also include specialized travel arrangements, including cab fare or wheelchair-accessible van rides if your injuries merit these accommodations.

Hearings on your case: You have the right to a variety of hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Commission to discuss your case, to contest the discontinuance of benefits or denial of medical treatment and for other matters.

Vocational retraining and education: If your injuries prevent you from continuing to perform your former duties, you have the right to on-the-job training or education to help you perform a different job, as provided by the state of Connecticut.

Appellate hearings: You have the right to appeal orders from the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Normally if a third party — not your employer or a co-worker — contributed to the accident that caused your injury, you have the right to seek compensation from that party in a separate personal injury claim.

Worker’s Compensation Articles of Interest