Representing The Injured In Workers’ Compensation Claims
At Mancini Law, we help people from all types of industries file workers’ compensation claims. From repetitive stress injuries suffered by office workers to head injuries suffered by construction workers, we take on a wide range of injury cases. Our attorneys regularly represent clients in complex cases involving injuries related to workplace conditions such as exposure to chemicals and excessive noise as well as emotional trauma linked to the conduct of managers and coworkers.
We pride ourselves on answering incoming calls to make sure you speak to an actual person rather than leaving a message and waiting for a return call. If one of our attorneys is available when you call, you will speak to them immediately. If not, you will get a paralegal who will take your information and you will get a follow-up call from an attorney within two business days.
Common Injuries Associated With Workers’ Compensation Claims
Most injuries and illnesses resulting from work-related accidents or job-related tasks qualify for a claim. This includes on-the-clock work-related travel (but not commutes to and from work), mistakes and accidents on the job. Common injuries resulting in a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Brain and head injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and joint injuries
- Respiratory illness linked to toxic chemicals
- Hearing problems caused by excessive noise in the workplace
- Psychological trauma related to abusive treatment in the workplace
- Hypertension and other heart-related problems
There are deadlines for filing a claim. When injuries are readily apparent following an accident or event, a claim must be filed within one year of the day the accident or event happened. When your claim involves occupational disease/illness, the claim must be filed within three years of the first signs/diagnosis of symptoms.”
Connecticut Workers’ Comp FAQs
We believe that our clients deserve to know as much about the law as possible here at Mancini Law. Information is incredibly valuable for all parties as we strive to seek solutions and guide them through a complex legal process. As such, we’ve compiled the following frequently asked questions for those with workers’ comp concerns.
What Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?
The purpose of workers’ compensation claims is to provide compensation to employees who were legitimately injured in the workplace or doing work-related tasks while on the clock. Benefits vary based on the type and severity of the injury or illness, but may include:
- Compensation for therapy and medical treatment
- Temporary partial or total disability
- Permanent partial or total disability
- Retraining for a different position
- Discretionary benefits
When we examine your claim, we can determine what benefits you qualify for. We put our experience to work to ensure that you get all of the benefits you are entitled to.
Are stress-related or psychological injuries covered under workers’ compensation?
In some special situations, workers can seek compensation for stress, physiological issues or emotional discomfort. But, under Connecticut law, they typically need to show that a physical injury caused that emotional distress. They may also be seeking compensation for medical care for that injury – such as a broken arm or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
For instance, say that a worker was injured on the job. They then spent months recovering and had to deal with constant stress and mental fatigue as a result. This is different from a nonphysical issue that leads to stress or emotional concerns.
Can pre-existing conditions be covered by workers’ comp?
This can be a complex situation. As a general rule, workers’ comp benefits are not for pre-existing conditions. For instance, someone who gets injured at home or in a car accident outside of work cannot then claim benefits.
However, the law does allow for workers’ comp claims if the existing injury was aggravated or made worse by something that happened at work. For instance, an employee may have mild back pain from a sports injury and then throw their back out entirely, trying to lift something heavy at work, leading to the need for surgery.
Are injuries received during breaks or lunch hours covered?
They can be, as long as the injuries occur within the scope of that person’s job. The injury does have to happen during their work hours – even if they are technically on break at the time – and when they are in an appropriate location that they’re permitted to be in. Lunch breaks are considered an inherent part of employment, in most cases, meaning injuries are typically covered.