When you get injured at work or as a result of your job, you have a right to receive some form of recompense, usually workers’ compensation, to cover all the costs related to your injury. However, there are some rare occasions where your employer or The Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) in Connecticut may deny your claim. Fortunately, there are still some options or steps you can take to get the benefits you need to take care of your injuries.
Identify the reason why WCC or the employer denied your workers’ compensation
In Connecticut, your worker’s compensation claim may not go through if your injuries weren’t directly related to your workplace or if the injury doesn’t meet the criteria of a work-related injury, as covered by The Workers’ Compensation Act. For example, if you got injured while commuting from home to work, workers’ compensation is unlikely to cover that.
WCC or your employer may also reject your application if you didn’t apply on time. In Connecticut, you must notify your supervisor or employer of your injuries immediately and file your claim within one year of the date of the accident.
Steps you can take
If you feel like the decision to deny your application was wrong, you can appeal it by requesting a reconsideration of your workers’ compensation claim. You must do this in writing and provide evidence that explains why WCC’s or the employer’s decision was incorrect. The WCC will review all relevant documents and determine whether or not to change their initial decision.
If that fails, you can appeal to the state court and litigate the matter. The court will review the case, considering all evidence and relevant facts, including medical records and witness testimonies. If you win the case, then WCC or your employer must pay for all of your expenses related to the injury.
A successful workers’ compensation appeal greatly depends on the evidence you’ll present to the court. Therefore, if there’s any new information that might strengthen your case, consider adding it to your filing.
