Mystic Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Few things are scarier and more life-altering than suffering a work-related injury or illness. One moment, you are simply performing the usual duties of your employment in Mystic, Connecticut, such as typing up calculations at your office or working down at the docks near Bascule Bridge, when an accident occurs, resulting in harm. During these difficult times, it is wise to seek the support of a Mystic workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you secure necessary benefits.
For over 80 years, the team at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law has been assisting clients with filing for and achieving the benefits they need to recover and get back on their feet following a devastating work-related injury or illness.
Attorneys Jay Berryman, Carolyn Kelly, and Michael Hespeler are here to serve you, whatever your claim for workers’ compensation may entail. Trust us today to handle every aspect of your case and fight for what you deserve.
Common Workplace Injuries in Mystic, Connecticut
In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 35,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses occurred in Connecticut. The most common of these injuries include the following:
- One of the most common causes of workplace injuries includes slips, trips, and falls. These incidents can cause serious injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and bone fractures. These accidents may happen due to missing guardrails, a lack of safety measures, and inadequately constructed scaffolding. If you fell while performing your job, you may be able to secure workers’ comp benefits.
- Injuries from falling objects. You may suffer an injury thanks to an object falling in your workplace. This can include tools on a construction site, merchandise in a store or warehouse, or other heavy objects that can fall from a great height and injure workers. These injuries tend to affect the back, neck, head, and spine and can even be fatal.
- Motor vehicle accidents. Another common cause of workplace injuries is motor vehicle accidents. These situations typically involve individuals who work for the transportation industry or drive as a part of their job (delivery truck drivers and other couriers). Construction workers are also prone to suffering injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents. You may be entitled to workers’ comp if you were injured by a vehicle on the job site.
- Many workplaces in Mystic, such as department stores, factories, or warehouses, will require workers to lift, pull, or push heavy objects, which can lead to overexertion injuries. These injuries typically lead to back or neck injuries, sprains or strains, and pulled muscles, all of which can lead to chronic pain conditions and the need for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Repetitive use injuries. Some injuries are not the result of a sudden accident or event but rather the wear and tear of a body part or function over a long period of time. These injuries tend to occur when a worker makes the same kind of movements over and over again, such as consistent typing. Examples of these injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, and herniated disks.
- Equipment or heavy machinery injuries. Heavy machinery and power tools can cause severe injuries to employees in places like factories or warehouses and can lead to crushing injuries or the amputation of limbs and digits. These injuries tend to necessitate extensive medical treatment, which can lead to high costs and often result in temporary or permanent disabilities suffered by the victim.
- Environmental exposure. Some job sites, such as factories and construction sites, can have toxic substances or dangerous chemicals that cause workers to be exposed to injuries and illnesses. These can cause respiratory issues or illnesses, such as cancers, especially when the worker operates in close proximity to these substances for a prolonged period of time while wearing insufficient protective gear.
- Workplace violence. Another cause of injuries that may not be as predictable compared to other workplace injuries is workplace violence. Violent incidents can happen in high-stress situations or public-facing work settings, such as emergency rooms and police facilities. First responders and other security officers or personnel may face violent outbursts from individuals they encounter while performing their daily job duties.
How Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law Can Help
In Connecticut, workers’ compensation operates as a no-fault system, meaning that if your claim is approved, you can seek benefits for medical costs, lost wages, and more. Unfortunately, many initial claims are faced with denial.
Thankfully, with the team at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-law, we can help you file an appeal and handle all the legal aspects involved. In Connecticut, you have 20 days from the original decision date to file your appeal.
Benefits Available in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Depending on the nature and severity of your workplace injury or related illness, there are several benefits you may be entitled to in a workers’ compensation insurance claim. These benefits can include:
- Medical expense coverage. Your claim for workers’ compensation may be able to cover certain medical costs related to your injury or illness, including surgeries, medications, medical devices, diagnostic tests, hospital visits or stays, and doctor’s visits.
- Disability benefits. You may be able to seek compensation for temporary or permanent disability if your injury or illness keeps you from being able to return to work or any other mode of employment. For both temporary and permanent disability, the maximum weekly payments in Connecticut currently stand at $1,154.
- Vocational training. If you are unable to return to your previous mode of employment, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may be able to pay for you to receive certain job retraining to help you seek future employment once you have healed from your injury or illness.
Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law: Fighting for You After a Work-Related Injury or Illness
If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness in Mystic, Connecticut, the lawyers at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law are here to help. Contact our offices today to schedule your initial consultation with our team and learn more about our services. Whatever damage you are dealing with, we are here to secure you the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our New London
Law office