Most people rely on their jobs in order to earn income and provide for themselves and their family. They rely on their employers to maintain a safe working environment and trust their co-workers to be safe as well to prevent accidents from occurring. However, mistakes are made and accidents do occur. As a result, people are sometimes injured while they are working.
When this happens and a person is prevented from working, it can create a difficult financial situation. However, people who are injured at work may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can pay for medical bills and a portion of their lost income. These are generally paid by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. When someone is hurt at work, they must notify their employer who needs to submit a claim. Unfortunately, the claim may be denied by the employer’s insurance company.
Process for resolving a workers’ comp dispute
If this occurs, it is important to also file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. By doing this, a person can request a hearing on the issue to present their case to determine whether they are entitled to benefits or not.
There are two different types of hearings that someone may go through. The first hearing is an informal hearing. This is more of a discussion, with both sides presenting their case to a commissioner who then makes recommendations for resolution of the dispute. If the parties agree, the agreement will become binding, but if they do not, either side can request a formal hearing. At the formal hearing, both sides will produce evidence and witnesses, and it is run like a court trial. After the evidence has been presented, the commissioner will make a binding decision.
Many workers in Connecticut are injured each year. When this occurs, it is important that they receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve even if it means they need to request hearings to resolve disputes. Experienced attorneys understand these disputes and can help protect one’s rights.
