Question 1

Which employers must have workers' comp in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Any employer, including the state and public corporations, that uses the services of one or more employees for pay is covered. Not counted as employees: people doing casual work outside the employer's trade or business; family members living in the employer's home (unless included in the insurance payroll); people working in or around a private home who are not regularly employed there more than 26 hours a week; and corporate officers who opt out in writing.

Question 2

How long do you have to report a work injury in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

An injured employee must report the injury to the employer (or someone representing the employer) immediately. If the report is late, the administrative law judge may reduce the award in proportion to any harm the employer proves the delay caused.

Question 3

What is the deadline to file a workers' comp claim in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

A written notice of claim for compensation (Form 30C) must be given within one year from the date of the accident, or within three years from the first symptom of an occupational disease. If the worker died within two years, dependents may file within that two-year period or within one year of the death, whichever is later. A late notice does not bar the claim if, within the deadline, there was a hearing or written request for a hearing, a voluntary agreement was submitted, or the employer furnished medical care for the injury. The notice can be given to the employer or to the Commission.

Question 4

Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

No wage benefits are paid if the injury keeps the worker from earning full wages for three days or less. If the incapacity lasts more than three days but less than seven, benefits start after the first three days. If it lasts seven days or more, benefits are paid from the date of injury. The employee gets full wages for the day of the injury.

Question 5

How much does workers' comp pay in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Total incapacity benefits are 75% of the worker's average weekly earnings after deducting federal and state income taxes and Social Security/Medicare (FICA) taxes, up to the state maximum. The minimum is 20% of the maximum rate, but never more than 75% of the worker's average weekly wage. Workers hurt by an employer's uncorrected, cited safety violation receive 100% of average weekly earnings, and from October 1, 2026, certain health care workers injured by an assault on the job receive 100% of average weekly earnings.

Question 6

What is the maximum workers' comp benefit in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

For injuries on or after October 1, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit for total disability (and for dependents of a deceased worker) is $1,776, and the maximum for partial disability is $1,175. The total-disability maximum changes every October 1 and equals 100% of the state's average weekly earnings, as determined by the Labor Commissioner. The minimum total-disability benefit is 20% of the maximum, but not more than 75% of the worker's average weekly wage.

Question 7

Can you choose your own doctor for workers' comp in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

The employee selects the treating physician (or physician assistant or APRN) from the Workers' Compensation Commission's approved list. If the employer uses an approved providers list (a managed care plan), it must give the employee that list within two business days after the injury is reported. A company staff or on-call physician may give the initial emergency treatment, after which the employee may choose their own provider. An administrative law judge may authorize a change of physician for good reason, at the request of the employee or employer.

Question 8

How does permanent disability work under workers' comp in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

For permanent loss or loss of use of listed body parts and organs, the worker receives, in addition to total incapacity benefits, 75% of after-tax average weekly earnings for a number of weeks set by statute for that body part, capped at the partial-disability maximum and at least $50 a week; payment is due within 30 days after maximum medical improvement. Partial incapacity benefits (75% of the difference between what a comparable worker earns and what the injured worker can earn) can last up to 520 weeks. Loss of both eyes, both hands, both feet, or paralysis of two limbs is treated as total incapacity.

Question 9

What workers' comp death benefits are available in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Burial expenses: $12,000 for deaths on or after June 23, 2021, adjusted each January 1 for inflation. Wholly dependent survivors receive 75% of the worker's after-tax average weekly earnings, up to the maximum weekly rate (at least $20 a week), with annual cost-of-living adjustments each October 1. If the surviving spouse is the only presumed dependent, payments continue until death or remarriage.

Question 10

How do you file a workers' comp claim in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Report the injury to your employer right away. File a written Notice of Claim for Compensation (Form 30C) to your employer or to the Workers' Compensation Commission (by a method allowed by law), stating the date and place of the accident, the nature of the injury, and your name and address. After the employer files its first report of injury, the Commission must send the worker a copy of Form 30C within five business days. If the employer wants to contest the claim, it must file a notice contesting liability within 28 days after receiving the written claim; otherwise it must start paying and may be presumed to accept the claim.

Question 11

How do you appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Disputes are decided by a Workers' Compensation Commission administrative law judge. Either party may appeal an award or decision to the Compensation Review Board within 20 days after it is entered, by filing an appeal petition in the administrative law judge's office. The Board reviews the hearing record and must decide within one year. Decisions of the Compensation Review Board may be appealed further to the Connecticut Appellate Court.

Question 12

Can you be fired for filing workers' comp in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

An employer may not fire, discipline or discriminate against an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim or using rights under the law, or deliberately misinform or dissuade an employee from filing a claim. The employee may sue in Superior Court for reinstatement, back pay, benefits, other damages, possible punitive damages and attorney's fees, or file a complaint with the Workers' Compensation Commission chairperson for a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Question 13

How long can you receive workers' comp in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Total incapacity benefits are paid for as long as the total incapacity lasts, with no fixed week limit. Partial incapacity benefits are paid during the period of partial incapacity, but for no longer than 520 weeks. Permanent partial disability (specific indemnity) awards are set in weeks of compensation for each body part on a statutory schedule. Additional lost-earnings benefits after a permanent partial disability award can last no longer than the shorter of the permanent partial disability benefit period or 520 weeks.

Question 14

How do workers' comp settlements work in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A claim can be settled by a stipulation, which is a full and final settlement of the case. It is signed by the worker and must be approved by an Administrative Law Judge of the Workers' Compensation Commission; once approved, the case is closed and the worker gives up future medical, disability and lost-income benefits from that employer for that injury, as well as the right to a formal hearing on disputed issues. The worker remains eligible for vocational rehabilitation if otherwise eligible. Separately, voluntary agreements on compensation are reviewed and approved by an Administrative Law Judge and are then as binding as an award.

Question 15

How do I file or check a workers' comp claim online in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

In Connecticut an injured worker files Form 30C, Notice of Claim for Compensation, within one year of the injury. File it with your employer (get a signed, dated receipt, or send it by certified or registered mail with a return receipt) and send it to the correct Workers' Compensation Commission district office; Form 30C can also be sent electronically through the WCC GovQA portal. Keep a copy. If benefits are delayed or denied you can request a hearing with a WCC administrative law judge. Help: Workers' Compensation Commission, 860-493-1500 (ask for an Education Coordinator), Mon-Fri 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Question 16

How much can a workers' comp lawyer charge in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

In Connecticut all fees of attorneys for services under the workers' compensation law are subject to the approval of the administrative law judge. The Workers' Compensation Commission does not give legal advice, but its Education Coordinators answer questions from workers (860-493-1500).

Question 17

Can you sue your employer for a work injury in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Suing the employer: a Connecticut employer that has secured workers' comp (by insurance or approved self-insurance) is not liable in any damages action for an employee's work injury or death, and all other rights and claims between them are abolished except those in the comp law. If the employer failed to secure coverage, the employee may sue the employer for damages (with an exception for a worker who held himself out as an independent contractor and was classified that way in good faith). A co-worker can be sued only if the wrong was willful or malicious or involved negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Question 18

Can you sue a third party for a work injury in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Suing someone else: an injured worker may claim comp and also sue any other person legally liable for the injury, and the employer (or the Second Injury Fund) may sue to recover what it paid. Whoever sues must immediately notify the others in writing, and they may join within 30 days or their claims abate unless they give written notice of a lien. From any recovery, after the employee's reasonable expenses including attorney fees, the employer's claim for comp paid and probable future payments comes first, but if the employee brought the action the employer's claim is reduced by one-third (unless the employer is the state or a municipality, or the Second Injury Fund). A settlement by either side does not bind the other without its consent.

Question 19

What if my employer doesn't have workers' comp insurance in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Employer without coverage: an employee of an uninsured employer may sue the employer for damages, or pursue a comp award; if an award is made against an uninsured employer that does not pay, the Second Injury Fund pays it, and the employer must reimburse the state, with the Attorney General suing for double damages if not repaid within 90 days. An administrative law judge must assess an uninsured employer a civil penalty of at least $500 per employee or $5,000 (whichever is less) and up to $50,000, plus $100 per day of continued noncompliance.

Question 20

How long do you have to appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Connecticut?

Accepted Answer

Disputed claims: a written notice of claim must be given to the employer or an administrative law judge of the Workers' Compensation Commission within one year from the accident (three years from the first symptom of an occupational disease), and contested claims are heard by an administrative law judge. Either party may appeal an award to the Compensation Review Board within 20 days after it is entered (or after a decision on a later motion), by filing an appeal petition at the administrative law judge's office. A party aggrieved by the Board's decision on a question of law may appeal to the Appellate Court.

Which employers must carry it	Any employer, including the state and public corporations, that uses the services of one or more employees for pay is covered. Not counted as employees: people doing casual work outside the employer's trade or business; family members living in the employer's home (unless included in the insurance payroll); people working in or around a private home who are not regularly employed there more than 26 hours a week; and corporate officers who opt out in writing. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-275(9)(B), (10)
Deadline to report the injury	An injured employee must report the injury to the employer (or someone representing the employer) immediately. If the report is late, the administrative law judge may reduce the award in proportion to any harm the employer proves the delay caused. Reporting the injury is separate from the written Notice of Claim (Form 30C), which has its own deadline. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-294b(a)
Deadline to file a claim	A written notice of claim for compensation (Form 30C) must be given within one year from the date of the accident, or within three years from the first symptom of an occupational disease. If the worker died within two years, dependents may file within that two-year period or within one year of the death, whichever is later. A late notice does not bar the claim if, within the deadline, there was a hearing or written request for a hearing, a voluntary agreement was submitted, or the employer furnished medical care for the injury. The notice can be given to the employer or to the Commission. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-294c(a), (c)
Waiting period	No wage benefits are paid if the injury keeps the worker from earning full wages for three days or less. If the incapacity lasts more than three days but less than seven, benefits start after the first three days. If it lasts seven days or more, benefits are paid from the date of injury. The employee gets full wages for the day of the injury. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-295(a)–(b)

Weekly benefit rate	Total incapacity benefits are 75% of the worker's average weekly earnings after deducting federal and state income taxes and Social Security/Medicare (FICA) taxes, up to the state maximum. The minimum is 20% of the maximum rate, but never more than 75% of the worker's average weekly wage. Workers hurt by an employer's uncorrected, cited safety violation receive 100% of average weekly earnings, and from October 1, 2026, certain health care workers injured by an assault on the job receive 100% of average weekly earnings. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-307(a)–(b); Public Act 26-12, § 1 (effective Oct. 1, 2026)
Maximum weekly benefit	For injuries on or after October 1, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit for total disability (and for dependents of a deceased worker) is $1,776, and the maximum for partial disability is $1,175. The total-disability maximum changes every October 1 and equals 100% of the state's average weekly earnings, as determined by the Labor Commissioner. The minimum total-disability benefit is 20% of the maximum, but not more than 75% of the worker's average weekly wage. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-307(a), 31-309; Workers' Compensation Commission Memorandum 2026-05 (Sept. 4, 2026)
How long benefits last	Total incapacity benefits are paid for as long as the total incapacity lasts, with no fixed week limit. Partial incapacity benefits are paid during the period of partial incapacity, but for no longer than 520 weeks. Permanent partial disability (specific indemnity) awards are set in weeks of compensation for each body part on a statutory schedule. Additional lost-earnings benefits after a permanent partial disability award can last no longer than the shorter of the permanent partial disability benefit period or 520 weeks. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-307(a), 31-308(a)-(b), 31-308a(a)
Permanent disability	For permanent loss or loss of use of listed body parts and organs, the worker receives, in addition to total incapacity benefits, 75% of after-tax average weekly earnings for a number of weeks set by statute for that body part, capped at the partial-disability maximum and at least $50 a week; payment is due within 30 days after maximum medical improvement. Partial incapacity benefits (75% of the difference between what a comparable worker earns and what the injured worker can earn) can last up to 520 weeks. Loss of both eyes, both hands, both feet, or paralysis of two limbs is treated as total incapacity. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-308(a)–(b), 31-307(c), 31-295(c)
Death benefits	Burial expenses: $12,000 for deaths on or after June 23, 2021, adjusted each January 1 for inflation. Wholly dependent survivors receive 75% of the worker's after-tax average weekly earnings, up to the maximum weekly rate (at least $20 a week), with annual cost-of-living adjustments each October 1. If the surviving spouse is the only presumed dependent, payments continue until death or remarriage. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-306(a)(1)–(3)

Choosing a doctor	The employee selects the treating physician (or physician assistant or APRN) from the Workers' Compensation Commission's approved list. If the employer uses an approved providers list (a managed care plan), it must give the employee that list within two business days after the injury is reported. A company staff or on-call physician may give the initial emergency treatment, after which the employee may choose their own provider. An administrative law judge may authorize a change of physician for good reason, at the request of the employee or employer. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-294d(a)–(c)
How to file	Report the injury to your employer right away. File a written Notice of Claim for Compensation (Form 30C) to your employer or to the Workers' Compensation Commission (by a method allowed by law), stating the date and place of the accident, the nature of the injury, and your name and address. After the employer files its first report of injury, the Commission must send the worker a copy of Form 30C within five business days. If the employer wants to contest the claim, it must file a notice contesting liability within 28 days after receiving the written claim; otherwise it must start paying and may be presumed to accept the claim. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-294b(b), 31-294c(a)–(b)
Settlements	Yes. A claim can be settled by a stipulation, which is a full and final settlement of the case. It is signed by the worker and must be approved by an Administrative Law Judge of the Workers' Compensation Commission; once approved, the case is closed and the worker gives up future medical, disability and lost-income benefits from that employer for that injury, as well as the right to a formal hearing on disputed issues. The worker remains eligible for vocational rehabilitation if otherwise eligible. Separately, voluntary agreements on compensation are reviewed and approved by an Administrative Law Judge and are then as binding as an award. Out-of-state claimants must have stipulation documents notarized. Voluntary agreement approval is in § 31-296 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_568.htm). Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-296; Workers' Compensation Commission, Stipulation and What It Means (rev. 10-01-2021)
Appealing a denial	Disputes are decided by a Workers' Compensation Commission administrative law judge. Either party may appeal an award or decision to the Compensation Review Board within 20 days after it is entered, by filing an appeal petition in the administrative law judge's office. The Board reviews the hearing record and must decide within one year. Decisions of the Compensation Review Board may be appealed further to the Connecticut Appellate Court. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-301, 31-301b
Deadline to challenge a denial	Disputed claims: a written notice of claim must be given to the employer or an administrative law judge of the Workers' Compensation Commission within one year from the accident (three years from the first symptom of an occupational disease), and contested claims are heard by an administrative law judge. Either party may appeal an award to the Compensation Review Board within 20 days after it is entered (or after a decision on a later motion), by filing an appeal petition at the administrative law judge's office. A party aggrieved by the Board's decision on a question of law may appeal to the Appellate Court. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-294c(a), 31-301(a), 31-301b
Retaliation for filing	An employer may not fire, discipline or discriminate against an employee for filing a workers' compensation claim or using rights under the law, or deliberately misinform or dissuade an employee from filing a claim. The employee may sue in Superior Court for reinstatement, back pay, benefits, other damages, possible punitive damages and attorney's fees, or file a complaint with the Workers' Compensation Commission chairperson for a hearing before an administrative law judge. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-290a
Filing or checking a claim online	In Connecticut an injured worker files Form 30C, Notice of Claim for Compensation, within one year of the injury. File it with your employer (get a signed, dated receipt, or send it by certified or registered mail with a return receipt) and send it to the correct Workers' Compensation Commission district office; Form 30C can also be sent electronically through the WCC GovQA portal. Keep a copy. If benefits are delayed or denied you can request a hearing with a WCC administrative law judge. Help: Workers' Compensation Commission, 860-493-1500 (ask for an Education Coordinator), Mon-Fri 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. GovQA portal linked from the page: https://wccct.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/ Source: Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission, File a workers' comp claim; WCC home page
Lawyer fees in comp cases	In Connecticut all fees of attorneys for services under the workers' compensation law are subject to the approval of the administrative law judge. The Workers' Compensation Commission does not give legal advice, but its Education Coordinators answer questions from workers (860-493-1500). Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. 31-327(b); Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission

Suing your employer	Suing the employer: a Connecticut employer that has secured workers' comp (by insurance or approved self-insurance) is not liable in any damages action for an employee's work injury or death, and all other rights and claims between them are abolished except those in the comp law. If the employer failed to secure coverage, the employee may sue the employer for damages (with an exception for a worker who held himself out as an independent contractor and was classified that way in good faith). A co-worker can be sued only if the wrong was willful or malicious or involved negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-284(a)-(b), 31-293a
Suing someone other than your employer	Suing someone else: an injured worker may claim comp and also sue any other person legally liable for the injury, and the employer (or the Second Injury Fund) may sue to recover what it paid. Whoever sues must immediately notify the others in writing, and they may join within 30 days or their claims abate unless they give written notice of a lien. From any recovery, after the employee's reasonable expenses including attorney fees, the employer's claim for comp paid and probable future payments comes first, but if the employee brought the action the employer's claim is reduced by one-third (unless the employer is the state or a municipality, or the Second Injury Fund). A settlement by either side does not bind the other without its consent. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-293(a)
If your employer has no workers' comp	Employer without coverage: an employee of an uninsured employer may sue the employer for damages, or pursue a comp award; if an award is made against an uninsured employer that does not pay, the Second Injury Fund pays it, and the employer must reimburse the state, with the Attorney General suing for double damages if not repaid within 90 days. An administrative law judge must assess an uninsured employer a civil penalty of at least $500 per employee or $5,000 (whichever is less) and up to $50,000, plus $100 per day of continued noncompliance. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-284(b), 31-355(b)-(c), (h), 31-288(c)-(d)

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