What construction workers need to know about workers' compensation | Gillis Law Firm
As a construction worker, you take a variety of steps to maintain your safety throughout the day. But even the most cautious workers could suffer an injury on the job.
Should you find yourself in this position, it’s critical that you learn more about the workers’ compensation system. You may soon realize that you need to file a claim in an attempt to maintain financial stability as you recover.
Here are a few things construction workers need to know about workers’ compensation:
You should report the injury to your employer: The sooner you do this, the better off you’ll be. You want to reduce the likelihood that your employer argues you were not injured at work.
You should receive immediate medical treatment: This is where many injured construction workers make their first mistake. Rather than receive professional treatment, they attempt to manage the process on their own. You’re required by the workers’ compensation system to obtain medical treatment, so you might as well do so immediately after your accident (even if you feel that your injuries are minor).
You don’t have forever to file a claim: In the state of Connecticut, you have one year from the date of your injury to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This sounds like a long time, and it is, but it has a way of going fast when you have so much on your plate. Don’t wait until the last minute to file. You don’t want to find yourself with your back against the wall.
There is no guarantee of an approval: In your eyes, it’s easy to see why you should receive workers’ compensation benefits. But that doesn’t mean that everyone else will agree. Your employer doesn’t want you to receive benefits, as it costs them money, so they may argue that you weren’t injured at work.
As an injured construction worker, there are the types of things you need to keep in mind. The right approach to filing a workers’ compensation claim will go a long way in helping your cause.
Should you receive a denial letter, don’t wait to learn more about the appeals process.