Workers Compensation
Experienced Advocates Serving Litchfield, Fairfield, & New Haven Counties
If you have been injured at work or while performing a work duty, you may be able to file for workers’ compensation. Worker’s compensation is meant to provide injured workers with monetary benefits while they are unable to return to work as a result of their injuries. Most companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but many insurers have a strong incentive to deny or minimize the benefits amount. Speak with a New Milford workers’ compensation lawyer at Allingham, Readyoff & Henry, LLC., without incurring any cost for a consultation.
Workers’ compensation covers most injured employees and occupational diseases, regardless of fault. It is designed specifically to financially assist workers during the duration of their injury. Benefits are also available to workers who have been temporarily or permanently disabled.
Benefits Under Workers' Compensation Include:
- Medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity (“Wage Differential”)
- Mileage reimbursement
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Specific injury awards for percentage of loss of body part
We represent individuals in work-related compensation cases, such as:
- Car and truck accidents
- Chemical leaks, oil, and gas explosions
- Falling debris and toxic injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Repetitive trauma
- Injuries caused by lifting
- Manufacturing accidents
Our firm has been very successful at helping our clients secure the benefits they are entitled to receive. Even after an initial denial, we have a strong record of success at formal hearings and at the Compensation Review Board (Appeal)
Workers’ Compensation was designed to be a quick process provided for out of work benefits and timely medical treatment for employees that are injured at work. Moreover, the workers’ compensation system was intended for employees to be able to represent themselves without having to hire a lawyer. Unfortunately, in many cases, the system does not function as intended. Because the insurance companies seek to maximize their profits, they will often attempt to minimize the amount they pay out to workers. The insurance companies hire staff lawyers to defend these claims that devote all their time and attention to litigating workers’ compensation claims. These lawyers know all the “ins and outs” of the system. Therefore, the employee is at a significant disadvantage and must now look to a lawyer to help obtain the benefits to which they are entitled. This is why it is so important that you have experienced Litchfield County, Fairfield County and New Haven County attorneys on your side through the application process. With approximately 50 years of combined experience, we are more than qualified to represent your case.
Attorneys are compensated on a contingency basis that is set by state statute and workers’ compensation guidelines. That means the employee only pays attorneys’ fees if the claim is successful. Moreover, the attorney is not paid for obtaining medical benefits or mileage reimbursement for the client. We have dedicated staff and attorneys that will correspond with the insurance company to process your claim, attend workers compensation hearings and go to trial if necessary.
It should also be noted that although we primarily represent the injured employee, our attorneys do provide workers’ compensation defense for employers in limited circumstances. In some instances, an insurance company may refuse to provide coverage. In other cases a policy of insurance may have lapsed, which leaves the employer “uninsured.” These employers can not ignore the claims process. If the employer does not respond to a claim within twenty eight (28) days of receiving notice from an injured employee, they will be precluded from contesting the claim. When an employer is found to be uninsured, Connecticut has a “second injury fund” which will end up paying the claimant’s benefits. At that point, the Connecticut Attorney General’s office will likely get involved and seek reimbursement through the uninsured employer. Significantly, if it is a small employer, the Attorney General may look to “pierce the corporate veil” and hold the owners of the company individually responsible. Therefore, if you are an employer that is not being covered by an insurance company for a workers’ compensation claim, it is strongly recommended that you contact our office immediately for a consultation.