Compensable Injury

What Is a Compensable Injury in Connecticut?

Having a compensable injury means that your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits under Connecticut law. But determining whether an injury is compensable isn’t always straightforward.

When Is an Injury Compensable in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a workplace injury is considered “compensable” if it meets two important criteria:

1. The Injury “Arises Out of” Your Employment
   This means there must be a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the nature of your job and the injury. For example:
   • If you are lifting heavy equipment as part of your duties and suffer a back injury, that would likely be compensable.
   • However, if you suffer an unrelated medical event, like a heart attack, while simply sitting at your desk, that may not be compensable unless it can be tied to workplace conditions (e.g., extraordinary stress caused by your job).
2. The Injury Occurs “In the Course of” Your Employment
   This means the injury must happen while you are performing work-related tasks, during your working hours, and at a location related to your job.
   • Injuries that occur while performing job duties off-site (e.g., attending a lunch meeting with a client) may also be compensable.
   • However, injuries sustained during a personal lunch break at a location unrelated to your work are typically not compensable.

In other words, the injury must both occur while you’re doing something related to your job and arise from the work itself.

Why Determining Compensability Can Be Complicated

For most workers, it’s not always clear whether their injury qualifies as compensable. Employers and their insurance providers may downplay your injury or try to deny your claim outright. This is because insurers save money by disqualifying as many claims as possible.

Here are three important points to remember:

1. Pre-Existing Conditions May Be Compensable
   If your work aggravated or worsened a pre-existing condition, your injury may still qualify for compensation. For instance, if you have a history of back pain but a workplace accident caused a severe flare-up, it may be compensable.
2. Fault Does Not Usually Matter
   Workers’ compensation in Connecticut is a no-fault system. You generally don’t need to prove that your employer—or anyone else—was at fault for your injury to receive benefits.
3. Workers’ Compensation Laws Are Designed to Protect You
   Connecticut workers’ compensation laws are intended to provide benefits to injured workers without the need for litigation. In exchange, workers forfeit the right to sue their employer for injuries. While insurers may try to deny or minimize your claim, the law is often on your side—and a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fight back.

Why You Need Legal Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex, and it’s easy for your claim to be delayed or denied if you don’t have the proper guidance. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your injury or downplay the extent of your damages, which is why having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we fight for the rights of injured workers, ensuring that you get the compensation you are entitled to for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and more. We are committed to helping you secure the benefits you deserve, and we won’t back down in the face of resistance from insurance providers. Trust us to be your advocate throughout the entire claims process.

We Can Help You Determine If Your Injury Is Compensable

Don’t assume your injury doesn’t qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Many injuries that seem questionable are actually compensable under Connecticut law.

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we have the knowledge and experience to help you determine whether your injury qualifies for compensation. Let us review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the process.

Get a FREE Consultation Today

If you’ve been injured at work, don’t wait to take action. Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law today for a FREE consultation. We charge nothing unless we win your case.

Call us now at 475-231-3274 or fill out the form on this page to get started. Let us help you fight for the benefits you deserve.