Workers' Compensation: Connecticut

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Nicole Farley, Fisher Phillips

Summary

• All Connecticut employers are required to post the Connecticut Notice to Employees Workers' Compensation Act Poster in the workplace. See Notice Requirements.
• All employers with one or more employees are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance, unless they qualify for the only available exception. The law makes other exemptions for sole proprietors, multiple-member limited liability companies, corporate officers, and partners in partnerships. See Covered Employers.
• Most employees are covered by workers' compensation insurance, with a few exceptions, including some household employees, federal employees, and independent contractors. See Covered Employees.
• Connecticut's workers' compensation system is a no-fault system, meaning an employer or its insurance carrier must compensate an employee who is injured or becomes ill on the job due to the performance of the employee's job duties, regardless of who is at fault. See Compensable Injuries.
• Employers and their insurance carriers are not liable for certain injuries, depending on the surrounding circumstances. See Employer Defenses to Workers' Compensation Claims.
• Employees who suffer on-the-job injuries or occupational diseases are entitled to have all related medical bills and expenses paid by the workers' compensation insurance carrier or self-insured employer. See Medical Benefits.
• Workers' compensation provides payment in the form of wage replacement for work-related injuries. See Other Benefits.
• Employers are prohibited by law from retaliating or discriminating against or discharging employees who file for workers' compensation. See Retaliation and Interference.
• Connecticut's workers' compensation system is an administrative law system. All disputed claims go through a series of hearings within a defined period of time. Appeals are largely limited to questions of law. See Administrative Hearings and Court Proceedings.