Workers' comp claim denied in Connecticut: what to do next

If your claim is denied or delayed in Connecticut

Who decides

Administrative law judges at Workers' Compensation Commission district offices; appeals to the Compensation Review Board

First step

If benefits are delayed or denied, call the WCC's Education Services and ask for an Education Coordinator for free help, and request a hearing with an administrative law judge using the Hearing Request form (attach medical reports and other evidence). Most disputes are settled at short informal hearings.

Form

Hearing Request form

Deadline

There is no separate deadline to contest a denial, but the Form 30C must be filed within 1 year of the accident (3 years from the first symptom of an occupational disease). An appeal of a judge's decision must be filed within 20 days.

Medical disagreements

If the doctors for each side disagree significantly, an administrative law judge can order a commission medical examination by an independent doctor. To change doctors without a referral or the insurer's approval, write to the administrative law judge at the district office. If you are in an approved medical care plan, use the plan's rules.

Appealing the decision

Compensation Review Board (Petition for Review within 20 days), then the Connecticut Appellate Court.

1. Submit a Hearing Request form to the WCC district office (or visit the office).
2. Informal Hearing (about 15 minutes) with an administrative law judge, who usually recommends a solution; if both sides agree, it is binding.
3. Pre-Formal Hearing to set the issues, evidence and schedule.
4. Formal Hearing (like a trial). The judge issues a written Finding and Award or Finding and Dismissal within 120 days.
5. Appeal to the Compensation Review Board within 20 days with a Petition for Review; then to the Appellate Court.

Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 31-297, 31-300, 31-301

Source: portal.ct.gov