Connecticut Workers' Compensation Laws

For occupational diseases and repetitive trauma injuries, the 1-year period begins from the date the employee becomes aware, or should have become aware, of the connection between the disability and the employment.

All Connecticut employers with one or more employees (including part-time) must carry workers' compensation insurance or demonstrate financial ability to self-insure. Failure to carry insurance results in a stop-work order and fines of $250+ per uninsured worker per day (§ 31-288). Employees cannot waive coverage even by written agreement.

TTD benefits are 75% of the injured worker's after-tax average weekly wage, subject to a maximum equal to the state average weekly wage (SAWW) — $1,716/week for injuries on or after October 1, 2025. Benefits begin on the 4th calendar day of disability; if disability exceeds 7 days, the first 3 days are paid retroactively. The AWW is calculated from earnings in the 52 weeks before injury.

The employee selects their treating physician from an approved list prepared by the Workers' Compensation Commission. If the employer has a staff physician, initial emergency treatment may be provided, but the employee may thereafter select their own physician. The Commissioner may authorize a change of physician for good reason.

Employers cannot discharge, discriminate against, or penalize any employee for filing a workers' compensation claim or exercising rights under the Workers' Compensation Act. Violations may result in reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees.

Permanent partial disability benefits are calculated based on scheduled loss tables for specific body parts (e.g., 208 weeks for loss of hand, 155 weeks for loss of foot). Benefits are 75% of after-tax AWW for scheduled losses. Unscheduled losses are based on loss of wage-earning capacity.