Yes, you can receive partial disability benefits under Connecticut law. These are a type of workers’ compensation benefit designed to help workers who can still work but earn less due to their injury. Essentially, they aim to bridge the gap between what you earned before your injury and what you can earn now.
Are you eligible for partial disability benefits?
To be eligible for partial disability benefits in Connecticut, you need to meet several criteria:
- Work-related injury or illness: Your condition must be directly related to your job.
- Reduced earning capacity: You must be able to work but earn less than before due to your injury.
- Medical evidence: You need a doctor’s report that confirms your work restrictions.
- Following medical advice: You must follow your doctor’s orders regarding work limitations.
- Timely reporting: You need to report your injury to your employer promptly.
Meeting these criteria doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive benefits, but it does mean you’re on the right track. If you’re unsure about your claim or have received a denial, it’s important to seek legal counsel.
How are partial disability benefits calculated?
In Connecticut, figuring out partial disability benefits is about comparing what you could earn before and after your injury. You then find the difference between these two amounts. Your partial disability benefit will be 75% of this difference.
For example, suppose that before your injury, you earned $1000 per week. Now, due to your injury, you can only work part-time and earn $600 per week. In this scenario, the difference in earnings would be $400. Your partial disability benefit would then be 75% of this difference, which amounts to $300 per week. However, note that this is just a simplified example, and the calculations still need to consider federal and state taxes.
Facing challenges with your claim?
If you’ve encountered difficulties with your workers’ compensation claim or are unsure about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal advice. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process more effectively.
