Basics of Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Connecticut

The Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act requires employers in Connecticut to either obtain workers’ compensation insurance or to be self-insured.

The Workers’ Compensation Act provides that employees are entitled to medical treatment – and payment of medical expenses – for nearly all injuries (i.e., broken bones, burns) caused by work-related accidents as well as for illnesses sustained as a result of a workplace condition or environment (i.e., infectious diseases such as COVID-19, HIV and Hepatitis C and exposure-related illnesses such as asbestosis). Payment for these injuries and illnesses is to be paid for either by the self-insured employer or through the workers’ compensation insurance plan. Importantly, workers’ compensation benefits are provided to employees without regard to fault. In fact, an employee injured by the reckless or intentional conduct of a co-worker is entitled to compensation.

The Workers’ Compensation Act provides the following additional compensation to workers’ injured or suffering from an illness during the course of employment.

- Indemnity benefits or lost wages

- Disability benefits (Temporary total disability, Temporary partial disability and Permanent partial disability)

- Compensation for the loss of use of a part of the body (i.e., arm, leg or hand)

- Compensation for certain scarring and disfigurement

- Compensation for travel to medical appointments and hearings

While the Workers’ Compensation Act provides compensation for a large number of work-related injuries and illnesses, it does not cover all harm or injuries that are sustained at work. For instance, an employee is not entitled to compensation for self-inflicted injuries, for injuries resulting from illegal drug use or from unlawful conduct.

Additional Information About Workers' Compensation in Connecticut