New London, CT, Lawyer Explains the Difference Between Worker’s Compensation & Personal Injury

The Ins and Outs of Worker’s Compensation, According to Our New London, CT, Lawyer

What Is Worker’s Compensation?

Worker’s compensation goes by a few different names. You may hear it called “workers comp” or “workmans comp.” Whatever name you call it, the concept is the same: workmans compensation functions as a type of insurance covering an employee if you get injured while at work.

If you are injured on the job, you can request worker’s compensation while you heal. Worker’s comp can reimburse you for the following:

• Medical care, including diagnostics
• Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy
• Disability payments to reimburse lost wages
• Payment for job training, such as if you need to change jobs due to your injury

How Is Worker’s Compensation Different from Other Personal Injury Cases?

According to our New London, CT, lawyer, there are two main differences between worker’s compensation and personal injury lawsuits:

#1 – It doesn’t matter whose fault it was.

In personal injury cases, you only receive compensation if you can prove that the other person’s negligence or actions caused your injury. With worker’s compensation, it doesn’t matter if your employer was at fault or not. You will receive assistance with medical care, lost wages, etc., either way. There’s an important exception here, though: you can’t claim worker’s compensation if you purposefully hurt yourself while at work!

#2 – You can’t be compensated for pain and suffering.

In personal injury cases, you can demand compensation beyond the cost of medical care and lost wages. For example, you can be paid monetary damages for the stress you felt emotionally while dealing with your injury. With worker’s compensation, you cannot receive pain and suffering payments.

If you’re thinking that you’d rather pursue a personal injury suit, however, think again. With very few exceptions, employees are not allowed to sue their employers for personal injury. Chances are high that workman’s compensation is your only option, although an experienced workers compensation lawyer in CT will be able to tell you this for certain.

Were You Injured at Work? Call Our New London, CT, Lawyer for Worker’s Compensation

Attorney John Strafaci specializes in worker’s compensation claims in Southeastern Connecticut. If you are in need of a New London, CT, lawyer for worker’s compensation, request your free phone consultation with Attorney Strafaci to discuss your situation and get your questions answered.

The information contained in this article does not constitute legal advice and is only for educational purposes. If you need legal representation for a matter relating to this topic, feel free to request a free phone consultation with Attorney John Strafaci, our experienced worker’s compensation lawyer in New London, CT. Call 860-281-2511 or click here to speak with Attorney Strafaci today!