Several weeks ago, I met a client – let’s call her Maria. She worked in a busy warehouse, lifting boxes and moving inventory day in and day out. One morning, as she reached for a heavy package on a high shelf, she felt a sharp pain shoot through her back. Like many hardworking people, Maria tried to tough it out. She finished her shift, hoping the pain would fade. But it didn’t. In fact, it got worse. Two days later, Maria called in sick and told H.R. about the work accident. Maria was told to come in and fill out some paperwork, which she did, and to see a doctor.
Maria saw her doctor and returned to work about two weeks later, with her back still hurting. Maria assumed that since she filled out the company’s paperwork and saw the doctor, that was all she needed to do. But weeks later, the medical bills started coming, and her two weeks off remained unpaid. That’s when she called my office, confused and worried about how she would support her family.
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Maria saw her doctor and returned to work about two weeks later, with her back still hurting. Maria assumed that since she filled out the company’s paperwork and saw the doctor, that was all she needed to do. But weeks later, the medical bills started coming, and her two weeks off remained unpaid. That’s when she called my office, confused and worried about how she would support her family.
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Maria’s story is more common than you might think. In Connecticut, there’s a crucial step that every injured worker must take to protect their rights AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER BEING INJURED: filing a Form 30C. This isn’t just another piece of paperwork - it’s the official Notice of Claim for Compensation. Without it, your employer and the Workers’ Compensation Commission may not even know you’re seeking benefits, and you could lose your right to compensation altogether.
Here’s why the Form 30C is so important. Connecticut law gives you a limited window - generally one year from the date of your injury - to file this form. Miss that deadline, and you may be permanently barred from receiving benefits, no matter how serious your injury is. Filing the Form 30C also starts the clock for your employer. Once they receive it, they have 28 days to either begin paying your benefits or formally contest your claim. If they don’t respond in time, your claim is usually presumed valid, and your employer may lose the right to challenge it later.
But perhaps most importantly, Form 30C creates a clear, official record of your injury and your claim. If there’s ever a dispute - if your employer’s insurance company questions whether your injury was really work-related, for example - this form is your evidence. It shows when you were hurt, how it happened, and that you took the right steps to notify everyone involved.
Maria’s case had a happy ending. We helped her file her Form 30C, and she eventually received the medical care and wage replacement she needed to get back on her feet. But her story is a reminder: don’t let confusion or paperwork stand between you and the help you deserve.
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t wait. Filing a Form 30C is the first and most important step to protect your rights. If you’re unsure how to do it or if you have questions about your claim, we’re here to help. At Benjamin, Gold & Troyb, P.C., we’ve guided countless Connecticut workers through this process, and we’re ready to stand by your side as well.
Here’s why the Form 30C is so important. Connecticut law gives you a limited window - generally one year from the date of your injury - to file this form. Miss that deadline, and you may be permanently barred from receiving benefits, no matter how serious your injury is. Filing the Form 30C also starts the clock for your employer. Once they receive it, they have 28 days to either begin paying your benefits or formally contest your claim. If they don’t respond in time, your claim is usually presumed valid, and your employer may lose the right to challenge it later.
But perhaps most importantly, Form 30C creates a clear, official record of your injury and your claim. If there’s ever a dispute - if your employer’s insurance company questions whether your injury was really work-related, for example - this form is your evidence. It shows when you were hurt, how it happened, and that you took the right steps to notify everyone involved.
Maria’s case had a happy ending. We helped her file her Form 30C, and she eventually received the medical care and wage replacement she needed to get back on her feet. But her story is a reminder: don’t let confusion or paperwork stand between you and the help you deserve.
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t wait. Filing a Form 30C is the first and most important step to protect your rights. If you’re unsure how to do it or if you have questions about your claim, we’re here to help. At Benjamin, Gold & Troyb, P.C., we’ve guided countless Connecticut workers through this process, and we’re ready to stand by your side as well.
 | Guest Blog Entry By: Daniel A. Benjamin, Esq. Benjamin, Gold & Troyb, P.C. 350 Bedford Street - Suite 403 Stamford, Connecticut 06901 Telephone: 203-425-8500 Facsimile: 203-425-8600 Website: www.bgtlawfirm.com |
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