The answers to these 3 workers’ comp questions may surprise you

If you work in the construction industry, your job duties may require you to be in dangerous situations. Even if you follow safety protocols and wear protective gear, you may eventually suffer a serious injury or develop a life-altering illness at work. Fortunately, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to help you pay medical bills and living expenses while you recover from your injury or illness. Here are answers to three common questions about workers’ compensation benefits. 1. Does the workers’ compensation program cover you? In Connecticut, all businesses with employees have a legal obligation to provide workers’ compensation benefits to their workers. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees. If you work fewer than 26 hours per week in a private household, though, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. 2. Are non-citizens eligible for workers’ compensation benefits? You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in the Constitution State. Consequently, regardless of your citizenship or immigration status or lack thereof, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits after suffering a work-associated injury or developing an occupational illness. 3. Are benefits available if your employer does not have insurance? If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you may still be able to receive compensation for your work-related injury or illness in one of two ways. First, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer. Alternatively, you may be eligible for compensation from Connecticut’s Second Injury Fund. Whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for your on-the-job injury or illness may depend on a comprehensive review of the facts and the law. Ultimately, though, you should not let the enormous amount of misinformation surrounding workers’ compensation benefits prevent you from exploring your legal and financial options.