If you’re injured on the job at a Connecticut railroad company, you may have to take time off work during recovery. Depending on the severity of your injuries, this could mean days, weeks or even months. Many workers are unprepared to meet their daily living expenses when suffering from injuries that make them unable to return to the workplace. Railroad disability benefits are meant to provide temporary financial relief during such times.
In order to qualify for such benefits, you must not be receiving any wages from your employer. You’ll also need a doctor to sign a written statement that documents your condition and any care you have received according to his or her diagnosis. An application for disability benefits should be filed within 10 days of the onset of your injury; otherwise, processing might be delayed.
Railroad disability benefits are typically paid on a bi-weekly basis. While on-the-job injuries often prompt workers to file such applications, you can also seek benefits if you are ill, not injured. Many types of illness could cause you temporary inability to return to your workplace duties.
If your railroad disability benefits application is denied, it does not necessarily mean you won’t receive benefits. There is an appeals process that you may access. In the past, many workers have succeeded in obtaining benefits on appeal. It can be quite helpful to enlist assistance from an experienced Connecticut attorney who is well-versed in railroad regulations regarding worker injury or illness. Cahill & Perry, P.C., Attorneys at Law are fully equipped to provide strong support and effective guidance in all aspects of railroad employment law.