If you run a business in Connecticut—even with one employee—Connecticut workers’ compensation insurance is not optional. It’s required by law under Chapter 568 of the Connecticut General Statutes and enforced by the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Failing to comply doesn’t just put your business at risk—it can cost you substantial fines, criminal charges, and shutdown orders. This guide explains the workers’ comp requirements in Connecticut, what coverage includes, how much it costs, and how to handle a claim properly.
Who Must Carry Workers' Comp in Connecticut?
State law requires all employers with one or more full-time, part-time, or seasonal employees to carry coverage. Even out-of-state companies with workers in Connecticut must meet local coverage rules.
Key exemptions and rules:
- Sole proprietors and partners: Not required to cover themselves but may opt in
- Corporate officers: May exclude themselves under set conditions
- Household workers: Exempt if working fewer than 26 hours per week
Failure to comply is considered a violation of Connecticut workers’ compensation requirements under Chapter 568 and may result in significant penalties.
High-Risk Industries Require Special Attention
Some sectors face more injuries and tighter enforcement:
Construction workers’ comp Connecticut: All contractors and subcontractors must be covered. If you hire uninsured subcontractors, you become liable for their injuries.
Healthcare workers’ compensation Connecticut: Required for hospitals, dental offices, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics due to common risks like patient lifting and illness exposure.
Agriculture: Most farm workers must be covered unless specific exemptions apply.
What Does Workers' Comp Cover?
Connecticut workers’ compensation insurance provides no-fault benefits to injured workers and protects businesses from lawsuits. Coverage includes:
- Medical care: Doctor visits, surgery, diagnostics, rehab, prescriptions
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Full wage replacement when workers can’t return at all
- Example: A roofer breaks a leg and is out for six weeks
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Partial pay when returning to light-duty or part-time work
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Payments for long-term injuries that limit future earning ability
- Vocational rehab: Job training if workers can’t return to previous duties
- Death benefits: Funeral expenses and income replacement for eligible dependents
Want a simple breakdown of how workers’ comp works? Read our guide: Workers’ Comp Insurance Basics – What You Should Know.
Real Risks & Claims Across Connecticut
Injuries vary by job type, but these claims appear frequently across the state:
Overexertion injuries: Common in healthcare and warehouse settings Example: A nurse strains her back transferring patients in New Haven
Slips, trips, and falls: Especially in winter, icy sidewalks and wet floors increase risk Example: A contractor slips at a Hartford job site in February
Equipment accidents: Common in manufacturing and construction Example: A machine operator in Bridgeport is injured by an unguarded press
Repetitive strain: Office workers develop carpal tunnel from constant typing
Connecticut Workers' Comp Insurance Costs
Connecticut workers’ comp insurance costs depend on your business size, job type, and claim history.
Estimated ranges:
- Low-risk jobs (clerical, sales): $350–$750 per employee, per year
- High-risk jobs (roofing, excavation, framing): $5,000–$12,000+ per employee
Premium factors include:
- Payroll size: Premiums apply per $100 in payroll
- Past claims: Higher claim history = higher rates
- Industry classification: Based on NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance) risk codes
- Safety program participation: Businesses enrolled in certified safety programs may qualify for discounts
Connecticut Workers' Comp Claim Process
The Connecticut workers’ comp claim process starts immediately after an injury. Follow these steps to avoid delays and protect benefits:
- Employee notification: Injured employees must tell their employer right away—ideally the same day
- Employer reporting: Employers must file the First Report of Injury promptly with the state
- Formal claim filing: Employees must file Form 30C – Notice of Claim for Compensation – within one year of injury or three years from symptoms of occupational disease
- Dispute resolution: The Workers’ Compensation Commission offers informal mediation and formal hearings for contested claims
Stay Compliant or Risk Penalties
Failing to maintain proper coverage may lead to:
- Minimum penalty: $500 per employee or $5,000, whichever is less
- Maximum penalty: $50,000
- Daily fines: $100 per day after finding of noncompliance
- Criminal charges: Willful violations can lead to court prosecution
What Connecticut Employers Should Do Now
Connecticut employer insurance compliance isn’t just about filing paperwork—it’s about protecting your business from legal, financial, and reputational damage.
Checklist for smart compliance:
- Confirm active coverage for all staff and subcontractors
- Maintain clear employee classifications
- Train your team on workplace safety
- Review past claims and address root causes
- Document all injury incidents immediately
Start Your Quote Now Call (855) 718-7552 to speak with a licensed Connecticut agent today.
