You have up to 1 year from the work injury to file a written Connecticut workers' comp claim, but do not wait a year - report it today and get the paperwork moving now.

If your child was hurt on the job in Bridgeport, the employer should be told immediately. In Connecticut, the formal claim is usually a Form 30C filed with the employer and the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-294c.

If this was a crush injury from something like a garage door sensor failure, call 911 if that has not happened already. Go to Bridgeport Hospital or St. Vincent's Medical Center if there is severe pain, numbness, trouble walking, or any loss of bowel or bladder control. That symptom is a medical emergency, not a "wait and see."

Workers' comp should cover medical treatment and, if your child misses enough work, wage benefits. Connecticut generally pays 75% of after-tax average weekly wages for temporary total disability. The employer does not get to wave this away by saying it was your child's fault, or that they were "just helping out."

A few points matter fast:

• Retaliation is illegal under § 31-290a. Firing, cutting hours, or threats over a claim can create a separate case.
• Light duty only counts if a doctor gives restrictions and the job fits them.
• The employer may steer initial treatment through its approved workers' comp medical network, but they cannot just make up rules about care.
• If a third party caused the injury - like a door installer, maintenance company, or manufacturer - you may also have a separate injury claim outside workers' comp.

Save photos, the door model, witness names, texts from the boss, and every medical record. Around tax season, families feel the bills fast; that is exactly why getting the workers' comp claim filed early matters.