Connecticut House Bill HB05449

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/16
• Refer: 2/25/16

Caption

An Act Concerning Liability For Unfair Insurance Practices In Workers' Compensation Claims.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5449 is set to amend existing laws under Section 31-300 of the general statutes, particularly addressing the timeliness and fairness of the workers' compensation claims process. The bill introduces specific provisions for awarding attorney fees to claimants when it is found that their employer or insurer acted unfairly. It aims to expedite claims and improve the overall rights of employees navigating workers' compensation claims, which has historically been a challenging process.

Summary

House Bill 5449 aims to address issues concerning liability for unfair practices in workers' compensation insurance claims. The bill allows individuals seeking compensation to bring legal action against their employers or insurers if those parties unreasonably contest liability or delay payments. This measure is designed to strengthen the rights of injured workers, ensuring they can seek recourse if faced with unjust practices during their compensation claims.

Contention

The debate surrounding HB 5449 may arise from concerns about the balance between protecting employees' rights and the potential burden on employers and insurers. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could lead to an increase in lawsuits, raising costs for employers and possibly leading to higher insurance premiums. On the other hand, proponents emphasize that the bill is necessary to combat unfair treatment and ensure that injured workers are not improperly denied benefits they are entitled to.