The Connecticut legislature has passed several important amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act that will affect how claims are valued and administered statewide. These legislative updates introduce notable changes to permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits, scheduled body parts, death benefits, and the duration of temporary partial benefits in certain scenarios. The changes are set to take effect in various stages beginning July 1, 2025.
Below are the key highlights:
Substantial Increase in Cervical Spine PPD Benefits
For injuries sustained after July 1, 2025, the cervical spine will see a major increase in its scheduled value—from 117 weeks to 208 weeks. This nearly 78% increase will significantly impact claim valuations and could result in heightened exposure in cases involving neck injuries. Employers and insurers should prepare for this change when evaluating future settlements or reserves.
New Scheduled Body Parts Added
The legislation also expands the list of scheduled body parts eligible for specific PPD benefits. The following additions are now included:
- Esophagus – 180 weeks
- Intestinal tract – 347 weeks
This expansion aligns compensation more closely with the impact of internal injuries that previously lacked specific guidance under the schedule.
Expansion of Death Benefits to Include Parents
Previously, when a deceased claimant had no spouse or dependent children, benefits were limited to funeral expense reimbursement. Under the new legislation, a decedent’s parents may now receive death benefits for up to 312 weeks. This amendment recognizes the broader financial and emotional impact of a worker’s death on surviving family members.
Legislative Response to Gardner v. DMHAS
In Gardner v. Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that a claimant who reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and receives a PPD rating may still be eligible for up to 520 weeks of additional temporary partial benefits, subject to the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge. This decision created uncertainty regarding post-MMI benefit duration.
In response, the legislature enacted §31-308a(c), which limits temporary partial benefits to 60 weeks, but only if the claimant:
- Remains unable to perform their usual job, and
- Is actively participating in a vocational rehabilitation program or has completed a program
This provision is intended to restore predictability to the workers’ compensation system while maintaining support for injured workers engaged in retraining efforts.
What This Means for You
The most impactful change for employers and insurers is the significant increase in cervical spine PPD benefits. We recommend considering these changes when evaluating reserves and settlement exposure. The additional changes—including new scheduled body parts and expanded death benefit eligibility—also merit close attention as they may affect claim exposure and settlement evaluations.
