CT HB05449

Allows claimants to bring civil actions against employers or insurers who unreasonably contest workers' compensation liability or unreasonably delay payments or adjustments of compensation.

Permits damages including economic losses, physical or mental injury, pain and suffering, and reasonable attorney's fees based on breach of good faith covenant or unfair/deceptive practices.

Claimants may pursue civil action before exhausting administrative remedies, with any commissioner-awarded benefits credited against civil damages awarded.

If claimant does not prevail in civil action, court may award employer or insurer reasonable attorney's fees not to exceed $5,000.

Effective date: October 1, 2016; amends Connecticut General Statutes Section 31-300.