Connecticut Expands Workers Compensation For Assaults

New legislation provides full weekly earnings to state employees and teachers injured on the job.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a large brass key, representing the security provided by new state legislative protections. — Connecticut has enacted legislation ensuring teachers and health care workers receive full compensation for injuries resulting from workplace assaults. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should employees injured during work-related assaults receive full salary replacement during their recovery?

Connecticut has implemented a new law providing full workers compensation benefits to employees who are injured during on-the-job assaults. This measure removes standard benefit caps for eligible teachers and health care providers.

Why it matters

The law aims to protect public workers by ensuring that absences resulting from workplace violence do not impact personal sick leave or vacation time. It specifically addresses financial disparities faced by employees recovering from on-duty injuries.

Public Act 26-12 guarantees injured workers 100% of their average weekly earnings, removing previous state-mandated weekly benefit caps. The legislation also provides compensation for medical services and court appearance wages.

The players

Ned Lamont

Ned Lamont is the Governor of Connecticut who signed the legislation into law.

University of Connecticut Health Center

This is the only state-operated health care facility included in the new compensation coverage.

The details

Under the new H.B. 5003, workers can no longer be forced to use vacation or sick time for absences caused by work-related assaults. The policy extends to teachers and health care providers, though most state-operated facilities are excluded except for the University of Connecticut Health Center.

May 11, 2026: Governor Ned Lamont signed H.B. 5003 into law.
October 1, 2026: The workers compensation provisions officially took effect.

Market Landscape

This legislation updates the Connecticut Workers Compensation Act to better account for the risks inherent in public sector service. It shifts the burden of recovery costs away from employees and onto the state system for specific assault-related claims.

Teachers and health care workers in the state may now be entitled to full salary protection if they suffer injuries due to workplace assaults. This change removes the need to exhaust personal leave banks for these specific recovery periods.

The takeaway

The law provides a critical financial safety net for public employees who face physical risks during their daily work. Staff should review their employment contracts to confirm if their specific facility qualifies for these enhanced protections.