Introduction

Robert Carter and Donna Civitello co-authored Connecticut Workers Compensation Law, a two-volume treatise published by Thomson West Publishing Company. That scholarly contribution sets the partners apart from general practice attorneys who handle workers compensation as a secondary matter. The firm operates from Woodbridge Office Park, One Bradley Road Suite 305, Woodbridge, Connecticut 06525, reachable at (203) 389-7000.

Both attorneys have been selected for The Best Lawyers in America, The Bar Register for Preeminent Lawyers, Outstanding Lawyers in America, The College of Workers Compensation Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. Both received the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Connecticut Law Tribune at its second annual Professional Excellence Awards.

Practice Areas

Workers Compensation

Workers compensation is the firm primary focus. Connecticut workers compensation law provides benefits to employees injured on the job, covering medical treatment, wage replacement during recovery, and compensation for permanent injuries. The system operates through the Connecticut Workers Compensation Commission, and effective navigation requires attorneys who understand commission procedures, the medical evaluation process, and carrier practices that can reduce or delay benefits.

Both Carter and Civitello built their careers in this system. Their co-authorship of the two-volume Connecticut Workers Compensation Law treatise reflects engagement with the field that goes beyond case-by-case litigation. Teaching the subject as adjunct professors at the University of Connecticut Law School demonstrates that same depth.

Social Security Disability

Social Security disability claims go through the federal administrative process: initial applications, reconsiderations, hearings before administrative law judges, and federal court appeals. The process is lengthy and the evidence requirements are specific. The firm handles these matters for clients whose injuries or illnesses prevent them from maintaining employment.

Personal Injury

Personal injury representation addresses injuries sustained outside the workers compensation system, where standard civil court rules apply and full damages, including pain and suffering, are available. The firm handles personal injury claims in Connecticut courts.

Occupational Disease

Occupational disease cases involve illnesses caused by workplace conditions over time rather than acute injury events. Demonstrating causal connection to employment often involves medical expert testimony and detailed employment history analysis.

Attorney Profiles

Robert Carter co-founded the firm and has concentrated his career on Connecticut workers compensation and personal injury law. He holds selection for The Best Lawyers in America, The Bar Register for Preeminent Lawyers, Outstanding Lawyers in America, The College of Workers Compensation Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. Carter served as adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut Law School and co-authored the definitive Connecticut treatise on workers compensation. The Connecticut Law Tribune honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Donna Civitello co-founded the firm and holds the same peer recognition designations as Carter, including The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Outstanding Lawyers in America, and The College of Workers Compensation Lawyers. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Connecticut Law Tribune and served as adjunct professor at UConn Law School. Her co-authorship of Connecticut Workers Compensation Law reflects decades of active engagement with the field.

Location and Service Area

Carter and Civitello operates from Woodbridge Office Park, One Bradley Road Suite 305, Woodbridge, Connecticut 06525. The office is conveniently located off the Merritt Parkway, providing accessible access for clients throughout Connecticut.

Woodbridge is situated between New Haven and Ansonia, within driving distance of New Haven County, Hartford, Middlesex County, and much of the state.

The firm website is carterandcivitello.com/

Client Focus

Carter and Civitello represents workers injured on the job in Connecticut, individuals pursuing Social Security disability benefits, personal injury claimants, and workers suffering from occupational diseases. The firm does not represent insurance companies or employers in these matters.

The clients are typically people who have sustained serious physical injuries or developed debilitating illnesses connected to their work. Hundreds of such individuals have been represented by Carter and Civitello over their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The College of Workers Compensation Lawyers?
The College of Workers Compensation Lawyers is a national organization that elects members based on sustained excellence in workers compensation law. Both Robert Carter and Donna Civitello hold membership, a recognition conferred by peers rather than by self-nomination.

Can I purchase the Connecticut Workers Compensation Law treatise?
Yes. The two-volume treatise published by Thomson West Publishing Company can be ordered by calling (800) 328-9352. It covers benefits, medical treatment, settlement of claims, appeals, trials, and civil actions arising from workplace injuries.

Does the firm handle cases statewide?
Yes. Carter and Civitello serves clients throughout Connecticut from its Woodbridge office, located off the Merritt Parkway.

What is the difference between a workers compensation claim and a personal injury claim?
Workers compensation operates through an administrative commission system that provides defined benefits regardless of fault but limits recovery to those benefits. Personal injury claims go through civil court and allow recovery of full damages, including pain and suffering, but require proving fault.

What is an occupational disease claim?
An occupational disease is an illness caused by conditions of employment over time, such as respiratory disease from chemical exposure or repetitive strain disorders.

Closing

Carter and Civitello brings scholarly authority and sustained case experience to Connecticut workers compensation, Social Security disability, personal injury, and occupational disease representation. The firm co-authored the definitive Connecticut workers compensation treatise, taught the subject at UConn Law School, and both partners hold career recognition from The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and The Connecticut Law Tribune.

The firm operates from One Bradley Road Suite 305, Woodbridge Office Park, Woodbridge, Connecticut 06525, reachable at (203) 389-7000. Additional information is available at carterandcivitello.com/