Getting hurt at work can be a major setback. Not only must you contend with physical discomfort, but now your livelihood is on the line.In most cases, workers injured on the job in New Jersey are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
If you have been injured at work or within the scope of your employment, knowing what to expect in your workers’ compensation case can go a long way toward reducing your stress and anxiety.
If you have been injured on the job, you owe it to yourself and your family to speak to a New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer about your claim.A knowledgeable attorney can explain your rights and help you take the appropriate steps in your case.
It’s Important to Get Medical Help Right Away
The first step in your workers’ compensation case is getting medical treatment for your injuries. If you delay treatment, you could jeopardize your ability to get the maximum amount of compensation possible for your claim.
Most New Jersey employers are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Some employers choose to self-insure, but they must meet certain requirements before they are permitted to do so.
Although workers’ compensation insurance is supposed to help workers, insurance companies still look for ways to reduce or deny worker benefits.
One way they do this is by attempting to prove your injury was not caused by a work-related accident. The longer you wait to receive medical treatment, the greater the likelihood the insurance company will be able to show some other incident caused your injury.
Additionally, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier has the right to choose your doctor.
You Must Notify Your Employer of Your Injury
Under New Jersey workers’ compensation law, you have up to 90 days from the date of the accident to notify your employer of your work-related injury.
However, it’s best to notify your employer as quickly as you can after an on-the-job injury. The sooner you act, the sooner you can begin receiving benefits.
The notice doesn’t have to be in writing, and you can give notice to your supervisor, human resources office, or anyone in the company in a position of authority.Under New Jersey law, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means you are entitled to benefits, even if you caused the accident resulting in your injury.
If Your Claim Is Allowed
Once you notify your employer that you have been injured at work, your employer must notify its workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
From there, the insurance company prepares a form called a “first report of injury” and sends it to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which is the state entity that oversees workers’ compensation claims in New Jersey.
If your claim is allowed, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company will let you know. Depending on your injury, you may be entitled to receive:
- Medical treatment benefits, which cover your doctors’ bills, surgery costs, prescription expenses, and other treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Permanent partial disability benefits
- Permanent total disability benefits
If Your Claim Is Denied
In some cases, a workers’ compensation insurance carrier denies a worker’s claim. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the workers’ compensation insurance company’s decision. In these cases, it’s advisable to work with an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers.
The workers’ compensation system isn’t always straightforward, and workers’ compensation cases are often complex. You can increase your chances of a favorable outcome by working with an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney.
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Get Help with Your New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Claim
An on-the-job injury can leave you feeling overwhelming and nervous about the future. What if your injuries never heal? How will you afford to maintain your lifestyle and pay your bills when you’re sidelined from your job?
These are important questions. Fortunately, a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney can help.Call today to get the answers and peace of mind you deserve. The lawyers at Schibell Law, LLC offer free workers’ compensation consultations.
