Workers’ Compensation Benefits in New Jersey
In New Jersey, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means that if you are injured on the job, your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages will be covered by your employer’s insurance policy. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, employers with fewer than five employees are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
If you are covered by workers’ compensation, you will be entitled to the following benefits:
- Medical benefits – You will be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your work injury, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
- Wage replacement benefits – In New Jersey, workers’ compensation will replace a portion of your lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injury. The amount you will receive is based on your average weekly wage.
- Death benefits – If a loved one is killed in a work-related accident, the surviving spouse and dependent children may be entitled to death benefits.
To get these benefits, you will need to file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. If your claim is accepted, you should start receiving benefits within a few weeks. If it is denied, you can appeal the decision.
Appealing a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. The first step in the appeals process is to file a petition with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. This must be done within two years of the date of your injury.
Once your petition is received, a hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing, you and the insurance company will present evidence and testimony to support your respective positions. After considering all of the evidence, the judge will issue a decision. If you are still not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal the judge’s decision to the state’s Appellate Division of the Superior Court
At Keith Zaid Law, we have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation appeals. We know what it takes to win, and we will fight to get you the benefits you need and deserve.
Types of Workplace Injuries
Workers’ compensation covers any injury that occurs while you are working. It does not matter how the injury happened or who was at fault. Some common types of workplace injuries that we see include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Lifting injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back and neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Workplace violence
- Heavy lifting
- Machinery accidents
No matter how you were injured, our Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyers can help.
What to Do after a Workplace Injury
If you have been injured at work, it is important to take the following steps:
- Report the accident to your employer – You should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer will then be required to file a claim with the insurance company.
- Get medical treatment – It is important to get prompt medical treatment for your injuries. Not only will this ensure that you get the care you need, but it will also create a record of your injuries.
- Cooperate with your employer’s investigation – Your employer’s insurance company will likely conduct an investigation into the accident. It is important to cooperate with this investigation and provide a statement if requested.
- Do not sign anything without speaking to an attorney – The insurance company will likely try to get you to sign a settlement agreement. You should not do this without first speaking to an attorney.
- Do not post about your accident on social media – Anything you post on social media can be used against you in your workers’ compensation claim. Avoid posting about the accident altogether.
- Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer – An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Talk to a Top-Rated Worker’s Compensation Attorney in Cherry Hill
We are committed to getting our clients the workers’ compensation benefits they need and deserve. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Cherry Hill lawyers, call us at 856-485-6818 or fill out our contact form.
We look forward to speaking with you.
