The New Jersey workers’ compensation system was designed to make sure that you can support yourself and your family when you have been injured on the job. However, this does not mean all injured workers get the full extent of coverage and protection they deserve.
At the law offices of Ginsberg & O’Connor, we understand how the New Jersey workers’ compensation system works. With more than three decades of experience protecting the rights of New Jersey workers, our Cherry Hill, NJ, injury attorneys will provide you with the resources and professional representation to protect your rights.
We have experience with all manner of work injuries, including:
- Construction accidents
- On-duty vehicle accidents
- Falls from ladders or heights
- Falling objects from above
- Slip-and-fall hazards
- Dangerous workplace machinery
No matter the type or severity of your injuries, our attorneys can help you find a path toward recovery.
Who is Entitled to Workers’ Compensation?
Almost every worker in New Jersey is entitled to workers’ compensation if injured on the job. The law requires all employers in the state to carry workers’ compensation insurance unless they are covered under federal law. Federal workers’ compensation law covers seamen, maritime workers, railroad workers, and federal employees. There is no requirement for the number of workers an employer employs.
The only workers not covered by the law are those classified as independent contractors of a company.
What Benefits Are Available Through Workers’ Compensation?
Injured workers who file for workers’ compensation may be able to recover the following benefits:
- Medical benefits
- Temporary total disability benefits
- Permanent partial disability benefits
- Permanent total benefits
Employers or their insurance carriers must cover all costs associated with necessary medical treatment and hospitalization services. Employers are entitled to select which doctor a worker receives treatment from. In emergencies, workers can get the medical attention they need without their employer’s preauthorization, but they should notify their employer of the treatment as soon as possible.
Workers who receive temporary or permanent total or permanent partial disability benefits can expect to get 70% of their gross weekly wages up to $1,065.
When workers die in workplace accidents, their dependents may receive 70% of their wages weekly. Dependents are the deceased person’s spouse, civil union partner, or children. The employer or their insurance company may also need to contribute up to $3,500 toward the funeral expenses of those who died on the job.
How the Workers’ Compensation Process Works
If you get hurt at work, here’s how things should go:
- Report the injury to your employer no later than 90 days after the accident or injury
- Get medical attention as soon as possible
- Your employer will file a claim with their insurance carrier
- If successful, you will receive workers’ compensation benefits
If you have questions about workers’ compensation or are having issues with your claim, Ginsberg & O’Connor, P.C., is here to help.
Get All the Benefits You Deserve
If you have been injured on the job, you have the right to make a workers’ compensation claim against your employer. In fact, New Jersey requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for this very reason.
Workers’ compensation provides injured workers with a number of basic benefits and services. It ensures that your medical needs are adequately met and that your wages are paid while you are off the job. Your employer will control your access to medical treatment, so it is important to protect your rights. If your claim is denied or a dispute arises, we will arrange for an independent review of medical care and diagnosis and represent you throughout the appeals process.
Many people who have suffered a serious injury while on the job have additional recovery options beyond workers’ compensation. If someone besides your employer or a co-worker was responsible for the conditions that led to your workplace accident, you may have grounds to file a third-party personal injury claim as well. You can’t afford to leave money on the table.
Begin Your Recovery Journey Today
While all injured workers are entitled to workers’ comp, employers and insurers do not always honor their obligation. Make sure you have a lawyer on your side who can maximize your claim. Call our Cherry Hill firm toll-free at 856-727-1991, or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about your rights and recovery options.