When we go to work, we expect to be kept safe. While some jobs are inevitably more dangerous than others, all employees deserve protection. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and they can result in serious consequences- physical, financial, and emotional. If you are injured at work, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Read on to learn more.
Who is eligible for workers’ compensation in New Jersey?
The vast majority of employees in New Jersey are covered by workers’ compensation benefits, including domestic workers and farm workers. However, it is important to note that independent contractors are typically not covered. Additionally, certain employees, such as maritime workers, railroad workers, and federal employees, are covered under federal workers’ compensation laws instead of New Jersey law. As a result, it is important to understand whether you are covered and under which laws you are covered.
What benefits can eligible employees receive?
If you are injured at work and you are eligible for workers’ compensation, you may receive the following benefits, depending on the circumstances:
- Medical benefits: If the injured worker seeks treatment from a carrier-approved provider, he or she can receive medical benefits.
- Temporary disability benefits: A worker is eligible for these benefits once they have been unable to work for at least seven days, including weekends and holidays.
- Permanent partial benefits: This will be classified as “scheduled” or “non-scheduled” losses.
- Permanent total benefits: This benefit can provide up to 450 weeks of payments at 70 percent of the workers’ gross weekly wage at the time they were injured.
- Death benefits: If the worker passes away as a result of the accident, a surviving family member can seek and receive 70 percent of the weekly wage as well as up to $3,500 in funeral costs.
Steps to take after a workers’ compensation injury:
In order to recover workers’ compensation, you will have to provide proof that the injury occurred at work. As a result, it is important to:
- Notify your boss: You should notify your boss as soon as an injury occurs. He or she should file an accident report. If possible, obtain a copy of this report.
- Seek medical attention: Your medical records will be some of the most important evidence you can provide. As a result, it is important that you seek medical attention right away, carefully record your symptoms and treatment, and follow your doctor’s advice.
- Document the scene: Be sure to take pictures and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident to occur.
If you have been injured at work, our firm will fight for you. Reach out today to discuss your case.
Contact our Experienced New Jersey Firm
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. for a free consultation today.
