An injury suffered at work can be traumatic. You could be going through emotional distress, as well as physical pain. Even if a full recovery is expected, you may be contemplating whether or not to return to the hazardous job where your injury took place. Or perhaps you're concerned about the ridicule you could receive from co-workers or your employer about your injury. In any case, if you're considering leaving your job while receiving workers' compensation, you want to know if it's a wise decision.
The good news is that you are not forced to remain at your job just because you are receiving workers' compensation benefits. However, leaving your job while you're recovering may reduce some of your benefits. Continue reading to learn more about the workers' comp system in New Jersey.
For questions specific to your case, contact an NJ workers' comp lawyer such as Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Our firm has decades of combined experience in NJ workers' compensation cases. We can help you resolve your case.
Your Employment Status and Medical Care
Regardless of your job status, you are entitled to medical care for your injury if it occurred while you were at work, performing tasks related to your employment. Workers' compensation benefits that cover any associated hospital costs, doctor visits, surgeries, prescription prescriptions, and assistive equipment are available even if you resign from your job the day after your injury. In other words, even if you left your employment, you will still be treated for your injuries.
Disability Benefits
Benefits for temporary disability are intended to replace an injured worker's income when they are unable to work or can only work part-time. You forfeit the right to temporary disability payments if you leave your job while receiving workers' compensation. Workers who sustain serious workplace injuries may receive a rating for permanent disability. Quitting before your condition stabilizes if you have a permanent impairment could lower the amount you finally receive. You can typically quit your employment and continue to receive permanent disability payments after your case is resolved and your benefits are determined.
Before Quitting, Consult With A Workers' Comp Lawyer
You must know how your decision to quit will impact your workers' compensation claim. This is why it's important to speak with a workers' compensation lawyer before you decide to resign. Even if you'll be receiving medical care, leaving your employment before you start working again may reduce the value of your case or completely stop your disability benefits. Unless you have a better job in mind and are able to start working, this could leave you without a source of money.
It's beneficial to consult with a lawyer if you've already quit your job and are thinking about submitting a workers' compensation claim. If you wish to get workers' compensation benefits, you must demonstrate that your injury forced you to resign. Additionally, a successful resolution will depend on your ability to prove that your injury occurred at work. It can be difficult to accomplish this without the help of a lawyer.
Brandon J. Broderick: Lawyers For Workers' Compensation In New Jersey
A family may be impacted by a workplace injury. What you do after suffering this injury may have an even bigger impact on your family's future. To ensure that you receive the just compensation, hiring competent legal counsel is important.
We place a high importance on our clients and the resolution of their cases. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is among the top law firms for workers' compensation in New Jersey and the neighboring states.
Contact us right away for a free consultation.