New Jersey workers’ compensation system is designed to help employees who are injured or become ill because of the workplace. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning workers can collect benefits regardless of who was to blame for the accident. Workers can also recover compensation for illnesses that are the result of work, such as stress-related gastrointestinal problems, or chronic injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive stress injuries.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured on the Job in New Jersey
If you suffer any type of on the job injury, there are some key steps you can take to protect your legal rights in New Jersey. Start with the following:
- Get medical treatment immediately
- Report the accident and your injuries to your employer
- Discuss your prognosis and treatment plan with your medical team
You may come to find that you're unable to immediately return to work. The loss of income coupled with the medical bills will affect your finances and you may be eligible to recover those damages through workers' compensation and other claims. Workers’ compensation provides several benefits to injured workers who have suffered from a work-related accident or an occupational disease. Medical benefits, such as payment of hospital and medical bills, as well as the loss of income during any period in which an employee is disabled. These benefits may be temporary or permanent, depending on the injury, and may include a full benefit amount or a partial benefit amount.
Filing a New Jersey Workers Compensation Claim
Important to note, by filing a workers’ compensation claim, employees are barred from filing a separate lawsuit against their employer. However, there are some exceptions. Workers can file third-party lawsuits against other liable parties that are not their employers. And, in most states, when the injury was a result of the employer’s negligence or intentional misconduct, you may be entitled to a full range of damages that are not available in the worker's compensation system, such as pain and suffering and other damages.
What to Do if your Workers Compensation Claim is Denied
Your workers’ compensation loss claim may be denied for a variety of reasons. For example, if you turn down a part-time work assignment, your benefits may be stopped. If your benefits stop for any reason, seek legal advice as soon as possible.
You have the right to file a claim for benefits after suffering a work-related injury; however, the process of actually obtaining benefits is a major challenge for most people. An experienced workers compensation attorney can handle your case and make sure you get the benefits you need to recover from your injury and get back to work.
Brandon J. Broderick, New Jersey Workers Compensation Lawyers
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to assisting clients throughout New Jersey and New York with their workers’ compensation cases. We have years of experience and the extensive resources you need to secure a fair case result. If your claim has recently been denied, contact us immediately to understand your options.