Workers’ compensation provides financial support for medical treatment, lost wages, and/or monetary compensation for disabled workers who are injured on the job. It is a no-fault program that is available for surviving victims of job-related injuries and illnesses regardless of the cause of the accident. The New Jersey workers’ compensation program may also provide support for families of workers who are killed on the job.
When applying for worker’s compensation benefits in New Jersey, it is important to have an understanding of the types of compensation which may be available and their extent. Types of workers’ compensation benefits available include:
- Medical benefits: A successful workers’ compensation claim may result in support for necessary and reasonable medical treatment including hospital services, medications, and medical equipment. New Jersey employers and their insurance carriers have the right to designate medical providers which injured workers may be obligated to see for their care.
- Temporary total benefits: Employees who are unable to work because of injuries suffered on the job may seek temporary total (lost wage) benefits. Benefits are available retroactively from the first day of lost time after seven days of missed work. These Workers’ compensation benefits typically include 70 percent of the worker’s average weekly wage.
- Permanent partial benefits: Victims of permanent injuries can receive benefits based on their functional loss. This type of benefit is reserved for those who are able to return to work, but only in a limited capacity.
- Permanent total benefits: Some injuries and illnesses make it impossible for a worker to ever again be engaged in gainful employment. Permanent total benefits are initially provided over a period of 450 weeks. After that time, the worker will have to prove via medical evaluation that he or she is still totally disabled. After an evaluation, the injured worker may continue to receive up to 70 percent of his or her average weekly wage.
- Death benefits: The spouse, children, and financial dependents of workers who are killed on the job can seek compensation for funeral expenses up to $3,500 and up to 70 percent of wages the workers would have earned.
All injured workers in New Jersey have the right to pursue monetary assistance surrounding their lost wages and medical bills incurred for the treatment of work-related injuries. However, many have their claims denied and would be best advised to seek legal counsel to appeal denials or otherwise to help secure benefits. If you would like to discuss your potential claim, please contact the experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Blume Forte for a complimentary consultation.