Workers Compensation in Edison, NJ

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by New Jersey state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Edison, New Jersey workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Edison, New Jersey?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the New Jersey industry with the highest rate of injury is education and health services. However, the trade, transportation, and utilities industry, as well as natural resources and mining, also report large numbers of workplace injuries. The most common work-related injuries in Edison are sprains and strains, followed by bruises, cuts, and fractures. These injuries are most often caused by overexertion, contact with objects, or falls. While some injuries reported in Edison are minor, nearly 70% of all reported injuries result in missed work.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Edison, New Jersey?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.

The state of New Jersey requires nearly all employers to carry workers compensation insurance. According to New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development, all necessary and appropriate medical treatment will be covered. However, the employer has the authority to choose the treatment provider. In addition, if your injury causes you to miss more than 7 days of work, you can also receive compensation for lost wages. This benefit is typically 70% of your regular wage, and can range from $258 to $969 per week.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Edison, New Jersey are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Edison, New Jersey healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

According to the New Jersey Department of Worker’s Compensation, Edison employees must report injuries to their employer within 14 days. The employer should then file a report with their insurance carrier. If your employer does not file, or if your claim is denied, you can file directly with the Department. However, you must file this claim within 2 years of the injury.

Timeline and Other Information

After accepting your claim, your employer is expected to begin making payments within 30 days. If you are receiving temporary disability benefits, they will continue until you are able to return to work. However, they can also end if your doctor determines that you will not have further recovery. In addition, this type of benefit is capped at 400 weeks. If you are still unable to work, you may be eligible for permanent disability compensation.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point. Typically about the incident and to any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Edison, New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Edison, New Jersey, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Edisonworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Edison, New Jersey

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Edison, New Jersey you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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