Workers’ Compensation Series: Hurt on the Job? Here’s What You Do

For some people, their career plays a significant part in their lives. For 40 hours a week, we either go to an office, a factory, a work site, or even to our home computer, and do our job.

But what happens when you are hurt on the job, and you can’t go back to work? What will you do? How will you pay the bills?

Throughout November, the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone will be discussing workers’ compensation in New Jersey and the complex issues surrounding the laws and what you should do if you are a victim of a workplace accident.

The Workers’ Compensation Process

Let’s say you work at a manufacturing plant in Jersey City. While lifting a heavy box, you tweak something in your back. You drop the box on your foot, breaking it in three places. You now have a back injury and a broken foot. What are your next steps?

The first step you should take after getting hurt on the job is to inform your supervisor immediately. By not telling your supervisor, you risk the chance of a denied workers’ compensation claim since your employer knew nothing about your accident. So tell your supervisor or employer as soon as possible about the injury.

Once your employer knows of your injury, you need to seek medical attention. Under New Jersey Law, your employer is the one who chooses the physician for your injury. However, there are exceptions to the law. You can select a physician if one of the following conditions is met:

• You require emergency treatment
• Your employer has refused to choose a physician
• A denial of your workers’ compensation claim

You also have the option to file a Motion for Medical Treatment with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation if you believe the doctor is providing you with inadequate treatment.

After you receive medical care, you will need to fill out a workers’ compensation claim. The paperwork can be rather complex, and it helps to have a workers’ compensation attorney to help you with the paperwork.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If your claim is approved, you will be entitled to the following benefits:

• Medical Treatment: This includes treatment for the injury, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy.
• Disability Payments: Whether you’re out for a few weeks or a few months, workers’ compensation will pay the bills.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Can’t go back to your job after your accident and your business doesn’t have another position you can fill? You may require a new job. Workers’ comp can pay for employment training so you can get a new career.

These benefits will be paid for by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. According to New Jersey law, all employers are required by law to carry insurance to cover for workplace accidents. If your employer does not have this insurance, then that employer could be fined.

Hurt on the Job? Let Us Help!

If you are hurt on the job, and your workers’ comp claim has been denied, you will need to speak with an experienced work injury attorney to help you with your application. For the past 30 years, Attorney Anthony Carbone has been assisting workers throughout New Jersey with their claims.

If you have been injured while on the job or have a question about your workers’ compensation claim, let us help you out. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today to schedule a free consultation.

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