New Jersey workers’ compensation is a state-mandated program designed to compensate workers who get injured or suffer an occupational injury while working. The payments should cover medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, and death benefits when a worker dies. Despite this, some employers or their insurance companies may try to reduce the benefits or deny the claim altogether.
If you have been injured on the job, talk to an expert Guttenberg Workers’ Compensation Attorney to determine whether you are entitled to workers’ comp benefits.
What Is Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandate program covered under New Jersey law that allows employees to receive benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. It is a no-fault program, meaning you may be entitled to payment regardless of who was at fault. Depending on the nature of the injury, injured workers may receive the following:
- Medical benefits to cover treatment costs
- Temporary disability benefits replace a percentage of lost income when the worker is unable to work for more than seven days.
- Permanent total or partial disability benefits, depending on the level of loss of function, to cover a percentage of lost income to a set maximum limit.
- Burial and death benefits for dependents in the event of a fatal injury
Employers in New Jersey are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees. Employees, on the other hand, are not required to contribute to the cover.
Can a Workers Comp Claim Be Disputed?
If you get injured while performing your work duties, you will be required to file an injury report with your employer within a set timeframe. Your employer or their insurance company will then investigate and process the claim, then pay out your benefits. They could also deny or dispute. Some of the most common workers’ compensation disputes include disagreements over:
- Whether the injury or illness was work-related
- The worker’s entitlement to benefits
- The type and extent of treatment required.
- The level of payment for temporary disability benefits
If the insurance adjuster disputes your claim, they may deny it and refuse to process payments, but you needn’t give up. A Guttenberg Workers’ Compensation Attorney can help you explore options such as filing a Claim Petition or requesting an Informal Hearing with the Division of Workers Compensation. The primary goal is to get you the compensation you deserve.
Workers Compensation Vs. Third-Party Lawsuit
While workers’ compensation laws limit your right to sue your employer for damages for a work injury, they do not prevent you from pursuing a third-party lawsuit. You could file a claim against a non-employer party, such as a landlord or contractor, if their negligence resulted in your accident.
Talk to a Guttenberg Workers’ Compensation Attorney
New Jersey state laws require that employers take up workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. But while this may be a comfort to workers, it is no guarantee that the insurance company will process your claim and pay your benefits. This is why you may need an attorney.
If you have sustained a work-related injury, it is never too soon to speak to an experienced Guttenberg Workers’ Compensation Attorney. Attorney Carbone has been representing accident victims in New Jersey for over 30 years. Contact him online today or at 201-733-2230 to schedule an initial consultation.
