The New Jersey workers’ compensation law was passed in 1911, making the state one of the first to offer such protection to its workers. Under the law, employers must take up insurance coverage for all their employees, which provides benefits in the event of a work-related injury or illness.
Have you been injured at work and have questions about workers’ comp? Contact Anthony Carbone, an experienced Weehawken Workers’ Compensation Attorney, to learn about your legal rights.
Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in New Jersey
In 2019, private industry employers in New Jersey reported over 69,000 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these numbers indicate a 2.5 incidence rate per 100 full-time workers, lower than the national average of 2.8. The report responsible for these numbers also showed the following:
- Trade, utilities, transportation, education, and health services accounted for 60 percent of the reported injuries and illnesses.
- Financial activities had an average incidence rate of 0.9, with education and health services averaging at 3.7
Types of Workplace Injuries
Workers in some industries are at a higher risk of sustaining certain injuries or conditions. If you work in a manufacturing industry, for example, you are more likely to suffer an amputation than someone who works at a coffee shop. Similarly, a typist is more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Here are some common workplace injuries and illnesses:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Back injury
- Spinal cord injury or paralysis
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Amputations
- Heart disease
A knowledgeable Weehawken Workers’ Compensation Attorney will determine the extent of your work-related injury and how much you deserve to receive in benefits or compensation.
Available Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act stipulates that workers who get injured while performing their work duties may be eligible for financial benefits. The exact type will usually depend on your injury and its impacts, but could include the following:
- Medical benefits – Designed to cover all treatment costs, including hospital stays, ambulance costs, diagnostic tests, medication, and treatment.
- Temporary total benefits – These are awarded at a percentage of your weekly wages when your injury prevents you from working for more than seven days.
- Permanent partial benefits – These benefits are based on the level of functional loss and are paid when your injury or illness causes a permanent disability.
- Permanent total benefits – These are paid out at 70 percent of your average wages up to an allowable limit when you are permanently disabled and unable to return to work.
- Death benefits – Received by the surviving dependents of a deceased worker up to a certain limit.
Talk to a Weehawken Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Weehawken is a township in the north of Hudson County, boasting many large employers. Under New Jersey law, these employers are required to take up workers’ compensation insurance to protect you from the aftermath of work-related injuries.
Weehawken Car Accident Lawyer, Anthony Carbone, has been defending workers’ rights in New Jersey for over 30 years. If you have been injured or have developed an illness at work, contact him online today or at 201-733-2230 to discuss your legal right to pursue compensation.
