Workplace injuries, like back injuries, are among the leading causes of worker disability and lost workdays. While any worker can get injured, some employees are more at risk for some injuries and illnesses than others. This is why employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees from injury-related losses.
Have you sustained a work-related injury or illness? Do you have questions about your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits? If so, Anthony Carbone, an expert West New York Workers’ Compensation Attorney, is willing to help you.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act, injured employees may qualify for the following:
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary disability benefits are awarded when a worker is unable to work for more than 7 days because of their injuries. They are paid out at 70 percent of your average weekly wage and within a specified maximum limit. Generally, you may continue to receive these benefits until you:
- Can go back to work
- Reach maximum medical improvement
- Receive 400 weeks worth of benefits
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
Permanent partial disability benefits are awarded when a workers’ injury causes loss of function or a lasting medical condition that only allows them to work in some capacity. Usually, the amount the worker receives depends on the level of loss of function, wages before the accident, and the affected body part. Injuries are expressed as a percentage of loss of function, with the number corresponding to a maximum amount and duration of compensation.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
A worker receives permanent total disability benefits when they can’t work at all due to their injuries. Typically, a doctor must certify that you have reached maximum medical improvement and your injury is permanent before you can qualify for these benefits.
You may also go through an evaluation to establish you are unable to work, after which you could continue to receive benefits as long as you’re still disabled.
Other Benefits
Injured workers may also qualify for other types of workers’ compensation, such as:
- Medical benefits
- Funeral expenses
- Death benefits
Your attorney will evaluate your injuries to determine which benefits you qualify for as well as ensure you are receiving them.
Reporting Your Injury to Your Employer
New Jersey has a statute of limitations that spells out the time you have to take legal action against the at-fault party for an injury. Similarly, there is a set timeline within which you must report your work injury to your employer and file a worker’s compensation claim. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your eligibility for benefits, even if you meet all the other requirements.
Talk to a West New York Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Attorney Anthony Carbone, an experienced West New York Workers’ Compensation Attorney, is passionate about defending the rights of workers throughout New Jersey. He has been doing it for over 3 decades and is always available to answer any questions you may have about workers’ compensation.
If you have sustained a work-related injury or illness, attorney Carbone can help you get the compensation or benefits you deserve for your losses. Contact him today at 201-829-3829 to schedule your free initial consultation.
