What you may not know about workers’ compensation

We all know that if we get hurt on the job, your medical bills and any loss wages you have will be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. But did you know the following all fall under workers’ compensation?

• Your injury doesn’t have to be from an accident. For example, let’s say you are an office worker who sits in front of a computer eight hours a day. As time progresses, you begin to feel sharp pains in your wrist and hand. It turns out that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, thanks to the work you do. Your workers’ compensation will cover any surgery or medical devices you may need to fix the issue.
• An old injury is worsened by your work. Let’s say you broke your arm when you were younger. As a warehouse worker, you spend many days lifting and carrying heavy objects. But you notice that the arm you broke is starting to hurt more and more often. If work is causing the issue, you may be able to claim workers’ compensation.
• You are still covered even if you were at fault. As a delivery driver for a pizza place, you are making a delivery when you get into an auto accident. Since you were trying to find directions on your phone and not paying attention to the road, the accident is considered your fault. However, since you were working at the time of the accident, you may be able to claim workers’ compensation for your injuries.
• Exposure to chemicals while on the job. You work at a local gym and one of your job duties is to keep the pool clean. That means using harsh chemicals such as chlorine. One time, while cleaning the pool, you use a little too much chlorine and it causes you to become woozy and fall, hitting your head on the concrete. Definitely a case of workers’ compensation.
• You have only two years to file. Maybe you suffered an injury that took you out of the game for months. Or you just retired and was informed that your hearing loss was caused by your former job. Whatever the case may be, the statute of limitations on filing for a workers’ compensation claim in New Jersey is two years since the accident occurred or you were working at the job at the time.

If you’ve been in a workplace accident or were denied workers’ compensation, you’re going to need an experienced attorney to help you through the process. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.

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