Since any employee who suffers an injury on the job is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, it doesn’t matter who was at fault for the accident — as long as the injury occurred at work while performing job-related duties.
All New Jersey employers who are not covered by federal programs must obtain state workers’ compensation coverage.
New Jersey workers’ compensation provides financial support for medical bills and lost wages for workers who have been injured on the job. This is a form of compensation that should be available for anyone who has suffered a job-related injury or illness. It is even available for the family of someone who has been killed on the job.
Many workers and eligible family members, however, struggle to get the benefits they need or simply give up on trying to secure them because the process of applying for workers’ compensation benefits can be complicated and confusing. If you are unsure about your eligibility, it is important that you seek legal guidance. Many injured workers miss their opportunity to receive support because they fail to file a claim or to seek legal counsel.
There are a number of different benefits that are available for eligible workers:
- Medical Benefits: All necessary and reasonable medical treatments related to the work injury or illness should be covered through workers’ compensation.
- Temporary Disability Benefits: Anyone who has had to miss more than seven days of work can pursue temporary total benefits of up to 70 percent of his or her average weekly wage.
- Permanent Partial Benefits: Compensation is also available for workers who are able to return to work but will never again be able to return at full capacity.
- Permanent Total Benefits: For workers who will never again be able to work because of their injury or illness, permanent total benefits should cover their lost wages for 450 weeks. After that period, they can extend their benefits by proving that they are still unable to work.
- Death Benefits: Dependents of workers who are killed on the job may seek compensation for lost future income and other losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, the experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers at Blume Forte can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please contact us for a complimentary consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.