All New Jersey workers are entitled to workers’ compensation if they suffer injuries on the job. When filing, it’s important to know and follow all the requirements.
What kind of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation?
Any illness or injury directly related to your job duties is covered by workers’ compensation. This includes repetitive motion injuries, environmental illnesses due to continuous exposure to harmful substances and injuries caused by accidents while working. By law, even if you are responsible for the accident leading to your injuries, as long as you were performing the regular duties associated with your job, you are still entitled to workers’ comp.
Who can receive workers’ compensation?
Only regular employees of a company are entitled to claim workers’ comp after suffering an on-the-job injury or illness. Independent contractors, freelancers, volunteers and temporary workers are not eligible.
What should you do when filing for workers’ comp?
If you get injured or ill due to your job, you must follow strict requirements when filing for workers’ compensation. It’s important to notify your employer of your injury or illness within 14 days. Failing to do so could result in your claim being denied.
You should seek medical attention immediately. Sometimes, employers choose who injured workers should see. Others allow employees to see their own doctors. You will have to obtain a copy of your medical report to provide it to your employer. Keep a copy for your own records as well.
Your employer should file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf within 21 days since you gave them notice of your injury or illness. You will later find out if your claim was accepted. If your claim is accepted, there’s a seven-day waiting period before you will start to receive your benefits.
While you recover from your injury or illness, workers’ comp can help you pay your bills and lessen some of your financial burdens.
