New Jersey passed its workers’ compensation in 1911. Since then, it has provided peace of mind, financial support and other benefits to millions of workers who suffer work-related injuries or accidents, illnesses from working in a harmful work environment, or repetitive strain injuries. Whether the workplace is an office, on a farm, in a factory or a warehouse, there is a potential for injury that can lead to time away from work. The employee can be at fault for the injury and still receive their benefits.
Employers are typically required to pay and provide worker’s comp to employees, but they may not meet all the legal guidelines for compliance for various reasons. It could be intentional or an oversight.
Employers must address the following
Regardless of the reasons, employees can hold companies accountable for the following responsibilities:
- Lost wages: Workers will receive a portion of their regular pay while out of work for more than seven days.
- Medical care: Free medical treatment is available to workers, but companies or insurance carriers can choose the healthcare provider. This includes immediate treatment for an injury and ongoing costs for physical therapy or post-injury surgeries.
- Permanent benefits: These are available if the worker suffered two amputations or cannot work in any capacity.
- Death benefits: These cover funeral costs for employees who die on the job. There may be additional benefits to eligible surviving family members.
Other obligations
The workspace should include posted information regarding workers’ compensation benefits. Moreover, the employer must report the injury and its details to the worker’s compensation board office (failure to do so is a misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine). They must also send a copy to the insurance carrier who handles the worker’s comp policy. They must also cooperate with all requests for information from the workers’ compensation board and insurance inquiries regarding employee earnings before and after the accident. The company must also provide accurate dates of when the employee returns to work or other changes to the injured worker’s status. They also must not retaliate against the employee for getting injured or filing for benefits.
Having trouble with workers’ comp benefits?
Unfortunately, not all workers get the benefits they deserve. Those with questions or concerns can often get answers and additional help from law firms specializing in workers’ compensation. They understand the laws and can help hold companies and insurance carriers accountable for all their obligations.