Suffering a serious spinal cord injury at work can completely change your life. In addition to the pain and physical limitations, navigating the workers’ compensation process to get the help you need can be overwhelming.
If you’re dealing with a spinal cord injury, there are several challenges you may face as you seek workers’ comp benefits. Understanding these hurdles and how New Jersey law applies can make a significant difference in securing the support you deserve.
Proving the extent of your injury
One of the first hurdles you may encounter is proving the severity of your spinal cord injury. In New Jersey, workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and lost wages, but to access those benefits, you need to demonstrate that the injury occurred while on the job and is severe enough to warrant significant compensation.
Spinal cord injuries are often complex, and insurers may question the long-term effects of your condition. It’s important to have thorough medical records and expert opinions to show how your injury affects your daily life.
Complicated treatment and rehabilitation
Spinal cord injuries require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. The process can be long and costly, and not all medical expenses are automatically covered by workers’ comp. In New Jersey, workers’ compensation should pay for necessary treatments like surgeries, therapy, and rehabilitation.
However, if your injury is particularly severe, you may face challenges in getting approval for specialized care. Rehabilitation programs that support long-term recovery may need continuous negotiations to ensure all your needs are met.
Impact on your ability to return to work
A spinal cord injury can leave you unable to return to your previous job, or in some cases, unable to work at all. New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits include temporary or permanent disability payments, but they may not be enough to replace your full income. If you’re permanently disabled, you may need to seek out vocational retraining, which can also be a challenge in a workers’ comp claim. Workers’ compensation should cover retraining costs, but you may encounter delays or disputes over what types of jobs you’re qualified to do.
Emotional and psychological effects
The emotional toll of a severe spinal cord injury shouldn’t be overlooked. Many workers face depression, anxiety, or other psychological challenges in the aftermath of their injury. While New Jersey workers’ comp does include coverage for psychological conditions related to work injuries, it can be difficult to prove that your emotional distress is directly linked to your spinal injury. Without proper documentation and support, getting coverage for mental health treatment can be a challenge.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. By being proactive and well-prepared, you can navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and ensure that you receive the full benefits you deserve.