Workers’ compensation insurance provides financial protection for workers injured during their employment. This coverage may provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other financial losses caused by a work-related injury or illness.
These are three of the most frequently asked questions about New Jersey workers’ compensation.
1. What should I do if I have injured myself on the job?
Seek medical treatment. Your employer or their insurance carrier may elect to choose your health care provider. Notify your employer as soon as possible. Most employers have procedures in place for reporting injuries on the job. If you are not sure who to contact, notify a direct supervisor or another authority figure at your place of employment.
2. Who decides whether I can receive workers’ compensation benefits?
Either your employer or your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier will investigate your claim and decide if you should receive benefits. However, if you do not agree with their decision, you can file a claim with the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
3. What can I do if the doctor says I can do light work, but my employer does not offer it?
If your doctor releases you to perform light-duty work, but your employer tells you that it does not have any suitable work for you to do, then you may remain eligible for temporary disability benefits until you reach the date your health care provider says that you have achieved maximum medical improvement.
If you need more information about New Jersey workers’ compensation law, you can contact the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.