If you suffer an injury at work, then you will most likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If you have not dealt with workers’ compensation before, it can be quite confusing to understand what benefits you can get. Keep in mind that if you collected benefits in another state, things might be different in New Jersey since each state manages its own system.
According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, you can get a range of benefits that include loss of wage payments and medical payments. Loss of wage payments have restrictions. You cannot collect them until you miss seven days of work. On the eighth day, you will start to earn benefits for lost wages of 70% your average weekly wage.
Medical benefits start right away. You can seek emergency care or whatever medical care you need immediately for the injury. Workers’ compensation will handle the process to pay for your care associated with the injury. This includes any ongoing medical care you will need until you fully heal.
Your family also can get benefits through workers’ compensation if you die as a result of an accident at work. They can get weekly payments of 70% of your average weekly wages up to the maximum benefit amount. They also can collect money for funeral expenses up to $3,500.
To collect any benefits, you have to apply and your employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not have insurance, you may be able to make a claim under the Uninsured Employers Fund or take your employer to court to recoup damages.