You are probably aware of the risks involved with your job and know that you could at some point suffer an injury. If so, New Jersey has a workers’ compensation system ready to assist you in your time of need. The first step to making the system work for you is letting your employer know of your injury.
While cases of injury on the job will have their differences, New Jersey law provides some general guidelines that may help workers notify their employers of a workplace injury.
Who to notify at your workplace
Your employer may have explained the chain of command in your workplace so that you know who to contact if you get hurt on the job. For the purposes of New Jersey law, you may deliver your notice to anyone in authority at your workplace. Some examples can include your immediate supervisor or the personnel office.
How to deliver notification
You may wonder if you have to fill out paperwork for your workplace to properly receive your notice. While documentation will be a part of your workers’ comp process, you do not have to use paperwork to let your workplace know of an injury. You may notify your superiors by telling them in person.
When to notify of an injury
You should give notice of your injury as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment. Your employer must notify their insurance carrier so that the insurer can determine if workers’ comp law will cover your injury. Expect the insurer to contact you, your employer and the medical provider about the matter. If the carrier accepts your claim, the insurer will identify the medical provider to go to for treatment.
You also want to get the process going so that you can know soon enough whether the carrier will accept your claim or not. Your employer may also contest your claim to benefits. In the event of a denial, you may appeal your claim with the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation.
