Certain jobs in New Jersey are more dangerous than others, but accidents and injuries can occur at any job and in any workplace environment. These injuries can be serious and cause people significant problems. They may need significant medical care and may require significant recovery time. This means they may also not be able to work for a period of time as well.
Workers who suffer injuries at work may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can be very valuable as people recover from their injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits can pay for medical bills people incur as a result of the injuries. The benefits can also pay for a portion of people’s income while they are unable to work.
It is important for workers to know how to receive these benefits and the process for requesting the benefits.
Steps to take after a workplace injury
The first step is to notify the employer about the accident and injury. The notification can be to a supervisor, manager, human resources or other people with authority within the company. After notifying the company about the injury if they need medical attention they should request it. Under the law, the employer or their insurance carrier has the right to choose the medical provider for the injured worker.
After the employer is notified about the injury they need to submit a claim to their insurance provider who will then file the claim with the state. The insurance provider then determines whether they will cover the claim. If they determine it is covered by the law, they will then authorize medical treatment and pay a portion of the wages if the injury prevents the worker from working for more than seven days.
There are times when the insurance provider may deny the claim though. Disputes can arise and if that occurs the worker can file a claim and request a hearing with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. After the hearing the judge will make a decision about whether the worker will receive the benefits or not. If it come to it, workers need to be prepared for these hearings as the outcome is very important.
