Regardless of your job, it is possible to be injured while you are working. Being injured at work can make you question how you are going to pay for medical treatment and whether you will have income to pay your bills. Fortunately, New Jersey has workers’ compensation laws to protect employees.
If you were hurt on the job and are unsure of what to do next, continue reading. The experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at Petro Cohen created the following overview of how to process workers’ compensation claims. Contact our office if you have additional questions about the process or would like help filing your claim.
Step 1: Report Your Injury
You must notify your employer that you were injured as soon as possible after the incident. You can report your injury to any supervisor, manager, or person in charge, and you can report it verbally or in writing. When reporting, it is important to note whether you need or received medical attention for your injury.
The workers’ comp claim process starts after your employer receives the injury report and files it with the state. Your employer must then investigate your claim to determine if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
Unless you are experiencing a medical emergency, ask your employer for a list of approved doctors after you are injured at work. New Jersey law allows employers to select the doctors who treat injured workers, except in emergency situations. Workers can also select a doctor if their employer refuses to provide a list of approved doctors.
Schedule an appointment to receive a diagnosis, orders to heal the injury, and an approximate timeline to return to work. It is critical for you to follow your doctor’s orders. Failure to do so may disqualify you from claiming benefits.
Step 3: Report Doctor’s Updates to Employer
Keep your employer updated on your healing progress during your workers’ compensation claims process. Depending on your case, your doctor may release you to work on light or restricted duty. These orders must also be followed to preserve your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney
Workers should consult with an established workers’ compensation attorney to fully understand the pros and cons of each process. Talk to a knowledgeable New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at Petro Cohen to learn about compensation available for your injury to make certain you receive the benefits to which you are entitled and your rights are fully protected. Contact Petro Cohen today at 888-675-7607 or fill out an online contact form to schedule your consultation.
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