The workers’ compensation framework in New Jersey covers the majority of medical expenses for employees injured in workplace incidents. In addition, the State’s workers’ comp program provides compensation for permanent and temporary disabilities, support for deceased workers, and limited funeral expenses.
Each state has its own version of workers’ compensation statutes, which the majority of employers are mandated to provide for all of their employees. If you have suffered an injury in a job-related incident, then you are likely eligible to receive some form of payment as part of the workers’ compensation program.
Unfortunately, similar to other categories of insurance coverages, the specific policies and procedural requirements encompassed within New Jersey’s workers’ compensation insurance program – in addition to the insurance provider’s motivation to obtain a low settlement – can mean that getting the compensation you deserve can be a nuanced and intimidating process.
Luckily, the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Petro Cohen are ready and willing to assist you in processing your claim as efficiently and effectively as possible. It comes down to the fact that the final disposition of your case will be significantly dependent on the skill and quality of your legal representation. Select Excellence™. You can rest assured that the legal team at Petro Cohen, P.C. takes great pride in their proven legal abilities and track-record of success, and are willing to go the extra mile ensure that you received the support you need to recover from your workplace injury.
We are here to answer each and every one of your questions regarding your claim. Frequently, clients are interested in the various types of workers’ compensation insurance benefits that they may be eligible to receive. The following is a brief overview of the types of benefits that you may be entitled to after suffering an injury at your place of employment.
Benefits Available Via Workers’ Compensation
- Medical Benefits: Workers’ Compensation insurance covers “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses. This includes treatment programs, prescriptions, and related hospital services utilized to treat the work-related injury. The employer, in conjunction with its insurance provider, has the authority to select the medical providers for all workplace injuries.
- Temporary Total Benefits: In the event a qualified employee sustains a disability that lasts over seven consecutive days, they will be deemed eligible for temporary total benefits, which are retroactively applied to the initial day of missed work. The employee will be compensated at an amount of 70% of their median weekly earnings, not to exceed the statutory maximum rate or dip under the statutory minimum rate that is set on an annual basis by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. These disbursements are made until the employee returns to full-time employment status, has reached a physician-determined “maximum medical improvement” (also known as MMI), or has been disabled for 400 consecutive weeks.
- Permanent Partial Benefits: In circumstances when an employee incurs a permanent physical disability due to a workplace injury or illness, the associated workers’ compensation benefits are premised on the worker’s functional loss and are disbursed on a weekly basis pursuant to the workers’ compensation law.
- Permanent Total Benefits: An employee is entitled to receive permanent total disability benefits in instances where the workplace injury or illness precludes them from performing any category of gainful employment in the future. These benefits are 70% of the employee’s weekly median earnings and are paid on a weekly schedule for an initial window of 450 weeks. After this initial period, the employee must demonstrate that they remain completely disabled in order to continue receiving the benefits.
- Death Benefits: Dependents of an employee who is killed in a work-related accident may qualify for death benefits and funeral costs of up to $3,500. Death benefits are disbursed on a weekly basis and are equal to 70% of the earnings of the deceased employee.
Workers are often relieved to learn that, under New Jersey’s “No Fault” workers’ compensation statute, they are not required to prove their employer was at fault for their injury in order to receive the benefits listed above (although certain employee actions, including the use of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident, may preclude you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits). The only fact that you as the worker must substantiate is that the injury or disease was in some way associated with your employment obligations.
Contact a Trusted New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
The workers’ compensation claims process can be intimidating and confusing, particularly if you have never been through the process or if your claim is one that is complicated in and of itself. Disputed claims are common. Your employer and their insurance company may be unwilling to provide you with the financial support you need to cover your medical bills and lost earnings during the rehabilitation process.
At Petro Cohen, P.C., our attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience and specialize in assisting injured workers, like you, solve all of their workers’ compensation related needs. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have exceptional credentials and a proven track record of success, and will work hard to ensure you receive the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve. Frank Petro, who heads the workers’ comp department, has been recognized as an outstanding attorney by Best Lawyers® every year since 1995 and by Super Lawyers® every year since 2005. He also has achieved a rating of “Superb” on the leading lawyer-review website, Avvo®, the highest achievable rating. The law firm received the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell – the world’s foremost authority on law firm credentials – in Professional Excellence and Ethical Standards and Legal Ability.
You’ve worked hard – let our attorneys work hard for you. The first step is consulting with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys about the specifics of your claim. We offer free consultations, and only get paid if we are successful at winning your case.
Contact us today at 888-675-7607 or by live chat on our Web site to set up a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.