First responder work can expose you to injuries that require extensive medical attention. And when an injury or illness happens on the job, workers’ compensation is meant to step in and cover medical care, including hospital treatment. As a first responder with a work injury, you typically have a right to receive hospital care under workers’ compensation coverage.
However, coverage does not always come without challenges. The system is complex, and disputes or delays may arise during the claims process. This is why having the support of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is crucial.
Petro Cohen is a highly experienced legal group that has been serving the people of New Jersey for over 30 years. We can help you understand your rights and get the most out of your workers’ compensation claim.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a system that provides medical care and financial support to employees who are injured or become ill because of their job. In general, New Jersey law requires employers to provide these benefits, available to employees regardless of who was at fault for the injury.
What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
Workers’ compensation benefits generally fall into four categories:
- Medical benefits;
- Temporary disability benefits that provide partial wage replacement;
- Permanent disability benefits that compensate you for permanent impairments; and
- Death benefits.
Medical care is often the most urgent concern. Hospital visits, surgeries, and ongoing treatment can quickly become expensive. That’s where hospital care under workers’ compensation coverage comes into play.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Lost Wages
When your injury prevents you from working or leaves you with lasting limitations, workers’ compensation can cover some of your financial losses by:
- Replacing approximately 70% of average weekly wages (subject to limits) when you temporarily cannot work;
- Paying you a lump sum for permanent injuries; and
- Providing death benefits for surviving family members.
These benefits support both recovery and financial stability. For first responders, this can mean the difference between focusing on healing and worrying about lost income.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Health Care
Employers must provide necessary medical and other treatment to help employees heal from a work-related injury. If you are an injured worker, you may have access to many types of care.
Does Workers’ Comp Cover Hospital Bills?
Yes. Workers’ compensation covers hospital and emergency room bills for necessary treatment. If your private insurance paid for necessary care related to your work, reimbursement may be available in some cases, if the treatment is later found to be work-related and compensable.
What Other Healthcare Benefits Can I Receive?
Other benefits include:
- Surgeries;
- Diagnostic testing (MRIs, X-rays);
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services;
- Prescription medications; and
- Replacement or new medical devices, glasses, or prosthetics.
For first responders, additional policies under New Jersey law aimed at making it easier for certain public safety workers to get benefits may also help support a claim.
What Happens If I Do Not Report My Injury Quickly?
While workers’ comp does cover hospital bills, financial losses, and other medical care, failure to report your injury to your employer timely can bar your claim. Typically, you have between 14 and 90 days to notify your employer about your injury. If you do not report your injury within this time, you might not receive compensation.
Do I Have Control Over My Medical Care?
Your employer or its insurance carrier typically controls the choice of medical provider. If you seek treatment without authorization in a non-emergency situation, coverage may be denied.
What Happens to Medical Bills When Workers’ Comp Is Denied?
If your employer denies your claim, you may become responsible for your medical bills until the claim is resolved or coverage is established. Hospitals and providers may bill your personal insurance (or you) directly. This can create serious financial stress while your case is unresolved.
If you cannot prove that your injury or condition is work-related, you may still have a right to partial wage replacement under your employer’s disability insurance program. You may also have the right to challenge a denial by requesting a hearing before the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Why Hire an Attorney?
What workers’ comp does cover is supposed to be straightforward, but real-world cases are often complex.
An attorney can help cut through potential challenges by:
- Confirming that your treatment is authorized and covered,
- Challenging delays in the claim review process,
- Securing access to appropriate medical providers, and
- Resolving disputes.
When questions arise about benefits under New Jersey workers’ compensation, legal guidance can help clarify your rights and protect your access to support. The attorneys at Petro Cohen, PC can help guide you through this process so that you receive all the benefits you need and deserve.
Legal References Used to Inform This Page
To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and other resources during the content development process:
- Findings, declarations relative to workers’ compensation for certain public safety workers, N.J.S.A. 34:15-31.3 (2019).
- Definitions relative to workers’ compensation for certain public safety workers, N.J.S.A. 34:15-31.4 (2019).
- When workers’ compensation applies, N.J.S.A. 34:15-7 (1979).
- Disability compensation, N.J.S.A. 34:15-12 (2019).
- Death benefits, burial expenses; computation and distribution, N.J.S.A. 34:15-13 (2020).
- Medical and hospital service, N.J.S.A. 34:15-15 (2019).
- Reimbursement of insurance company or others paying medical, surgical or hospital expenses, N.J.S.A. 34:15-15.1 (1953).
- Damage to prosthetic devices, hearing aids, artificial members; dental appliances or eyeglasses; liability, N.J.S.A. 34:15-12.7 (1963).
- Injury, illness, death resulting from administration of vaccine eligible for compensation, N.J.S.A. 34:15-31.6 (2019).
- Injury, illness, death caused by certain substances eligible for compensation, N.J.S.A. 34:15-31.7 (2019).
- Injury, illness, death of firefighter caused by cancer eligible for compensation, N.J.S.A. 34:15-31.8 (2019).
- Employer of first responders, 12 hours of paid confidential counseling, N.J.S.A. 34:15-31.16 (2025).
- Requirements for public safety worker to receive compensation, N.J.S.A. 34:15-31.5 (2019).
- Notification, N.J.S.A 34:15-17.
- Disputes, N.J.S.A. 34:15-22 (1952).
- New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, “Workers’ Compensation: Navigating Disputes.”
Loading...