Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in New Jersey

New Jersey reports thousands of worker injuries from work-related accidents every year. A harmful workplace incident can happen when you least expect it, creating financial stress due to medical bills and lost wages. The New Jersey workers’ compensation system was designed to protect workers and their families from this situation. Learn how to file a claim with a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney and ensure that your rights are protected.

Steps to Take to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

In New Jersey, state law requires virtually all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance offers no-fault financial benefits to workers with occupational injuries and diseases. To access this financial coverage, you must take the following steps:

Get medical care. Go to the nearest hospital if you require emergency care. Otherwise, you must visit a doctor that has been approved by your employer. Follow your doctor’s treatment orders and keep copies of your medical records and bills.
Notify your employer. You are required to report the work injury as soon as possible, but at least within 90 days of discovery (30 days if you wish to qualify for full benefits). While a written notification is not mandatory, it is wise so that you have paper records. Include the date and time of the accident and the name of the person who received your report.
File a claim. Once you report the injury to your employer, it is the company’s job to file a claim with its workers’ compensation insurance carrier. If a dispute arises, however, you have the option of submitting a claim yourself with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Check on your claim status. The insurance company will investigate your claim and determine whether to accept or reject benefits. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, temporary or permanent disability, or the death of a loved one, depending on your case.

Throughout your workers’ compensation claim, do your best to document everything. Write a description of what happened and how you were injured, including the names of any witnesses. Keep copies of communications with your employer or its insurance company, as well as relevant injury documentation and bills. If you lost a loved one due to the negligence of someone else, make sure to contact a wrongful death attorney in New Jersey.

What if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied?

While many workers’ compensation claims in New Jersey are straightforward, some have complications and challenges. One example is an insurance company or employer denying the claim. In this situation, you should contact a New Jersey personal injury lawyer without delay. An experienced attorney can help you decide the right legal route for a resolution.

You may need to request a hearing, where a judge will review your case and help you resolve the dispute. There are both formal and informal hearings; a lawyer can recommend which is right for you. If your case has to go to trial, your lawyer can collect and present evidence, including experts, to strengthen and support your claim. If you disagree with the judge’s decision, your lawyer can assist you with an appeal.

When to Hire a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Although New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system was put in place to help injured workers quickly and easily get the money they need to return to their normal lives, filing a claim is not always simple. If you encounter any obstacles, it is important to contact an attorney who specializes in work injury and workers’ compensation cases for assistance.

An attorney can guide you through the legal process with a strategy that is personalized to achieve the best possible results without the stress. If you or a loved one was recently injured in the workplace, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. at (201) 928-0300 for a free workers’ compensation consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys.