Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance designed to compensate injured workers. The benefits cover things like medical costs and lost wages.
While proving medical costs is straightforward, some injured workers are confused about how to show what wages they lost due to their injury. Learn how to prove lost wages for your workers’ comp claim here.
1. Report the injury
The initial step in filing a worker’s comp claim is promptly reporting the injury to your employer. In New Jersey, this window is quite generous, allowing up to 90 days. However, reporting it as soon as possible is advisable to prevent any delays in the compensation process.
2. Obtain medical documentation
Seek immediate medical attention following the injury. Ensure that the medical reports clearly state the injuries’ severity, which is important in establishing the extent of your wage loss claim.
3. Calculate your average weekly wages
In New Jersey, the compensation for lost wages is calculated based on your average weekly wage over a period of 26 weeks before the injury. Gather all necessary documents, including pay stubs, tax returns and other proof of earnings, to determine the average.
4. Collect additional proof
Gather other evidence supporting your claim besides medical reports and wage stubs. This may include testimonies from co-workers or photos and videos from the accident scene, which can show what happened.
If you want to collect workers’ comp benefits for lost wages, it is wise to use the information here. Knowing your legal rights and options will help you protect them.
