As a part-time employee, you are likely no stranger to juggling multiple responsibilities. But what happens when you sustain an injury on the job? Can you still count on workers’ compensation to support you during your recovery?
Part-time employees are generally eligible for workers’ comp benefits
Workers’ compensation is a state-required program that extends aid to employees who suffer an injury or fall ill due to their work. It covers medical expenses, lost wages and rehabilitation costs.
In New Jersey, workers’ compensation laws generally apply to both full-time and part-time employees. This means you can file a claim if you get injured while performing your job duties.
Meeting the requirements is crucial
In order to be eligible for workers’ compensation, you need to satisfy specific criteria, including:
- You must be an employee, not an independent contractor.
- You must have suffered an injury or illness that arose out of and in the course of your employment.
- You must report the injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident.
- You must file a claim with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development within two years of the incident.
Sometimes, the process of claiming workers’ compensation is not straightforward. Disputes can arise over the extent of your injury or the benefits you receive.
In these situations, it is often wise to work with an attorney, especially if your claim gets denied. An experienced attorney knows the legal system and can advocate on your behalf. By taking this approach, you can confidently pursue the fair compensation you need to heal.