What Benefits Can I Receive?
Last updated on July 18, 2024
After being injured at work, many people wonder, “What benefits can I receive?” In New Jersey, you are entitled to three benefits through the workers’ compensation system: medical benefits, lost wages and a permanency award, if applicable.
Medical Benefits
In New Jersey, the workers’ compensation system covers the costs of all necessary medical treatment, including prescription medicine, hospitalizations and surgeries and physical therapy.
Who Chooses The Doctor? Your employer has the right to decide which doctor(s) you see.
Except for instances of emergency care, all medical treatment must be preauthorized by your employer’s insurance carrier. This pre-authorization requirement can cause difficulties. Workers’ compensation carriers are often slow to approve treatment or deny treatment outright. Carriers also often attempt to get workers back on the job before they’ve healed, stopping needed medical treatment.
When this happens, our lawyers act fast, filing Motions for Medical Treatment with the Division of Workers’ Compensation. We have tried many cases over the years with great success. We will make sure you get the medical treatment you need.
Lost Wages
If you are injured at work — regardless of fault — and are unable to work while recovering, you are entitled to a portion of your lost wages. The length of time you receive these benefits depends on the severity of your injury.
- Temporary total disability — If you are unable to work for more than seven days, you are entitled to 70 percent of your average weekly wage, up to the statutory maximum, until you are able to return to work or have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- Permanent partial disability — If your work injury leaves you with a permanent disability — such as limitation of function or the loss of a limb — but still able to work, you are entitled to an additional monetary award. The amount of this compensation is based on your disability.
- Permanent total disability — If your work injury is so severe that you are completely unable to return to any type of job, you may be entitled to permanent disability. You will be paid 70 percent of your average weekly wage, up to the statutory maximum, for 450 weeks, at which time you will be reevaluated to determine whether you are still totally disabled.
Permanent Benefits
Many workers don’t realize they are entitled to permanency benefits. If you have a permanent disability — even if you are able to return to work — you may be entitled to a permanency award.
At R.C. Shea & Associates, we have helped hundreds of workers throughout New Jersey maximize their workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys will sit down with you, review your accident and your injury, and build a strong legal claim for permanency benefits.
Death Benefits
If you have lost a spouse or parent (upon whom you were dependent) in a work injury, you can pursue death benefits. Benefits are equal to 70 percent of the deceased’s average weekly wage, up to the statutory maximum. Employers must also pay up to $3,500 in funeral expenses.
Do Not Wait
After a work injury, you need to notify your employer immediately. You have limited time to pursue benefits; do not wait until it is too late. Contact our firm today. Meeting with us won’t cost you anything. Consultations are free and we don’t collect a fee until we’ve obtained benefits on your behalf.
Call our Toms River office at 732-505-1212.