What to Do After a Workplace Accident in New Jersey

After an on-the-job accident, taking the appropriate steps promptly is essential to protect your rights. The state’s workers’ compensation program follows a no-fault system, which means you are eligible to receive benefits regardless of who was at fault. The policy also protects your employer from lawsuits to recover compensation for pain and suffering.

Benefits may include payment for medical treatment, temporary wage replacement, or permanent disability payments, as needed. Call today to speak to a knowledgeable lawyer for more information about what to do after a workplace accident in New Jersey.

What Are the Appropriate Steps?

The first step is to report the injury and its specifics to your employer immediately. That could be your supervisor, the human resources department, or anyone in authority right away. While reporting in writing is not a requirement, it is easier to track and document when doing so. Once you notify your employer of the injuries, the time to file for workers’ compensation benefits begins. While you have up to two years, filing as soon as possible is best.

Seek Medical Treatment

Your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier will provide a list of authorized doctors for an evaluation. The benefits cover all reasonable medical care expenses, including prescriptions, hospitalization, and other healthcare services to treat the injury you received while fulfilling your job duties.

Follow the Doctor’s Treatment Plan

Following your doctor’s treatment plan is essential as it affects your benefits. If the injury leads to a disability lasting longer than seven days, you are likely eligible for temporary total disability benefits, which are 70 percent of your average weekly wage.

File a Formal Claim

If longer-term benefits are needed, you can file a formal claim. If this is accepted, your benefits will be automatically processed. If there are issues, such as a denial or dispute, you may need to apply for an Informal Hearing.

Another option is filing an Employee Claim Petition with the state agency, the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. Our qualified lawyer can assist you throughout the process and answer questions about what to do after a workplace injury in New Jersey.

Monitor Progress and Follow Up

After you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), the insurance provider must submit a Subsequent Report of Injury within 26 weeks, providing you with a copy to review. If you have a permanent partial or total disability, additional benefits may be available based on the extent of your injuries.

Protection Against Discrimination or Retaliation

Workers filing for benefits under workers’ compensation receive protection from retaliation, including being fired, demoted, or harassed. If that happens, you can file a discrimination complaint using Form SCF-4 with the Office of Special Compensation Funds. You also have the right to pursue damages in civil court for retaliation.

Some additional tips to keep in mind throughout the process include documenting everything, including records of the accident, witness statements, medical appointments, and all communications. Our seasoned lawyer can assist you throughout the process and answer questions about what to do after a work-related accident in New Jersey.

Speak to a Knowledgeable Attorney about What to Do After a New Jersey Workplace Accident

If you suffer an injury while at work, knowing the appropriate steps to take to protect your rights and health is crucial. Under the state’s non-fault workers’ compensation benefits, all injuries occurring while handling your job duties will likely qualify for coverage without proving who was at fault for the accident.

While hiring a legal professional is not a requirement, they can help you through the process and protect your rights throughout. Call our office today to speak to a qualified lawyer and learn more about what to do after a workplace accident in New Jersey.