Most New Jersey workers are entitled to file workers’ compensation claims if they suffer injuries or illnesses on the job. The system is in place to protect both businesses and employees. It’s important to understand how the workers’ comp system operates.
How does workers’ compensation work?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance coverage carried by many businesses to mutually protect the business and its employees. Workers’ comp is in place to provide employees who become injured or ill while on the job with monetary benefits when they’re unable to work or required to limit their hours and duties. It can also protect the employer by preventing injured or ill employees from filing a lawsuit.
When a covered worker suffers an injury on the job, they can automatically file for workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ comp system is not based on fault, which means that when someone is injured or falls ill on the job, they’re not required to prove to their employer how it happened.
What benefits are covered by workers’ compensation?
Workers’ comp insurance offers an array of benefits for employees who have become ill or injured while working. Temporary benefits are available for those who are considered disabled for longer than seven days at a percentage of their normal weekly wage.
Permanent partial and permanent total benefits are available and cover the worker based on their injuries. Permanent partial benefits are given to those who have permanent disabilities while permanent total benefits are in place for workers who can’t return to work at all.
Death benefits are available to the surviving family members of a worker who dies as a result of on-the-job injuries or illnesses. Payments are a percentage of what were the decedent’s weekly wages.
Workers’ comp benefits also cover an injured or ill employee’s medical expenses and necessary treatment for ongoing care. It can make a big difference when a person is rendered unable to work.
