Workers’ compensation is a “no fault” insurance program that provides medical treatment, wage replacement, and permanent disability compensation to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. In New Jersey, virtually every employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Your boss should have supplied you with an information pamphlet on workers’ compensation when you began work. Also, the law requires that information on workers’ compensation must be posted in a place visible to all employees.
If you are hurt while at work, it is your responsibility to inform your boss or manager as soon as possible. Once your boss is notified of your injury, the law requires them to fill out an injury report to be submitted to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. An injury report should include as many details as possible about the injury and what caused it.
If you require immediate medical treatment for your injuries, your employer (or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier) must provide you with such treatment. Your employer and/or the insurance carrier have the right to choose the medical provider for your treatment .
At this point, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will file a claim petition, which begins the formal workers’ compensation process. Your case will then proceed under the direction of your attorney.
It is against the law for your boss to discourage you from reporting an injury, seeking medical treatment, or filing a claim petition. It is also against the law for your boss to fire you, punish you, or otherwise retaliate against you for reporting an injury, seeking treatment, or filing a claim petition. If your employer does any of these things, they can be punished severely by the court.
If you have been hurt on the job, it is important for you to obtain an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. Your lawyer will handle your claim as it moves through the system, and will help you get the compensation you deserve.
I have been handling workers’ compensation cases for almost 30 years. If you have been injured at work, give me a call at (908) 232-2040 or email me at vj@kdjlawoffice.com for a free consultation.