Steps to Take if You are Injured at Work
A workplace injury can lead to costly medical bills and time missed from work. All New Jersey employers are required to provide New Jersey Workers’ Compensation insurance to cover their employees that are injured on the job. Workers’ Compensation benefits cover all medical expenses related to a worker’s injury and provide much needed compensation for lost wages due to an extended recovery period.
In some cases, Workers’ Compensation benefits are initially denied. This does not mean that the injured worker cannot claim compensation. An experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can appeal the initial denial and help the injured worker claim the maximum amount of compensation available to them under the law.
What to Do if You are Injured at Work
The most important thing to do if you are injured at work is to address your injuries. Medical intervention is the top priority in getting a worker’s injury stabilized and getting the victim transported to a nearby emergency room, hospital, urgent care center, or doctor as soon as possible. Once this has occurred, the injured worker must report the incident and the injury to the appropriate supervisor, manager, human resources department, or employer.
It is important to know what the corporate policies are in relation to workplace injuries. In some cases, the injured worker will be required to see a specific medical professional or use the services of a particular hospital or urgent care facility. There may also be firm deadlines to meet in filing a report of the incident, and certain requirements for medical evidence. New Jersey law requires injured workers to file a report with their employer within 14 days of the incident. Failing to comply with state and corporate mandates could jeopardize Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Injured workers who go to their own family doctor for treatment, see a specialist without a proper referral from the company appointed doctor, or seek a second opinion without the employer’s approval may have their Workers’ Compensation benefits denied. A denial of benefits due to non-compliance with corporate policy will be difficult to appeal. For this reason, it is important that employees know the proper procedures for filing for Workers’ Compensation benefits before an injury takes place.
What Happens if A Workers’ Compensation Claim is Initially Denied?
Workers’ Compensation benefits are frequently denied when first submitted. An employer or the Workers’ Compensation insurance provider will sometimes argue that the worker’s injury was not a direct result of their job. Do not lose hope if this happens. The appeal process for denied benefits is often successful, but one that requires experience and knowledge of the law.
Consultation with an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer is vital for a successful appeal. A knowledgeable and reputable Workers’ Compensation lawyer will make sure that all deadlines are submitted in accordance with the law and will ensure all pertinent evidence required to prove your right to Workers’ Compensation benefits is provided. Failure to meet deadlines or provide necessary evidence during the appeals process could result in total loss of Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Piscataway Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Counsel and Represent Injured Workers
If you have been injured at work, call the Piscataway Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr at 877-249-4600, or 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Our Highland Park offices serve clients throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
