Each year, millions of workers in a wide range of industries are injured on the job. Being hurt at work doesn’t just affect your physical health—it can also jeopardize your financial well-being. You could be entitled to compensation for things like medical bills, medications, and lost income from taking time off while you recover. The best way to get every dime you’re entitled to is to team up with a workers compensation attorney.
Understanding Workers Compensation
The best time to learn about workers comp is before you’re injured at work. The purpose of workers compensation is to protect employers and their employees from financial losses associated with workplace injuries and illnesses. While coverage varies by plan and insurance company, workers comp usually covers:
- Medical expenses, including doctor visits, treatment, medicine, and ongoing care costs
- Lost wages and benefits
- Funeral expenses benefiting family members if the worker passes away
Workers compensation is no-fault insurance, meaning you should be covered even if you accidentally caused your own injuries. Still, the following is usually not covered:
- Injuries from a fight that the employee started
- Injuries resulting from intoxication at work
- Injuries that the employee sustained on purpose
- Emotional injuries not accompanied by physical injuries
Seeking Medical Care After a Work Injury
To obtain coverage through workers compensation, you must report your workplace injury or illness as soon as possible (preferably in writing) and seek medical care from an approved provider. If you seek treatment from a doctor that isn’t part of your employer’s insurance plan, you may be responsible for those medical expenses.
Before you file a claim, gather information about the employer, the injured employee, and the details surrounding the incident. Then, file a report with the workers comp insurance company as soon as possible.
If you require immediate treatment, you’ll need a way to cover your medical bills while your workers comp claim is being processed. That’s why it’s important to have health insurance and emergency savings. Be prepared to pay deductibles and co-insurance upfront. Then, the workers comp insurance company will reimburse you and your health insurance provider once your claim goes through.
Options for Seeking Damages Outside of Workers Comp
Many employees don’t know about the other options available for receiving much-needed financial support following a work injury. In situations involving premises liability, it might make sense to file a personal injury lawsuit. You might also want to submit a disability insurance claim outside your employer’s workers comp coverage. Speak with an attorney for more information.
Get Help Filing a Workers Compensation Claim
The team at Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC can guide you through the workers compensation system in New Jersey. We have 65 years of combined experience helping our clients receive the maximum benefits as quickly as possible, whether through workers comp, a personal injury lawsuit, or other avenues. Contact us at 862-263-0770 today to schedule your free, one-hour consultation. A Spanish translator is available upon request.
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