Getting hurt while working on the job in New Jersey can be a shocking and frightening experience. For many employees, it is their first experience with the workers’ compensation process, and they may be confused. However, if they follow specific steps, they can make the situation less overwhelming and more streamlined.
Seeking Medical Treatment
After an injury, a worker should immediately seek medical treatment. Seeking treatment early helps associate the injury with the work accident. The emergency treatment should be well documented by a trained physician. However, if the injury is not an emergency, the employee will have to go to a location or person who has been pre-authorized by the employer. In either case, the injured worker should explain the situation, so the doctor understands what happens. The employee should follow all medical advice, including taking prescriptions and attending physical therapy sessions.
People who wait to obtain medical help or do not follow doctor’s orders make it difficult to link a work incident with a physical injury. For instance, a worker who is hit by a falling object and suffers headaches should seek medical treatment. Waiting a week or two can make it difficult for the worker to show cause and effect.
Telling the Employer
The employer must be notified within 90 days about any work accidents and injuries that happened on the job. It is up to every employer to retain the services of an insurance carrier to handle workers’ compensation benefits and claims. The employer or insurance provider has 21 days to file a report. Employees should ask their employers to let them know when the report is filed.
In some situations, workers may want to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer before officially talking to their employers, especially if they are worried that the employer may not be covered by workers’ compensation or has a track record of not submitting claims.
Following Up with a Claim
After the workers’ compensation claim has been reviewed, it will either be accepted or denied by the employer or the workers’ compensation insurance provider. If it is accepted, the injured employee may be eligible to receive a partial amount of lost wages from the day of the incident. They should also be reimbursed for medical expenses, including related physical therapy, transportation costs, and medical devices. If the workers’ compensation claim is denied, the worker may appeal. At this point, if they have not already retained a workers’ compensation attorney, doing so can increase the likelihood of an acceptance after reconsideration.
Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP Fight for Injured Workers
If you were injured at work, seek the counsel of a Cherry Hill workers’ compensation lawyer at Pietras Saracino Smith & Meeks, LLP today. We will fight for your rights and obtain the justice you deserve. Call us at 856-761-3773 or fill out an online form for a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we help workers throughout South Jersey, including the City of Camden.
