Where to Direct Your Worker’s Comp Case in The Workplace
A worker’s comp case can end up being complex and financially physically and emotionally taxing. While it may seem like filing a workers’ compensation claim for your medical bills and time off work should be a no-brainer, many people don’t realize that there are specific steps you must take to ensure your injuries are properly reported to your employer. Our experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC is well-versed in helping clients effectively navigate workers’ comp claims and can help you get compensation for your medical bills, a portion of lost wages and other injury-related expenses.
What to Do if You’ve Been Injured at Work
Report your injuries to a supervisor or HR department immediately. When a workplace injury is reported to an employer, they must notify their insurance carrier immediately to ensure that a First Report of Injury is filed with the State in a timely manner. After any accident, it is essential to seek medical care for your injuries. Under New Jersey workers’ compensation law, an employer or workers’ comp insurance carrier is permitted to select specific healthcare providers for injured workers. Ask your employer for a list of eligible providers so you can get the care you need immediately.
Your employer’s workers’ comp insurer will investigate your claim and determine whether you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If your workers’ comp claim is approved, you will be directed to an appropriate medical provider. If you are off work for more than seven days, the insurer should also provide you with temporary disability benefits during your recovery.
If you are in need of prompt medical treatment and temporary benefits, you may file a Motion for Medical and Temporary Benefits with the state of New Jersey. Having a skilled workers’ comp attorney help you with this motion can make a difficult time easier and allow you to focus on healing.
Your employer or their insurer must submit a Subsequent Report of Injury to the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation within 26 weeks after you’ve returned to work or have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). A copy will be sent to you for you review.
How to Handle Your Workers’ Comp Case if Your Claim Is Denied
If your workers’ comp claim has been denied, you may file either a formal Claim Petition or an Application for an Informal Hearing with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. Seeking the counsel of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to assist you with this process and represent your interests in negotiations with the insurance company or employer is vital. A lawyer who is well-versed in the complexities of the New Jersey workers’ comp process will advise you on the most effective course of action and make sure that all required motions and filings are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
Typically, a skilled attorney can negotiate a reasonable settlement so your workers’ comp case won’t have to go to trial. However, if your workers’ comp case cannot be resolved in negotiations or mediation, your workers’ compensation lawyer will represent your interests in court to ensure you receive medical treatment you need and cash benefits you deserve.
For assistance with your workers’ comp case, contact us to schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC today.
Contact Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC
Whether you’ve been injured at work, in an automobile accident, or due to medical malpractice – you deserve justice and fair compensation for your injuries. Since 1997, the personal injury attorneys of Gold, Albanese & Barletti have established a legacy of justice for our clients. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to get maximum compensation for your injuries. There are no upfront legal fees and we don’t get paid unless you win your case.
Our firm is licensed and admitted to municipal, state, federal and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Since 1997, we have helped thousands of clients and established a track record of success across a wide array of legal practice areas.