After a serious work-related accident, injured parties and their families have a lot of information to take in. The combination of doctor visits, medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and added monetary expenses can prove to be overwhelming.
In this difficult situation, it is important to learn about the legal system and how to successfully navigate through it. Knowing a few critical numbers can help you better understand workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey. Seeing this information at a glance can make it a little easier to know what to expect with regard to these crucial benefits.
7 Days
In order to receive temporary disability benefits, you must be out of work for more than seven, non-consecutive days as a result of a work-related injury or illness. Medical benefits do not have a waiting period.
70 Percent
In addition to the payment of medical expenses, a person is entitled to collect 70 percent of their average weekly wages when they receive temporary disability benefits and are unable to work.
2 Years
After an injury, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, if you receive employer-authorized medical treatment, you have two years from the last date of treatment to file same. If you have an occupational illness like Mesothelioma or Asbestosis, you have two years from the date you become aware of the connection between the illness and your employment to file a claim.
14 Days
Most people have to wait about two weeks before they start receiving benefits for temporary disability. In cases where there are delays by an employer or insurance carrier, it can be much longer. However, if a delay is more than 30 days, it is an unreasonable delay, which can lead to the payment of additional benefits and possibly legal fees.
Most importantly, zero is the number of days injured workers and their families should wait after a work-related accident to discuss their legal options with an attorney. Workers’ compensation can be a complicated system, especially when an employer or insurance company drags their feet or wrongfully denies claims. Victims and their families do not have to navigate it alone.