Under NJ Workers’ Compensation law, if you or a loved one have been exposed to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) while acting within the scope of employment you are entitled to receive medical treatment, lost wage benefits, and a disability award from your employer. If the unthinkable occurs and a loved one passes away from the Coronavirus, then dependents can recover death benefits.
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable medical expenses related to the exposure. This includes hospital expenses, medical treatment, and prescription medications. Make sure you go to the physician your employer directs you to see. Otherwise, you put yourself in jeopardy of having to pay for it yourself.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If you miss work for more than seven days, you are eligible for temporary disability benefits. This benefit pays 70 percent of your average weekly pay. These benefits last until you are able to work again or you have reached the maximum recovery.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If the condition is permanent, but you can still perform some type of work, you should receive disability payments for the “functional loss” the exposure caused. These benefits are paid after the case is settled in workers’ compensation court.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
If the condition is so severe that you cannot perform any type of job, then you are eligible for permanent total disability benefits. Total disability initially lasts 450 weeks. If after this period of time you remain totally disabled, you will continue receiving these benefits.
Dependency or Death benefits
The untimely death of a spouse or parent is devastating. The emotional pain may never completely go away and can create financial concerns as well. Workers’ Compensation provides benefits for loved ones. The surviving spouse and children who were part of the household at the time of the unfortunate death are presumed to be dependents. Dependent children can receive their parents’ death benefits until the age of 18 or 23 if they are full-time students. A spouse can receive benefits for their entire life. Other alleged dependents such as parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters may be entitled to receive death benefits as well.
A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
Proving eligibility for workers’ compensation after any type of exposure at work can be difficult. You must show that the injury arose from the course of your employment.
Over his career, attorney Kenneth Kaplan has helped numerous families recover benefits related to exposures from work. If you or a loved one have been exposed to the Coronavirus at work, contact the office to discuss your legal options. There are two offices, which are located in North Haledon and Hackensack. Call 973-988-1101 to schedule an appointment and receive a free initial consultation. You can also complete the contact form
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