Workers’ Compensation is available to individuals who suffer from job-related injuries or illnesses at work. It is a no-fault insurance program that provides these employees with different benefits to help them during their time of need. These benefits are available to an injured employee regardless of who was at fault for the injury. State law in New Jersey mandates that all employers within the state who are not covered by Federal programs to have workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. In exchange for this compensation, employees are not able to pursue legal action against their employer for their injuries.
Benefits Under Workers’ Compensation
There are certain benefits under workers’ compensation law for employees who are injured or sustain an illness on the job. When an individual is injured, they often find themselves consumed with pain, suffering, and an overwhelming amount of medical bills. In some cases, the injuries even prevent the employee from going back to work for a period of time, or indefinitely. It is because of this that the compensation covers medical costs, loss of wages during rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities. Some benefits an employee may receive in the state of New Jersey are as follows:
- Medical Benefits: This exists to cover all necessary medical treatment, prescriptions, and hospitalization services that are related to the work injury.
- Temporary Total Disability Benefits: If an employee’s injury makes them incapable of coming back to work for more than 7 days, they are eligible to receive temporary total benefits. This is at a rate of 70% of their average weekly wage, It also does not exceed the rate 75% or fall below 20% of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage.
- Permanent Partial Benefits: When an injury or illness keeps an employee on partial permanent disability, these benefits are based on a percentage of “scheduled” or “non-scheduled” losses. A scheduled loss involves arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, eyes, ears, or teeth. A non-scheduled loss involves an area or system of the body that is not scheduled. This may include the back, heart, and lungs. These benefits are paid weekly.
- Permanent Total Benefits: If an injury or illness prevents an employee from returning to employment at all, they may receive permanent total disability benefits. These are provided weekly for a period of 450 weeks. The benefits may continue beyond this time limit if the injured can prove they are still unable to earn wages.
- Death Benefits: If an individual dies because of a work-related injury or illness, their dependents may be eligible to receive death benefits. These are weekly payments that are 70% of the deceased’s weekly wage. This total is divided by the individual’s surviving dependents based on a judge’s discretion.
If you have become the victim of an on the job injury, it may be beneficial to speak with an attorney and the doctor that is treating you to determine how to make the process as easy as possible. AllianceMeds understands that a workplace accident can be challenging and is here to help. We will deliver your medication to your door using overnight delivery and cover any out of pocket expenses that may arise. If you have any questions about how we can help, contact AllianceMeds today.