We represent clients in Fort Lee navigating worker's compensation claims. Injured workers are guaranteed workers' compensation benefits when injuries arise from their work duties. Often the process can be complex and cumbersome and that's where we come in.
At The Reinartz Law Firm, we have many years of experience in helping injured workers navigate the workers' compensation system and obtain the benefits they deserve.
Contact us today to better understand your rights and discuss the best way forward for your claim. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
About Fort Lee
Fort Lee lies on the eastern end of Bergen County bordering the George Washington Bridge. It's home to 37,000 residents on just over 2.5 square miles and is an ever-growing community. Fort Lee is known as the birthplace of the modern film industry barely a century ago.
Fort Lee is home to a multitude of restaurants, shopping centers, parks, high-rise apartments and construction projects. Many residents commute to nearby New York City. As Fort Lee continues to grow, so have the number of reported injuries in the local workplace.
Workers' Compensation in Fort Lee
By law, NJ employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance for the benefit of their employees. In the event of a work injury, workers' compensation insurance provides much-needed benefits for employees. It can provide medical treatment, temporary disability and even permanent disability benefits. Death benefits are also provided in the event a work accident is fatal.
Workers' compensation is "no-fault" insurance, meaning you can receive benefits even if the accident that caused injury was your fault. There are exceptions to the rule, including injuries caused by activities that are outside the scope of the employment.
While the workers' compensation process is intended to benefit employees, it can often be difficult to get the benefits you deserve. Working with a workers' compensation lawyer can maximize benefits and expedite your claim.
What Benefits Are Available?
Workers' compensation is intended to protect employees from hardships after an injury occurs. Medical bills can quickly mount and there may be delays in returning to the workplace due to the injury. Here are some examples of benefits provided by workers' compensation:
Medical Benefits
Care associated with your injury is compensable including:
- Ambulance Costs
- Hospital Costs
- Prescription Costs
- Surgical Costs
- Treatment Costs (physical therapy, etc.)
Temporary Total Disability
Sometimes work injuries are serious enough to delay a return to work. If you are authorized to be out of work for seven days or more, you may be eligible for temporary total disability benefits. This means you temporarily cannot work during this period. During this time, an employee can receive up to 70% of their current weekly wage which is not subjected to taxes.
Permanent Disability Benefits
When a work injury results in a permanent disability, employees may be entitled to long-term compensation benefits. In this regard, partial and total permanency benefits may be available to injured workers.
- Scheduled Loss - An injury causes a hindrance to a person's legs, arms, foot, hands, fingers or another body part that is "scheduled" by the state.
- Non-Scheduled Loss - When a person's injury doesn't fall into a scheduled category it is considered a non-scheduled loss. Some examples include injuries to the back, neck, shoulders and hips.
When a total permanent injury occurs, employees can no longer return to work and may be entitled to roughly 70% of their current wage, subject to applicable minimums and maximums. The length of disability coverage is set to a maximum of 450 weeks. Once this time has passed, an individual must prove they are still disabled to continue to receive benefits.,
What Should You Do Following a Workplace Injury?
- Report The Injury - If your injury is serious you should seek medical attention immediately. If you face an injury on the job you will need to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Failure to report your injuries can lead to denial of your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention - If your injuries are serious and you require immediate medical attention then don't wait. The cost of reasonably necessary emergency medical treatment is compensable under the workers' compensation laws.
- Seek Legal Advice - The faster you talk to a workers' compensation lawyer the better. Understanding your legal rights and how to properly seek benefits can help speed up the process and maximize benefits. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer understands the workers' compensation system and can help you through the process.
Contact Us
We're ready to help you with your workers' compensation claim. We have years of experience helping injured workers in Fort Lee get the benefits they deserve. Get a free initial consultation by contacting us today.
