Workers hurt on the job can receive compensation insurance from their employers. However, employers could still reject those claims in some cases. This can be a nightmare for many New Jersey workers, especially if they’re the primary provider in their family. This situation can leave them with uncertainties about how they’ll pay the bills or put food on the table.
Under most circumstances, New Jersey employers must provide compensation benefits, even if the worker is responsible for their injuries. While such policies are supposed to protect workers, not all employers play by the rules.
Luckily, workers can appeal the denial to reverse their company’s initial decision.
What can I do?
If employers reject workers’ claims, they can submit a formal petition to initiate their appeal. They can also request an informal hearing with the labor department’s Division of Workers’ Compensation to advocate for themselves. During this hearing, it’s often in their best interest to provide credible and ample evidence to state their case. A few examples of this include:
- Medical records addressing the reasons for the denial
- Timesheets showing that the person was working when the injury occurred
- Statements from coworkers who witnessed the injury
The statute of limitations for New Jersey workers’ comp appeals are typically only two years. Because of this, it’s often in workers’ best interests to submit their requests sooner rather than later.
The claims process often comes with complexities
Injuries on the job are commonplace. However, New Jersey’s no-fault system can make maneuvering through the appeals process extremely complicated. Luckily, workers can get the coverage they and their families need with sound legal counsel.