No matter the location or the job, injuries can happen at work. Some industries are more prone to workplace accidents, injuries and death, but any worker can fall victim to them.
The state of New Jersey has far fewer work-related deaths than the national average, thanks to the efforts of lawmakers and agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. But even with those positive results, in 2019, workplace accidents killed 74 people in New Jersey.
Even one work-related injury or death can have serious repercussions for an employee and their family. As if the pain and discomfort of the injury itself isn’t enough, there may be medical expenses and lost wages to contend with. It can be a lot to deal with.
Fortunately, New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws give you rights in the event that you are injured at work.
Costs covered by workers’ compensation benefits
For instance, all reasonable medical expenses related to a workplace injury must be paid by the employer. Hospitalization, prescriptions, treatment and therapy – the law puts the responsibility for these expenses on the employer, not you.
Furthermore, if you are disabled due to the workplace incident, you are entitled to compensation for your lost wages. The disability may be partial or total. It may be temporary or permanent. Whatever the circumstances, workers’ compensation laws dictate that you receive benefits to assist you during the period of your disability.
In the tragic circumstance where an employee is killed as the result of a workplace accident, their family has rights too. Funeral expenses must be borne by the employer, not the family grieving the loss of their loved one. And the employee’s surviving dependents are entitled to collect benefits due to lost wages, in the same way an individual may collect them when they are injured.
Workplace injuries can lead to a frustrating and emotional experience. Laws are in place to ensure you get through them, both physically and financially. Workers’ compensation attorneys have the skill and knowledge required to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation the law entitles you to.