Steps You Can Take to Improve Your Chances of Having a Work Comp Claim Approved
Under New Jersey law, when you have been injured on the job, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim, seeking benefits for lost wages, as well as all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injury. Workers’ compensation benefits are not automatically granted, though. There are things you can do to both improve your chances of receiving benefits and maximize the amount of your payments.
- Report your injury as soon as possible—In New Jersey, you must notify your employer within 14 days, unless the employer had actual knowledge of the accident/injury. The sooner you notify your employer, the sooner your claim can be approved and the sooner you’ll start receiving benefits.
- Get medical care as soon as possible—The longer you wait, the greater the likelihood of an intervening injury (which could significantly complicate your claim) and the greater the risk that your employer or the work comp insurance company will contend that you were not seriously injured. You are required to be examined by a doctor chosen by either your employer or the insurance company, but you can ultimately select your own treating physician.
- Accept that you have been injured—Don’t try to return to your normal lifestyle until your claim has been resolved and your doctor approves you to do so. Why? Because there’s a distinct possibility that your employer or the insurer may send a private investigator out to observe your activities. If you’re on disability from work because of an injury, but an investigator gets pictures of you building a new deck at your house, your work comp claim will be in jeopardy.
- Keep detailed records of all medical expenses, as well as any pain or discomfort you experience—Document everything in writing and ask all medical providers to do the same.
Contact the Cintron Firm
At the Cintron Firm, LLC, we offer more than 14 years of experience to people in New Jersey facing a broad array of legal challenges. Attorney Mark Cintron has worked as a prosecutor and has extensive courtroom experience, so he’s always ready, willing and able to protect your interests before a judge or jury. Contact our office online or call us at 201-791-1333 or (201) 535-0323 to set up an appointment.
