Collecting Workers’ Compensation For a Job-Related Back Injury
If you were injured on the job, you may be researching your options and considering how you’ll cover your medical bills. Back injuries are one of the most common types of work-related injuries. Back injuries can also be difficult to diagnose and even harder to calculate a true cost, which can make it difficult to plan for medical costs.
How to Handle a Job-Related Back Injury: Right After the Accident
One of the first, and most important, things to do following a back injury while on the job is to receive medical care. This may be important to your health and your recovery ability. Also, if you were injured while on the job, the only way to prove that it occurred while at work is to seek medical care right after it happens.
It’s also necessary to notify your supervisor of the injury as soon as possible. If possible, file a report right away. However, always prioritize your safety before administrative tasks. When receiving medical care, be sure to tell the physician that the injury occurred at work. You should also discuss any other health conditions you have that may be important to your overall care.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation
Once you receive the medical care you need, you may decide to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is in place to protect workers’ rights. If your employer’s workers’ compensation representative approves your claim, it should cover your medical bills. It should also cover your lost wages while you recover.
There are limits on how much you can collect with workers’ compensation. If you have questions about these limits or your eligibility, it can be helpful to talk with your representative.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Disability
There are four types of workers’ compensation disability that you may be eligible for depending on your injury. These include:
- Temporary total disability: Temporary total disability means that you are not able to work at all but should be able to return to work at a later date.
- Temporary partial disability: Temporary partial disability means that your injury limits the work you can do for a short period of time.
- Permanent total disability: Permanent total disability means that you’re not able to return to work now or in the future.
- Permanent partial disability: Permanent partial disability means that the work you can do is limited permanently.
Your workers’ compensation representative will work with your physician to better understand your condition. They will use this information to decide whether or not you can work, and how much you may receive in benefits.
When to Seek Compensation Through a Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit seeks compensation for damages from a responsible party following an injury. In most cases, you can’t seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against your employer for medical bills or lost wages since these are already typically covered by workers’ compensation.
Depending on the details of the case, however, there may be some exceptions. If you have questions about your workers’ compensation eligibility or the program doesn’t cover the complete cost of your medical care, it may be worth it to reach out to a lawyer.
Contact a Mercer County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your New Jersey Workplace Injury Case
A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time. Although New Jersey Workers’ Compensation laws are supposed to provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work, it is not always easy to get the Workers’ Comp benefits you deserve. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients in Mercer County, Nutley, Union County, Essex County, and all across New Jersey. Call (973) 947-4670 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue #1 Nutley, New Jersey, 07110.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
