How Long It Takes for Workers’ Compensation Benefits to Start

If you were injured at work in Montclair, NJ and want to file a workers’ compensation claim, call Birkhold and Maider for a consultation.

Workers’ compensation is designed to help you cover your medical bills and lost wages following a workplace injury. However, medical bills can quickly add up and without a paycheck coming in, it can be difficult to cover them. This leads many to wonder when they can expect their first workers’ compensation payment following injury.

What to Expect From the Workers’ Compensation Process

Here are a few things you can expect when navigating the workers’ compensation process in New Jersey:

You should receive medical care as soon as possible
You should notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible
Your employer or workers’ compensation may choose your medical provider
You will need to notify your insurance company of the injury immediately
They will file a First Report of Injury to the state

Once you complete these steps, the company will assign a workers’ compensation representative to your case. They will evaluate things like the details of the accident, the severity of your injury, and your medical reports. They will ensure that your injury meets the requirements for receiving workers’ compensation.

If your workers’ compensation case is approved, they will direct you to receive medical care from an approved doctor. They may also provide you with compensation for lost wages if you’re out of work for more than one week. There is a temporary holding period in which you will have to wait a minimum of one week for payment.

When to Expect Payment After Approval

When you can expect payment will depend on many factors, including when your case is approved and what type of medical care you need. If there is a question as to details of your case, or if it is denied, this process can take much longer. If your case is denied, it may be worth it to have a workers’ compensation lawyer look at, and review your case.

If your case is approved, you should receive payments within two weeks or less. If the claim is delayed due to your employer, it is possible that they will be responsible for some of your lost wages and legal fees. While this timeline may vary, New Jersey law does require that once you are approved for workers’ compensation benefits, that you receive them within 60 days.

When to Work With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Navigating your workers’ compensation case should be easy. However, this is not always the case and some employers and workers’ compensation representatives can make it more difficult than it should be. If your claim is denied, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you evaluate the reason and help with filing an appeal.

You may also find that working with a workers’ compensation lawyer is beneficial when you have already won your case, but they have yet to pay. In this case, you may be eligible for additional payment for them not paying you on time. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can be an important resource for understanding the process while you focus on your recovery.

Contact a Union 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 Hudson County, Essex County, Mercer County, Union County, and all across New Jersey. Call (973) 947-4670 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at 189 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Nutley, NJ 07110 and we also have a satellite office in Hamilton, NJ.

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.