How Does Workers’ Compensation Work?

It should be straightforward – you get hurt at work, and you receive workers’ compensation benefits. While simple in theory, it’s never that easy to get the financial benefits you deserve after a work-related injury.

If you suffered a work-related injury or illness, then you’re likely wondering what your options are. Don’t rely on your employer to take care of the details for you. Instead, you need to take certain steps to ensure your right to compensation is preserved. Learn everything you need to know about how workers’ compensation works below.

Steps to Take After a Work Injury

After you get injured at work, there are certain things you need to do right away to protect your future rights to compensation. First, determine the extent of your injury. Do you need emergency medical assistance? If so, then don’t hesitate to call 911.

Otherwise, it’s important to alert your co-workers, on-duty supervisor, and manager about what happened. Informing your employer should prompt them to create an incident report about the accident. They’ll also be able to inspect the scene to verify that it’s safe for other employees. The last thing you want is for your co-workers to get injured the same way that you were. Finally, your employer may tell you to receive medical care at a specific hospital where their insurance is accepted.

After informing your employer, it’s time to go to the hospital. Get treatment for your injuries, and don’t delay. If you wait too long, then you might forfeit your right to benefits.

How the Workers’ Compensation Process Works

After getting treatment, your employer will give you paperwork to start your workers’ compensation claim. Fill out these papers and return them to your employer. They’ll send the information off to their insurance company, which will officially start your claim. From there, the insurance company will investigate the accident and injury.

Within a few weeks, you’ll get notified about the status of your claim. If accepted, then you’ll start receiving benefits right away. If your claim is denied, then you may need to do some additional legwork to ensure you’re fairly compensated. Reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer if you need help securing your benefits.

Contact a Nutley 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 Nutley, Hamilton, and all across New Jersey. Call 973-784-8630 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Nutley, NJ 07710 as well as offices in Hamilton.

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.