No matter where you work or what you do for a living, you should have the expectation of remaining safe while you’re on the job. Unfortunately, injuries can occur while you’re on the clock. Some of these may be financially challenging and may keep you from being able to return to work, at least temporarily. Thankfully, unless you’re a worker whose title and/or duties render you unable to collect benefits, workers’ compensation coverage can help to ensure that you’re reimbursed for many expenses that result from work-related injuries.
Workers’ compensation guidelines can be complicated, so it’s best to speak to an experienced New Jersey work injury attorney before making any assumptions about your eligibility to file a workers’ compensation claim. The experienced New Jersey work injury attorney team at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can either help you to pursue a workers’ compensation claim or advise you of any legal alternatives that may be available to you. Even if you don’t qualify for workers’ comp benefits, you may be able to obtain compensation for the harm you have suffered by pursuing an alternative course of action.
Report the Incident
If you suffer an injury while engaged in regular work duties, you need to report the incident to your manager to the human resources department. You should do this as soon after the injury as possible. Most states have deadlines concerning when you need to report such claims. If you’re concerned about retaliation, don’t hesitate to connect with a New Jersey work injury attorney before you formally report your incident, provided you make contact as soon as possible after your accident.
File on Time
After making the injury report to your employer, you should file a claim with your workers’ compensation provider. Your employer’s human resources team should help you through the process, although a New Jersey work injury attorney can do this as well, while taking particular care to protect your rights throughout the filing process. You generally have between 30 and 90 days after the injury to file. If you wait too long, your claim will be denied.
What if You Work Out of State?
If you work in a state other than the one in which you live, you usually can file in your home state. In some areas, you could do either. It’s important to understand the laws where you live. A New Jersey work injury attorney can clarify your options, either way.
What if You Were Traveling?
If you are injured while traveling on business, you may still be eligible for Workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if the injury occurred while you were on your way to a conference or workshop your employer sent you to attend, you should remain eligible for benefits. If you suffered an injury at a party held after the work-related meeting and the party isn’t mandatory, your claim will likely be denied.
An Eligible Accident Doesn’t Have To Happen on Work Property
Employees that work from home can make an injury claim as long as the incident occurred while the worker was performing assigned work. Another example may be if the employee was hurt while picking up office supplies or delivering materials to a client. As long as the employee’s injury happened while in the employ of the company and while they were performing work-related duties, workers’ compensation claim eligibility should not be compromised.