Protecting Your Rights to Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When you’ve been injured on the job in New Jersey, you have the right to seek benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. There are generally only two requirements for eligibility for benefits: you must prove that you were hurt and that your injuries were sustained during the course of your employment. The process of securing benefits, though, can be far more complex that it initially seems. There are certain acts or behaviors that you should avoid, as they can have a negative impact on your ability to recover compensation.
Don’t Ignore Your Injury or Try to Tough It Out
While you have 14 days to report your injury to your employer, it’s almost always in your best interests to report the injury as soon as possible. If your injuries demand immediate medical attention, get the care you need first. Unnecessarily delaying treatment or simply ignoring your injury will often interfere with your full recovery, and may cause your employer to allege that your injuries are not as serious as you say they are. You may also lose the right to file a claim.
Don’t Ignore Medical Advice
If your doctor recommends that you refrain from engaging in certain activities, don’t do them. Don’t be surprised if your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company send private investigators to your neighborhood to see if you are following doctor’s orders. If you’re not, they can allege that your injuries are not that serious or that you contributed to or caused most of your injuries by ignoring doctor’s orders.
Don’t Wait to Retain Legal Counsel
The sooner you hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, the sooner you’ll have someone protecting your rights. Your employer may require that you submit to an examination by a doctor you don’t know. Your attorney can help you prepare for that appointment, and can help ensure that you get treatment from your own caregiver.
Don’t Return to Work Too Soon
It can be hard, but you don’t want to go back to work until cleared by your doctor.
Contact Howard D. Popper, P.C.
At Howard D. Popper, P.C., we can help protect your rights. For a free initial consultation to discuss your options after a workplace injury, contact our office online or call 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have offices in Morristown and Newton.
We handle all personal injury claims on a contingent fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover damages for your losses.