An injury at work can result in significant financial, physical, and emotional hardships. New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide individuals injured while at work with the financial means they need to survive during their recovery.
There are many different benefits that could be available to an injured worker. From temporary disability compensation to medical expenses to permanent disability benefits, these benefits could make a tremendous impact on your life. If you are dealing with a workplace injury, now is the time to speak to an experienced attorney about workers’ compensation benefits in Springfield.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary disability benefits are designed to replace most of a worker’s wages while they recover from their injuries. As the name implies, these benefits are intended for short-term injuries that are likely to result in a full recovery.
Temporary disability benefits are available once a worker has missed seven days of work due to injury or illness. These benefits can last until a worker has received up to 400 weeks of benefits. The amount of compensation is generally 70 percent of what the employee made prior to their accident. However, the maximum amount of benefits is capped. A Springfield attorney could further explain the workers’ compensation benefit caps and help an individual understand what they are entitled to.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Permanent disability benefits also replace the lost wages of injured workers. Some injuries—like the loss of both eyes—are automatically treated as permanent disabilities. In other cases, a worker could qualify for these when they receive the maximum allowed recovery from temporary disability benefits and are still disabled. These benefits are also calculated as a portion of a Springfield worker’s wages prior to their disabling injury.
These benefits could be for partial or total disabilities. A total disability is an injury or illness that prevents an individual from working at all. Partial disabilities limit the type of work a person can do, but they are able to maintain some limited degree of employment.
Medical Expenses
One of the most important aspects of workers’ compensation benefits to consider is the cost of medical care. Injured workers are entitled to these medical benefits, which generally cover all of the costs of work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits are usually paid right away, which allows a worker to receive the treatment they need without delay.
There is no set time limit on how long these benefits are available. A worker could continue to receive treatment paid for by a workers’ compensation policy as long as necessary. This is the case so long as the treatment is authorized. A Springfield attorney could help injured workers pursue the medical benefits they need after a serious injury on the job.
Death Benefits and Final Expenses
Unfortunately, some workplace accidents result in fatal injuries. There are different types of benefits that could be available following the passing of a worker. These benefits begin with covering the final expenses of that person, including burial and funeral costs. There could also be benefits available for surviving relatives, which an attorney could work with a family to obtain. These death benefits provide financial support for surviving children or spouses that were dependent on the worker’s wages.
Talk to a Springfield Attorney About Workers’ Compensation Benefits
For many people, receiving workers’ compensation benefits could be life-changing in the aftermath of a workplace injury. From paying medical bills to replacing lost wages, workers’ compensation is likely important to you and your family.
Do not delay in speaking with an attorney about workers’ compensation benefits in Springfield. Set up your free consultation with Steven L. Schepps today to get started.
