4 Steps to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in NJ

April 23, 2020

You’ve likely been told what the proper procedure is in the event you get injured at work, but will you remember the right thing to do when an accident happens? Read on to learn the top four steps to take to ensure your injuries get covered by workers’ compensation.

1. Inform Your Employer or a Co-Worker

Immediately following your workplace accident, you need to call out to your co-workers, manager or supervisor who is on-duty. If your situation is a medical emergency, then they can reach out to 911 on your behalf. They’ll also help assist you until emergency responders appear on the scene.

If your accident isn’t a medical emergency, then your supervisor will help secure the area. They’ll want to make sure that the unsafe condition or area doesn’t harm anyone else. Your supervisor can also give you specific instructions on which doctor or hospital you should visit so that your costs are covered by their insurance.

Your supervisor should also create an incident report that documents what happened. This report is crucial for your future claim.

2. Get Medical Care

Next, you should go get medical care without delay. Do not attempt to continue working and do not try to finish out your shift before you seek out care. The more time you wait before seeking treatment, the more ammunition your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company has against you.

When you see your doctor, be sure to inform them that your injury is work-related. Your doctor will make this distinction on their report and in your diagnosis papers. If your doctor gives you a treatment plan, then always follow through with their directions to ensure you don’t aggravate your injury.

3. Give Your Employer Your Doctor’s Diagnosis

After you get care, it’s important to follow up with your employer. Your employer may request that you make a written statement or report about your accident. They may also want to send over your diagnosis to their insurance company.

Your employer will handle the paperwork related to filing your claim.

4. Reach out to a Lawyer or Start Getting Your Benefits

Within a few weeks, you’ll receive a letter in the mail regarding your claim. If it’s approved, then you’ll start getting checks in the mail soon. If your claim gets denied, then you should reach out to an attorney who can help you appeal the insurance company’s decision.

Contact a Morristown 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 Hoyt & Hoyt, PC represent clients in Morris County, Middlesex County, Essex County, Sussex County, and all across New Jersey. Call 973 718-7744 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at 67 East Park Place, 5th Floor, Morristown, as well as offices in New Brunswick.

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.