Workers Comp Attorney NJ
Getting Started With the Workers’ Compensation Process
Becoming injured at work means that you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim as quickly as possible. While there are some injuries that may not require you to file a claim (a papercut, a bruised leg from hitting a file cabinet, etc.), there are some far more serious injuries that should be a cause for concern. A workers’ comp attorney New Jersey has to offer, such as one from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., want you to know that when you sprain, break, fracture, or suffer from some other type of more serious injury, you should speak with your supervisor immediately regarding your need for medical attention and simply to bring the injury to their attention. The sooner you speak with your supervisor, the sooner you can begin getting your workers’ compensation claim underway.
What is the process?
The process is not that complicated. It is important to remember that when you do become injured at work, you must file a notice with your supervisor and you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Although the laws are different depending on the state you are in, you will typically find that the standard time to notify your supervisor that you were injured is within 30, sometimes 45, days of the injury occurring. If you fail to notify your supervisor, you may have no basis for a workers’ compensation claim. If you are concerned about the ability to notify your supervisor, you can speak with a workers comp attorney New Jersey workers know and respect.
What if I cannot give notice?
In certain circumstances, we have seen our clients are unable to give notice to their employers because they needed to be hospitalized due to the severity of their injuries. This would be considered a special circumstance and you likely would not be required to provide your employer with a written notification detailing the accident and your injuries.
The Rest of the Process
When you have notified your employer (or someone else has done so on your behalf), it is your employer’s responsibility to notify the state workers’ compensation board / their workers’ compensation insurance regarding the injury/ claim. Further, you may need to be the one who submits a workers’ compensation claim form after you have seen your doctor regarding the injuries you sustained. Once submitted, you will either get the workers’ compensation claim accepted or denied depending on the details of your claim and the accident.
A Denial
Do not worry if at first your workers’ compensation claim was denied. This is not uncommon and you should speak with a trusted workers’ comp attorney in New Jersey quickly regarding the denial so that we can go over the details of your claim and see where things went wrong. When you are sent a notification of the denial, the letter should give you the information you need regarding why you were denied. We have helped many people in the past get workers’ compensation even after a denial, so do not let this give you less hope.
For more information on how a compassionate workers’ comp attorney New Jersey has to offer, can help with your claim, please call Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.
Workers Comp Attorneys NJ
If you were injured at work, you should speak to a workers comp attorney New Jersey residents trust. You may be entitled to receive compensation, which can help you pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages that resulted from your workplace injury. An attorney can help you file a timely claim and ensure your legal rights are protected.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident
Nobody goes into work expecting to get injured, but it can happen. The steps you take immediately after a workplace accident can make a big impact on your settlement.
- Report Your Injury: In New Jersey, you are required to report any workplace injury to your employer within 90 days. If you don’t inform your boss about your injury within that time frame, you will not be eligible to receive compensation. To avoid issues, tell your employer about your injury as soon as it happens. He or she will then file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf.
- Go to the Doctor: Even if your injury seems fairly minor, you should still seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not show obvious symptoms right away. A doctor will evaluate your injury and recommend the appropriate treatment. During your appointment, tell your doctor that the injury occurred at work and the types of symptoms you have been experiencing. Do not try to embellish any of your symptoms, as that could jeopardize your case. If you wait too long to see a doctor, your employer’s insurance company could argue that you are not as injured as you claim to be.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Whether your doctor wants you to take medication or go to physical therapy, you should listen to his or her recommendations. If you try to cut corners and not follow your doctor’s advice, you could put your health in jeopardy. Your employer could also cut off your benefits too soon if they discover that you have not been following your doctor’s treatment advice.
- Hire an Attorney: While you are not required to hire a workers comp attorney in New Jersey, it may be in your best interest. Navigating through workers comp paperwork can be daunting and it is easy to get overwhelmed. An attorney will make sure you fill out the paperwork on time and without errors. He or she will also be on your side if any complications arise in your case. For example, if your boss tries to retaliate against you for filing a workers comp claim, your attorney will protect your legal rights.
If you were recently hurt at work, schedule a free consultation with a workers comp attorney in New Jersey at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. as soon as possible. He or she can review your case and advise you the best way to proceed.