What Types of Claims Are Covered by N.J. Workers’ Compensation?
The Workers’ Compensation Act was designed to protect employees injured in the course of their employment or who suffer work-related illnesses. There is a wide range of injuries which are covered under the Act. If you have questions or concerns about workers’ compensation, the experienced Warren County workers’ compensation attorneys at Pezzano Law Group are here to help.
Workers’ Compensation in New Jersey
Your employer is required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance for all their employees. This means you are covered if you are injured at work, injured when carrying out your work off-site, and if you suffer an illness as a result of your work.
Your Injury or Illness Is Work-Related
If your injury or illness is work-related, it should be covered by workers’ compensation. This includes those injuries that may develop over time, such as repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Your Location
Your injury does not necessarily need to have occurred on the work premises to be eligible for workers’ compensation. While your commute to and from work is generally not covered, if you were performing a work-related errand, the injuries will be covered. Consider the following factors that apply:
- After you clock out and leave your place of employment, workers’ compensation doesn’t apply. If, however, you are performing a special work-related errand or delivery, you should be covered. Prime examples include picking up work supplies or even grabbing lunch for your boss.
- Traveling in your own vehicle between work sites may also be covered.
- You’re also likely to be covered when you travel for a business trip since the entire stay is work-related.
- If you are injured while engaging in a ride-sharing arrangement with co-workers, an accident would be covered. The same is true whenever you’re on a company-sponsored shuttle.
- Once you reach the parking lot of your employer’s premises, you are considered to be at work for purposes of coverage.
Common Workers’ Compensation Claims
While every workers’ compensation claim is unique, some of the most common arise from the following:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
- Transportation accidents that involve driving as part of the job
- Work-related illnesses, such as firefighters who suffer respiratory issues
Understanding Your Claim
If you are injured in the course of your employment, you are very likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This entitles you to compensation for your reasonable and necessary medical expenses and up to 70% of your current earnings, if you are out of work at the direction of a workers’ compensation physician. You may also be entitled to an award of permanent disability. However, you are not entitled to receive compensation for “pain and suffering” or punitive damages, as you would in a negligence claim.
This is the balance struck by the workers’ compensation system. Employees are covered, even if an employer did not cause the accident, but their coverage is less robust. While employers are responsible for purchasing the coverage, doing so helps to ensure that they won’t face the possibility of paying a personal injury claims, which are often more costly and bad for business.
An Experienced Warren County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
The Warren County workers’ compensation team at Pezzano Law Group is committed to bringing our impressive experience to pursue an optimal outcome for you. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 908-454-0200 today.
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