Most employers in New Jersey are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance. That means that if you are injured on the job, your employer’s insurance coverage should pay for a portion of your lost wages while you recover. Workers’ comp may also pay for your medical expenses.
Your injury must be work-related
Workers’ compensation insurance only covers injuries that were sustained while you performed your work duties. If you got into a car accident on your way home from work, for example, this would not be compensable. If your injury was work-related, you will be covered in most cases. Some insurance policies will cover your injuries even if you disregarded the safety rules at your place of work.
Find out whether you’re covered by insurance
Workers’ comp does not apply to certain individuals, such as independent contractors and seasonal workers. However, some employment contracts include clauses about compensation for work-related injuries, so you should review that document before assuming you’re not covered.
If your employer is legally obligated to provide coverage for you under workers’ compensation insurance, it could face criminal charges if it doesn’t. You may also be able to sue your employer for its failure to provide compensation for your workplace injuries. In rare cases, injured employees can file lawsuits for injuries that were caused by their employers’ intentional actions.
Talk to a lawyer about your options
There are federal programs that provide compensation for injured workers who aren’t covered by workers’ compensation insurance. You may want to talk to a lawyer about your options if you aren’t sure how to pursue compensation for your work-related injuries.
