Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of insurance that provides benefits to workers who suffer an on-the-job injury or illness. Even if a worker was partially responsible for the work accident that caused their injury, they could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
To receive benefits, deadlines must be adhered to, and failure to do so can jeopardize a claim. If you are injured at work in New Jersey, you should know that you have two years from when you were injured or the last date you received benefits from your employer or the workers’ comp insurance (whichever comes last) to file a claim for benefits. This claim is called a claim petition. If your claim concerns an occupational illness, you have two years from the date you became aware of your illness and knew or should have known that your disease was work-related.
What Are the Other Deadlines for Filing a Claim?
The deadline for filing a workers’ compensation claim is important to remember, but perhaps even more crucial is knowing the time limit for reporting a work injury. Under New Jersey workers’ compensation law, you must notify your employer within 90 days of being injured or forfeit your right to benefits. It is always best to inform your employer immediately. Failure to report your injury promptly gives your employer’s insurance company the idea that you did not see a need to take it seriously, and they may choose to deny your claim.
When notifying your employer about your injury, it is best to do so in writing, but it’s not required. I always recommend at least confirming it in an email. You do not have to be overly formal. Simply telling them what happened is sufficient.
Your employer then should report it to their workers’ comp insurance carrier. Sometimes employers will try to provide benefits to you on their own and not report it. I do not recommend that. You will never receive everything that you are entitled to which is, treatment, temporary disability benefits while you can’t work and some percentage of permanent disability benefits for your injuries.
Monmouth County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams Advocate for Injured Workers
If you have been injured at work, you must know all the deadlines for filing a claim to get your benefits. Missing any of them could mean not getting any benefits at all. For legal help, contact the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams. Our Monmouth County workers’ compensation lawyers can fight to get you the benefits you need. Call 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our offices are located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey and we serve not only clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County, but throughout the state.
