Workers' Compensation - Getting Started 

Hackensack Workers' Compensation Lawyers

If you've been injured while on the job, most costs related to your injuries should be covered under your employer's workers' compensation insurance. Filing for workers' compensation involves documenting your injuries, the costs associated with them, and protecting your rights should employers try to force you back to work too soon.

The law office of Parisi & Gerlanc assists and represents injured workers in workers' compensation cases. Working closely with you, our attorneys guide you through each step in the process, preparing any required documentation and paperwork for the initiation of your benefits. If an insurance doctor tries to dismiss your injuries or claim they are the result of a prior condition, we can direct you to the appropriate medical specialists for additional testing and diagnostic tests.

Be informed and prepared when filing for workers' compensation benefits - contact the law office of Parisi & Gerlanc. We can help you expedite your work comp benefits application while protecting your rights throughout the process.

I Was Just Injured on the Job - What's My Next Step?

It's important to medically document your work-related injury - especially in the case of a repetitive stress injury or an occupational disease. If you have a primary care physician, consult him or her as soon as possible to schedule an exam. If your injuries require a specialist, obtain a referral from your doctor. Secondly, photograph your injuries and save any medications prescribed to treat your condition. Next, contact your employer's human resources department to file a first report of injury, initiate workers' compensation benefits and protect your job. If you fail to follow your company's procedures you could find yourself at risk for losing your job. Additionally, make sure you save all communications between you and your human resources department. Some employers have been known to try and force an employee to return to work before an injury is adequately healed. Retaining copies of all written communications provides you with a certain amount of protection should your employer try and force you to take vacation or dock your pay.

What Do I Need from My Doctor to Document a Workplace Injury?

In order to verify your injuries and condition, your employer's insurer will have one of its doctors examine you. However, it's always best to have your doctor examine you as well. A copy of any physical tests, x-rays, blood work, CAT / MRI scans, or diagnoses should be requested from your doctor. Additionally, you should ask your doctor to write a letter to your employer stating an official diagnosis, the fact that your injury was caused by your work activities, or was sustained in the normal course of your employment. Your doctor should also list any period of disability, the time you will need to recover from your work injuries, and any work restrictions you should follow.

What if I'm Denied Workers' Compensation Benefits?

Our personal injury lawyers have successfully represented numerous clients in many workers' compensation cases. If you're denied benefits, we're prepared to litigate, demand compensation, and protect your job. For more information about workers' compensation law and benefits, visit our Workers' Compensation Information Center.

To schedule an appointment and discuss your case, contact a Hackensack, New Jersey work comp attorney at Parisi & Gerlanc today.