When you are party to an unfortunate accident at work, you might experience a significant injury that results in permanent disability. At Parisi and Gerlanc, we understand that you might be unsure as to what benefits you might be entitled to in New Jersey if you find yourself in this situation.
The benefits you receive for permanent disability are similar to other workers’ compensation claims. You will receive some of your regular income, as well as coverage for your medical bills, lost wages and any residual disability.
It is often a process to determine whether your injury should be considered permanent or temporary. It generally starts with your doctor assessing the impairment and determining its severity, typically using what is known as an impairment rating. If you were to experience several injuries that have led to your disability, you might still be able to benefit from the workers’ compensation benefits for permanent disability.
There are some injuries that almost always fall under the permanent disability category. If you were to lose more than one limb, then you most likely will be automatically be designated as permanently disabled. This might be losing both legs, both arms, an arm and a leg, or a several other body parts such as hands, feet or eyes.
Initially, you will only be entitled to benefits that extend to 450 weeks. Then, your case will be reexamined. If your injury continues to make it difficult to find work, then your benefits will be extended. However, these wages will be based on a calculation that provides a proportion of your income at the time of your accident that offsets the weekly computation. For more information on this subject, please visit our page on permanent disability.