When you’ve been injured on the job, you have every right to be concerned about your future. After all, the bills don’t stop coming in just because you’re not working.
Fortunately, New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system offers three different types of cash benefits to injured workers that can help you stay financially afloat after an accident.
What if you’re only unable to work for a short time?
If your injury keeps you off the job for seven days or longer, you may be able to claim weekly temporary total disability benefits. This can be up to 70% of your average weekly pay, subject to a maximum limitation that’s determined by 75% of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage.
What if you’re able to return to work but have permanent injuries?
Scars, damage to your hearing or vision, the loss of a finger or limb and other permanent injuries should be compensated — and they can be through permanent partial disability.
Exactly how much you will be compensated depends on how the specific injury is addressed under the law, meaning whether it is a “scheduled” injury that has a pre-determined value or and “unscheduled” injury that isn’t specifically addressed in the law.
What if you have permanent injuries that make it impossible to work?
If your injury precludes the possibility of ever returning to the workforce, you may be able to obtain permanent total disability benefits. Like temporary total disability benefits, the amount you receive will be a maximum of 70% of your wages (subject to the same maximums). Initial awards of permanent total disability have to be reviewed after 450 weeks to establish
When you’re hurt and scared about the future, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance if you think your workers’ compensation claim isn’t proceeding as it should.