Employees often understand that New Jersey workers’ compensation exists to protect them, but they don’t really know how those benefits work. They might recognize they can make a claim if they get hurt because of an equipment malfunction or a similar incident on the job for their immediate medical care. Many workers also know that they can get disability benefits if an injury leaves them unable to work. However, the average employee only learns about the details of workers’ compensation when and if they need benefits, and not everyone who may need coverage gets it.
Some employees will deny their personal need for benefits, often by ignoring the warning signs that they have a job-related medical condition. Such practices are quite common among those with repetitive stress disorders. Those who use their body parts over and over to perform certain job functions, such as holding a steering wheel, typing or lifting, will eventually cause damage to their musculoskeletal system that will affect their job performance and quality of life. How might filing a workers’ compensation claim benefit someone with a repetitive stress injury?
They can get medical care
Securing an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment is of the utmost importance for those with conditions that will worsen without medical intervention. Repetitive stress disorders may require physical therapy or even surgery. Additionally, a doctor can provide recommendations regarding how to continue to perform one’s job without worsening the injury. Those who file a workers’ compensation claim can receive full medical coverage for the treatment their condition requires.
They can take time off
The disability pay benefits available through workers’ compensation make it financially feasible for someone to take a leave of absence from work without losing their home or putting their family in a financially precarious position. Short-term disability benefits make a leave of absence during recovery financially possible. Permanent partial disability benefits can also help those who must change their profession because with their injuries prevent them from continuing their current career.
Workers with early warning signs of repetitive stress disorders may require medical intervention and also legal support if they hope to secure workers’ compensation benefits to cover their care costs and any necessary leave of absence from work.