When Does Workers’ Comp Start Paying?

As an employee, getting hurt or injured while working can be overwhelming and stressful. This is especially true if the injury has left you unable to work or perform your job duties. In such situations, workers’ compensation benefits can help provide you the financial support you need to get by. However, it is essential to understand how workers’ compensation works and when it starts paying.

In this blog post, we will provide you a comprehensive guide to workers’ compensation benefits and specifically, when they start paying. We hope that by the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of what steps to take next in case of workplace injuries.

Reporting the Injury

Workers’ compensation benefits officially start paying once you report the injury to your employer. When you get injured while working, the first and critical step is to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer will then notify their workers’ compensation insurer about your injury.

After the Report

After you report your injury, your employer should provide you with necessary forms to fill out to start the claims process. Once you complete the forms, you should submit them to the workers’ compensation insurer. The insurer will then evaluate your claim to determine if it meets the requirements for compensation benefits.

Getting Approval

If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you will begin receiving benefits. The first benefit is typically medical care. The insurer will pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury. You will not be required to pay any out-of-pocket expenses as long as you comply with the treatment plan developed by your doctor.

Wage Loss Benefits

Once your medical treatment is underway, you will receive wage loss benefits. The benefits you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and its impact on your ability to work. In most cases, you will receive two-thirds of your weekly salary before taxes up to a maximum amount set by law.

Return to Work

Once you have fully recovered and have been cleared by your healthcare provider to return to work, your wage loss benefits will stop. However, if your injury resulted in a disability that prevents you from engaging in your usual job duties, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help with Your Workers’ Comp Claim in New Jersey

A workers’ comp claim can be a complicated process. To ensure that your New Jersey claims are successful, enlisting the help of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney is key. At Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC, you receive personalized attention from attorneys who know the rules and regulations for workers’ compensation in Elmwood Park, Hackensack, Morristown, Roseland and Bridgewater, New Jersey, thus allowing us to guide you through the system more quickly and get you the best possible outcome. With help from our experienced staff of attorneys, we’ll give your case our full attention and work hard to achieve a just resolution. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the claims process so you can focus on your recovery.