If you’ve been hurt on the job, you’ve got enough on your mind without exploring the legal intricacies of workers’ compensation claims. Understanding the basics can help you better protect yourself, and working closely with an experienced Hackettstown workers’ compensation lawyer is always advised. Learn more about our workers’ compensation services and how Matarazzo & Lubcher can support your claim from start to finish.
As an Employee, You’re Covered
Employers are required by law to purchase workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. This means that you are covered by workers’ comp if you are injured at work or if you suffer an illness that’s related to your job.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. In exchange for automatic coverage and for not being required to prove your employer’s negligence, you give up the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. While your employer does have the responsibility of covering you, they’re not at risk of being sued, which is a considerable perk.
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation covers all medically necessary treatments, but there can be disputes about what is necessary and what is not. Further, your employer or their insurance provider will likely choose the doctor you see.
Wage Replacement Benefits
If you are unable to work or are unable to work at the same capacity that you did before being injured, you’re entitled to wage replacement benefits. These are calculated as a specific percentage of your average weekly earnings, and they break down into the following basic categories:
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits apply at the point that you miss seven days of work, and they are paid retroactively to the first day missed.
- Benefits are calculated in accordance with the severity of the loss incurred. Permanent partial disability benefits compensate for permanent physical loss or lasting limits to your body, even if you return to work and keep the same job.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits apply if your condition is long-lasting or permanent and leaves you unable to work at all.
Every worker’s compensation claim is unique to the situation at hand, which makes it important to discuss your claim with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney at your earliest opportunity.
Maximum Medical Improvement
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) plays a pivotal role in workers’ compensation claims. Once you reach MMI, your condition has stabilized, and you’re not expected to see any further functional improvement or complete healing. This marks the end of temporary disability benefits and paves the way for an assessment regarding permanent benefits.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
The reputable Hackettstown workers’ compensation lawyers at Matarazzo & Lubcher in Warren County spare no effort in defending our clients’ rights and pursuing settlements that fully reflect the scope of their covered losses. Your claim is too important to leave to chance, so please don’t delay contacting us online for more information today.