Does Your Employer Cover Medical Bills?
New Jersey law requires nearly all Cherry Hill employers to carry workers’ compensation (WC) insurance. Employers must cover all medical bills through their provider if you’re injured in a work-related accident. In exchange for providing this coverage, you generally cannot sue your employer or a negligent co-worker for personal injury damages.
Understanding your right to claim workers’ comp benefits after a workplace injury can ensure your employer follows New Jersey law. It’s not uncommon for employers to discourage employees from filing WC claims to prevent their rates from increasing. New Jersey employers are responsible for covering work-related medical bills. Call an experienced Cherry Hill workers’ compensation attorney immediately for assistance with filing a claim.
Defining ‘Work-Related’ Injury in New Jersey
Employer-provided health insurance covers injuries or illnesses you sustain outside the workplace, such as a broken leg playing soccer. Employers are not always required to provide health insurance, especially if you work part-time or as a contractor. However, employers are responsible for providing all employees with workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers’ comp provides medical and lost wage coverage for employees suffering work-related injuries or illnesses. The following events cause the most work-related injuries in Cherry Hill:
Car and Truck Accidents
If you drive for a living or are simply running an errand for work, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of work-related injuries and disabilities. Employees injured in car crashes while on the job might recover medical expenses from workers’ compensation insurance and the negligent driver.
Cumulative or Repetitive Use Injuries
Back and neck pain is the leading cause of workplace disabilities, often due to years of performing the same repetitive functions. These injuries are commonly seen in truck drivers and manual laborers. Carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow are also examples of cumulative injuries entitling you to workers’ comp coverage. However, these claims are hard to prove because insurers might argue these injuries are age-related. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Cherry Hill might help you obtain needed medical and lost wage benefits if you suffer an overuse injury.
Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Slip-and-fall accidents and elevated falls, often occurring on construction sites, also commonly result in workplace injuries. Claimants may suffer from traumatic brain injuries and fractures in these cases, and you are entitled to claim medical benefits from your employer’s WC insurer.
Medical Expenses Covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance
In New Jersey, workers’ compensation insurance must cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses for work-related injuries and illnesses, including:
- Hospital and ambulance costs
- Surgeries
- Doctors’ bills
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Rehabilitation
- Nursing care
An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you obtain these benefits, find an eligible doctor, and, if necessary, file for total or partial disability benefits. In many cases, this might result in a substantial financial settlement to cover your future medical needs and lost income.
Get Workers’ Comp Benefits for Medical Bills
If you’re suffering from an injury or serious illness due to your job, you will want to retain a dedicated workers’ compensation law firm in Cherry Hill, NJ. Insurers may deny these claims, but your employer must cover medical bills for work-related injuries and illnesses. Contact us online or by phone to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a local attorney to discuss your rights today.