What Benefits are Available if I Cannot Go Back to the Work I Did Before Because of My Injury?
Many workers sustain disabling injuries as a direct result of their job-related duties. Common examples include the debilitating lower back pain often experienced by truck drivers and the unmanageable carpal tunnel syndrome suffered by those in computer-based professions. These injuries often prevent Wildwood workers from returning to their previous positions due to re-aggravation risks but do not prevent them from working altogether.
New Jersey offers several unique benefits through its workers’ compensation system if you cannot go back to the work you did before because of a job-related injury. Discuss your rights with the experienced Wildwood workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Matarazzo & Lubcher for free today by calling (856) 388-5199 or connecting with their legal professionals online.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits in New Jersey
Certain injuries completely prevent claimants from returning to a previous job, especially positions with physical components, but do not prevent them from performing administrative or light-duty tasks. Chronic mild conditions might also permit you to perform some previous functions in a part-time capacity. In such cases, a workers’ comp attorney might help you apply for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. These benefits compensate you for the difference in hours and salary between your previous job and your new position.
Re-Employment & Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
It benefits the workers’ compensation insurer if you’re able to return to work. As such, most WC insurers in Wildwood provided eligible claimants with re-employment benefits. These might include the following:
- College courses
- Upskilling classes
- Resume workshops
- Trade training and certifications
- Job placement services
- Occupational, physical, and cognitive therapy
A lawyer can help you understand these benefits if you have a valid workers’ comp claim and wish to return to work. This might even be an excellent opportunity to transition to a career you enjoy while receiving partial wages and medical benefits.
New Jersey WC Hiring Preference
NJ law requires employers with 50 or more employees to offer eligible employees a hiring preference if they cannot return to their previous jobs but have reached maximum medical improvement. This means your employer might be legally required to offer you another unfilled position within the company, provided you meet all essential job requirements. However, an employer is not required to create a new position for you or force another employee to change jobs to accommodate you. Triggering this hiring preference often requires assistance from both medical and legal professionals.
Discuss Your Return to Work Benefits with an Experienced Wildwood WC Attorney
Many injured workers fail to take advantage of the various benefits offered by workers’ compensation insurance and New Jersey law. WC insurers want you to return to a high-paying position, as this lessens or eliminates their financial responsibilities. If you want to return to work after a job-related injury but cannot perform your previous duties, discuss your rights with the experienced Wildwood, NJ, workers’ comp lawyers at the Law Offices of Matarazzo & Lubcher today by calling (856) 388-5199 or connecting with us online.