Getting sick on the job can be costly. If you cannot work because of your illness, you will incur medical bills for your diagnosis and treatment and try to find funds to cover your other expenses. Thankfully, workers’ compensation covers both work-related and occupational diseases. An occupational disease refers to any disease a worker suffers as a result of going to work. It includes illnesses or impairments directly related to job duties and those suffered because of being in the workplace on the job site. If you have been sick because of job-related activities, you should contact one of the most popular New Jersey employment lawyers to help you go file a workers’ compensation claim.
Seeking Workers’ Comp for an Occupational Disease
Filing a workers’ comp claim is critical to your health and financial stability. Most employees in New Jersey are covered, so you may be entitled to compensation for your illness or impairment. When seeking compensation, you must prove your illness is work-related and that you have filed your claim on time. An experienced employment lawyer can help you seek benefits under your employers’ workers’ comp policy; however, you need to get started as soon as possible.
What Benefits Can You Receive?
In the state of New Jersey, covered workers can receive medical and disability benefits. With medical benefits, you can get funds for the costs of your diagnosis and treatment until you reach your maximum medical improvement. Meanwhile, disability benefits can be temporary or permanent, depending on your condition. Temporary total disability benefits are calculated at 70% of your usual and customary wages and cover your lost income if you cannot return to work for at least 7 days. Permanent disability benefits can be awarded to you if you can prove you have a permanent medical condition because of a work-related injury, together with a loss of function. Families who lose their loved ones to occupational diseases can also receive death benefits.
When to File a Workers’ Comp Claim
If you are suffering from any work-related impairment or occupational disease, you must talk to a lawyer about filing a workers’ comp claim immediately. The law imposes strict deadlines for notifying your employer and initiating a claim. Usually, employers will try to deny coverage for occupational illness by claiming their workers failed to notify them or file on time. Reputable employment lawyers can help ensure you offer timely and adequate notice to your boss and fight to ensure you get the benefits you need and deserve.
