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What is workers' compensation?Workers' compensation is a system which provides benefits to workers who are injured or who contract an occupational disease while working. The benefits include medical care, temporary disability payments and compensation for a resulting permanent disability. In the event of the death of an injured worker, benefits are payable to the family of the worker.
How did the workers' compensation system evolve?When the workers' compensation system was first established in 1911, it was designed to cover only the catastrophic injuries experienced by workers in a heavily industrialized economy. The system was not intended or designed to provide coverage for many ailments and injuries that affect workers today.Today, insurance companies pay claim for injuries and diseases unknown when workers' compensation originated over eighty years ago. For example, one of the most frequent injuries reported in today's high-technology work place is "repetitive-motion syndrome," a wrist ailment that affects computer users.
How does the workers' compensation system work?New Jersey employers pay insurance premiums to provide coverage for employees who are injured on the job or who suffer occupation-related diseases. Injured or ill employees receive full payment for the cost of all necessary medical treatment and hospital care, including physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses.Employees also receive benefits if their ability to work is diminished, or if they are rendered unemployable. If an occupation- related illness or injury results in death, benefits are paid to the employee's dependents. workers' compensation pays unlimited medical expenses, and there are no deductibles for employees.
Who is covered?Virtually every worker who performs services for wages is covered by the law, regardless of the number of workers employed by the employee.Under New Jersey law, domestic and farm workers are covered. Workers considered to be independent contractors, rather than employees, are not covered. Seamen, maritime workers, railroad workers and federal employees are covered under federal workers' compensation law.
How can employers purchase workers' compensation insurance?New Jersey employers can purchase workers' compensation coverage through an insurance agent or broker, or directly from an insurance company. Under this system, the insurance company compensates the injured or ill employees.The alternative is for employers to be "self-insured" and pay benefits directly to employees. Self-insurance plans must comply with state laws and regulations.
When does coverage begin?Employees are automatically covered as soon as they are on the job.
What must a worker do if injured?The worker should notify the employer of the accident or injury as soon as possible so he/she can get all the details and notify the insurance company. All accidents should be reported even if you do not feel injured.If it's an emergency, get medical attention right away. If it's not an emergency, your employer will refer you to a physician and treatment facility. Be sure to report any accident and injury within 90 days from the date of the accident.
Can the worker choose his or her treating physician?The employer has the right to designate the authorized treating physician for all work related injuries. Only in situations where the employer inappropriately refuses to provide medical treatment or if an emergency exists, may the injured worker choose the treating physician. In the case of the latter, the injured worker should notify the employer as soon as possible concerning treatment being received. |
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