Medical Treatment

Attorneys Helping Injured New Jersey Workers Recover Benefits

The focus of a person who suffers a work-related injury or illness should be obtaining any medical treatment necessary to help the person recover from his or her harm. Although New Jersey’s workers’ compensation law explicitly grants injured workers the right to medical treatment, the process of proving what constitutes necessary treatment and obtaining this treatment can be complicated.

If you sustained an injury or illness that arose out of your employment, you should speak to an attorney regarding the medical treatment that you may be eligible to receive.

The New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers at New Jersey Workers Compensation Lawyer of JFM Law are proficient at aiding employees who suffered work-related harm in seeking the medical treatment that they need. We represent people in workers’ compensation claims throughout New Jersey.

For your free consultation, reach out online or call tel:(934) 200-5372 today!

Types of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Covered

In New Jersey, workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses that occur in the workplace. These include:

• Physical Injuries: These are the most common work-related injuries, such as broken bones, sprains, burns, and lacerations, often caused by accidents like falls, machinery malfunctions, or vehicle accidents. These injuries can lead to significant personal injury claims, especially if they result in long-term disability or require ongoing medical treatment.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: These injuries develop over time due to repetitive motion or strain, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders. These are common in jobs that require repetitive movements like typing or assembly line work.
• Occupational Diseases: These are long-term illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous materials or conditions in the workplace. Examples include lung diseases from inhaling harmful dust or chemicals, hearing loss from constant exposure to loud noise, and cancer caused by toxic substances.

If you experience any of these, it’s essential to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive the necessary medical treatment and benefits.

Workers' Compensation Medical Benefits

Workers' compensation provides medical benefits to cover the costs associated with treating work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits typically include:

• Doctor Visits: Regular consultations with healthcare providers to assess and treat your condition.
• Hospital Stays: If hospitalization is necessary for treatment or surgery, workers' compensation will cover the costs.
• Surgeries: If surgery is needed to treat your injury, workers' compensation will cover the expense.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services to help you recover and regain function after an injury.
• Medications: Prescribed medications, including pain management, antibiotics, and any other necessary treatments.
• Diagnostic Testing: Coverage for necessary tests like X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures to properly assess your injury or illness.

These benefits ensure that injured workers can focus on their recovery without worrying about medical costs.

Choosing the Right Medical Provider

When injured at work, it's important to choose the right healthcare provider for your treatment. In New Jersey, workers' compensation claims usually require you to visit a doctor who is part of your employer’s approved medical network. However, you have options if you are not satisfied with the care:

• Choosing a Provider: Ask your employer or insurance provider for a list of approved healthcare providers.
• If Unsatisfied: If you're unhappy with your provider’s treatment, you can request a second opinion from another doctor. If needed, you may be able to switch to a different provider within the network.

Remember, your attorney can help guide you in selecting the best healthcare provider for your case.

How to Prove the Necessity of Medical Treatment

To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must prove that the medical treatment is necessary for your recovery. Here's how you can demonstrate this:

• Obtain Medical Records: Ensure your doctor documents the details of your injury and the treatment plan in your medical records.
• Expert Opinions: In complex cases, a second opinion or an expert’s evaluation might be necessary to support your claim.
• Supporting Documentation: Collect any additional documentation, such as employer records, accident reports, or statements from coworkers that can prove the link between your job and the injury.

Working with an experienced attorney can help you gather the right evidence and ensure your treatment is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim in New Jersey?
  In New Jersey, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a workers' compensation claim. It’s important to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible to avoid any delays in filing your claim.
• Can I choose my own doctor for workers' compensation treatment?
  In New Jersey, your employer’s workers' compensation insurance provider may have a list of approved medical providers. You are generally required to choose a doctor from that network for your initial treatment. However, if you're dissatisfied with your treatment, you may be able to switch to a different doctor within the approved network.
• What should I do if my workers' compensation claim is denied?
  If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal with the New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation. It’s highly recommended to consult with experienced medical treatment lawyers who can help you navigate the appeals process and gather the necessary evidence to support your case.
• Are all work-related injuries covered by workers' compensation?
  While most work-related injuries are covered, some injuries may not be eligible for benefits, such as those caused by your own intentional actions or those that occur outside the scope of your job. Consulting with medical treatment lawyers can help clarify whether your injury is eligible for coverage.
• Can I receive workers’ compensation benefits if I am partially at fault for my injury?
  Yes, New Jersey operates under a no-fault system for workers' compensation. This means you can still receive benefits even if your own actions contributed to the injury, as long as the injury occurred while performing work-related duties. Medical treatment lawyers can assist in ensuring you receive the benefits you're entitled to.
• Will workers’ compensation cover lost wages?
  Yes, workers' compensation in New Jersey provides benefits for lost wages if your injury prevents you from working. These benefits are typically a percentage of your average weekly wage, subject to state limits.

For your free consultation, reach out online or call tel:(934) 200-5372 today!