Long-term vs Short-term Injuries: Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits in New Jersey

In the world of workplace injuries, understanding the nuances of workers’ compensation benefits is essential. Whether you’re facing a long-term or short-term injury, it’s crucial to be aware of the differences in benefits and the process of making a claim. In New Jersey, Drazin & Warshaw, a trusted law firm, is here to guide you through the complexities of the workers’ compensation system.

This comprehensive guide will explore the types of injuries covered by workers’ compensation, the benefits for long-term and short-term injuries, the differences between the two, and the role of a workers’ compensation lawyer. If you find yourself in a situation where you need expert guidance, we offer a free consultation to help you navigate the legal aspects of your case.

Types of Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a safety net that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, ensuring that injured workers can recover and return to the workforce as soon as possible. In New Jersey, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance, so these benefits are accessible to the majority of employees.

Long-term Injuries: Benefits and How to Claim

Long-term injuries, often referred to as “permanent partial disabilities,” are injuries that result in permanent impairments but still allow the injured worker to continue working in some capacity. These injuries can vary widely in severity, and workers’ compensation benefits are tailored to accommodate the degree of impairment.

Benefits for Long-term Injuries

When dealing with a long-term injury, workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey are primarily aimed at providing financial support and covering medical expenses for the injured employee. The benefits can include:

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: These benefits are based on the extent of the impairment and are intended to compensate the injured worker for their permanent loss of function. The compensation is calculated using a specific formula that considers the type of injury, its severity, and the worker’s pre-injury wage.
Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation costs related to the injury. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and more.
Vocational Rehabilitation: In cases where the injury prevents the employee from returning to their previous job, vocational rehabilitation may be provided to help them acquire new skills and find suitable employment.
Wage Replacement: If the injured worker is unable to return to work immediately, they may be entitled to temporary disability benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages.

How to Claim Benefits for Long-term Injuries

Claiming workers’ compensation benefits for long-term injuries involves a specific process, which can be complex. To initiate the process, follow these steps:

Report the Injury: Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Ensure that the incident is documented and that you receive medical attention.
File a Claim: You or your employer must file a formal workers’ compensation claim with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. This can be done online, by mail, or in person.
Medical Evaluation: Attend medical evaluations as required by the insurance company or the workers’ compensation board. These evaluations help determine the extent of your impairment.
Negotiation and Settlement: The insurance company may offer a settlement. Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you receive a fair settlement that adequately covers your long-term needs.

Short-term Injuries: Benefits and How to Claim

Short-term injuries, often referred to as “temporary disabilities,” are injuries that temporarily prevent the injured worker from performing their job but are expected to fully heal with time and treatment. Unlike long-term injuries, which may result in permanent impairments, short-term injuries are typically expected to have a full recovery.

Benefits for Short-term Injuries

The benefits for short-term injuries are intended to provide financial support while the injured worker is unable to work due to their injury. These benefits may include:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: If the injury causes the employee to be completely unable to work, they may be entitled to TTD benefits. These benefits typically amount to approximately 70% of their pre-injury wages.
Medical Expenses: Similar to long-term injuries, short-term injuries also cover medical expenses related to the injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and therapy.

How to Claim Benefits for Short-term Injuries

Claiming benefits for short-term injuries follows a process similar to that of long-term injuries:

Report the Injury: Notify your employer about the injury as soon as it occurs, ensuring that the incident is documented and seeking immediate medical attention.
File a Claim: You or your employer must file a formal workers’ compensation claim with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Medical Treatment: Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and attend any required medical evaluations.
Collect Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working, you can start collecting temporary total disability benefits to replace a portion of your lost wages.

Comparing the Two: Key Differences

While both long-term and short-term injuries fall under the umbrella of workers’ compensation, there are significant differences between the two in terms of benefits and implications for the injured worker.

Duration of Benefits

One of the most apparent differences between long-term and short-term injuries is the duration of benefits. Short-term injuries typically involve a relatively brief recovery period, and the benefits are temporary in nature. Once the injured worker has recovered and can return to work, the benefits cease.

In contrast, long-term injuries may involve permanent impairments or disabilities. The benefits for long-term injuries are designed to provide ongoing support for the injured worker, often lasting for the rest of their life, depending on the severity of the injury.

Benefit Amount

The amount of benefits also differs between long-term and short-term injuries. Short-term injuries typically receive a set percentage of their pre-injury wages as temporary total disability benefits, which is generally around 70%. These benefits provide financial assistance during the recovery period but do not take into account the permanent impairment.

Long-term injuries, on the other hand, receive benefits based on the specific degree of impairment and its impact on the injured worker’s ability to work. The benefit amount is calculated using a formula that considers the nature and severity of the injury, as well as the worker’s pre-injury wage. This results in a more personalized compensation that reflects the true impact of the injury on the individual.

Return to Work

For short-term injuries, the goal is typically to enable the injured worker to return to their pre-injury job once they have fully recovered. The workers’ compensation system supports this by providing temporary total disability benefits while the worker is unable to work, with the expectation that they will eventually rejoin the workforce.

In the case of long-term injuries, the focus may shift towards finding suitable employment that accommodates the worker’s permanent impairments. This may involve vocational rehabilitation and retraining to equip the injured worker with the skills necessary to secure alternative employment.

Role of a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: Expert Guidance for Both Scenarios

Navigating the workers’ compensation system, whether you have a long-term or short-term injury, can be a complex and daunting process. A workers’ compensation lawyer can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout your case.

For Long-term Injuries

If you’ve suffered a long-term injury, it’s essential to have an experienced attorney by your side to ensure that you receive fair and adequate compensation. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you in the following ways:

Evaluating Your Case: An attorney can assess the extent of your impairment and determine the potential benefits you should receive based on your specific situation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to offer a low settlement. A skilled attorney can negotiate on your behalf to secure a settlement that covers your long-term needs.
Appealing Denied Claims: If your claim is denied, a lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process and advocate for your rights in court.
Vocational Rehabilitation: If you are unable to return to your previous job, an attorney can assist in accessing vocational rehabilitation services to help you re-enter the workforce.

For Short-term Injuries

Even for short-term injuries, having a workers’ compensation attorney can be advantageous. Here’s how they can assist you:

Maximizing Benefits: An attorney can ensure you receive the full temporary total disability benefits you are entitled to, allowing you to focus on your recovery without financial stress.
Handling Denials: If your claim is denied or disputed, an attorney can guide you through the appeals process, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Assisting with Medical Treatment: Your attorney can help ensure you receive the necessary medical care and therapies to facilitate your recovery.
Returning to Work: For those with lingering effects from their short-term injury, an attorney can help coordinate your return to work or explore vocational rehabilitation options.

Contact an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer At Drazin & Warshaw for a Free Consultation About Your Case Today

Workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey provide essential support for employees facing long-term and short-term injuries. Understanding the differences between the two types of injuries and the corresponding benefits is crucial for anyone navigating the system. Drazin & Warshaw, a respected law firm, is here to help you through the process, whether you’re dealing with a long-term injury that requires ongoing support or a short-term injury that necessitates temporary assistance.

In summary, long-term injuries result in permanent impairments and offer benefits that are tailored to the extent of the impairment. Short-term injuries are expected to heal completely, and their benefits are temporary in nature. The key differences between the two include the duration of benefits, benefit amounts, and the focus on returning to work.

No matter the nature of your injury, the role of a workers’ compensation lawyer is invaluable. They can assist in evaluating your case, negotiating with insurance companies, appealing denied claims, and ensuring you receive the maximum benefits available.

If you’re facing a long-term or short-term injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to Drazin & Warshaw for a free consultation. Our experienced team is ready to provide the expert guidance and legal support you need to navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and secure the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to get started on the path to recovery and financial stability.