New Jersey Workers Compensation

History of Workers Compensation in New Jersey

The history of workers’ compensation in New Jersey dates back to the early 20th century when workers’ compensation laws were first introduced in the United States. Prior to the enactment of these laws, injured workers had to sue their employers in court to receive compensation for work-related injuries. This was a lengthy and expensive process, and injured workers often received little or no compensation.

In 1911, New Jersey became one of the first states to pass a workers’ compensation law, which provided for the payment of medical expenses and lost wages to workers who were injured on the job. The law was designed to provide a more efficient and effective way for injured workers to receive compensation without the need for a lengthy and costly legal process.

Over the years, New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system has undergone several changes and updates. In 1919, the state established the Division of Workmen’s Compensation to oversee the administration of the workers’ compensation system. In 1923, the state passed a law that required all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to ensure that injured workers would receive the benefits they were entitled to.

Since then, New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of workers and employers. In 1979, the state passed a law that established a Second Injury Fund to provide additional benefits to workers who were injured on the job and had pre-existing disabilities. In 2008, the state passed a law that increased the maximum weekly benefit for injured workers and expanded the types of injuries and illnesses that were covered by the system.

Today, New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system provides important protections and benefits to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. The system is administered by the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation, which oversees the processing of claims and the payment of benefits to injured workers.

What is New Jersey Workers’ Compensation?

In the state of New Jersey, the workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Here is an overview of how the system works:

1. Employer Coverage: All employers in New Jersey are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance or be self-insured. This coverage provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
2. Employee Notification: If an employee is injured or becomes ill while on the job, they should notify their employer as soon as possible. The employer should provide the employee with a claim form to fill out.
3. Medical Treatment: The employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover the costs of necessary medical treatment related to the injury or illness. The employee should seek medical treatment as soon as possible and provide the doctor with the claim form.
4. Claim Filing: The employee must file a workers’ compensation claim with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation within two years of the injury or illness. The claim form must be completed accurately and include all necessary documentation.
5. Claims Processing: The Division of Workers’ Compensation will review the claim and may schedule a hearing to determine the benefits the employee is entitled to receive. The employee may also have the option to settle the claim with the employer or the employer’s insurance company.
6. Benefit Payments: If the claim is approved, the employee may be entitled to benefits such as medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability payments, and vocational rehabilitation. The amount and duration of the benefits will depend on the specific circumstances of the injury or illness.

Overall, the workers’ compensation system in New Jersey aims to provide injured or ill workers with the support they need to recover and return to work. If you have specific questions about the system or need assistance with a claim, you may want to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.