The workers’ compensation system in New Jersey provides various benefits to injured workers. In addition, grieving families who lost a loved one in a workplace accident can recover workers’ compensation death benefits. Below is a description of the various types of benefits available through the New Jersey workers’ compensation system.

Medical Benefits

After a workplace accident or a qualifying occupational disease, your employer is responsible for paying for all “necessary and reasonable medical treatment.” This includes any emergency treatment, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any other costs related to an employee’s workplace injuries. However, as a general rule, an employer or their insurance carrier is permitted to designate which doctors a worker sees.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits

If a worker’s injury results in them missing more than seven days of work, they may be able to qualify for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. Weekly TTD benefits are equal to 70 percent of a worker’s average weekly wage (AWW). However, these benefits are capped at 75 percent of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW). Injured workers continue to receive TTD benefits until they are able return to their old job or once they reach their Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). MMI is reached when a worker no longer benefits from additional medical treatment. Once a worker exhausts all their TTD benefits, they can then apply for Permanent Partial Disability benefits or Permanent Total Disability benefits.

Permanent Partial Disability benefits

Workers who suffer an injury that renders part of their body disabled can file for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. The weekly amount of Permanent Partial Disability benefits depends on which body part was injured and the extent of the injury. There is a schedule that covers commonly injured body parts, and a worker’s benefit amount will depend on their AWW as well as their disability impairment level. The disability impairment level is assigned by the workers’ compensation doctor. Employees who disagree with their impairment level are entitled to a second opinion.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits

If a worker is unable to return to work because of a work injury or ongoing disability, they can apply for Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits. Similar to Temporary Total Disability benefits, PTD benefits equal 70 percent of an injured worker’s average weekly wage and are capped at 75 percent of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage. Initially, a worker can obtain PTD benefits for up to 450 weeks; however, if a worker is unable to return to work at the end of this period, they may be able to receive ongoing benefits.

Death Benefits

Death benefits are payable to a worker’s family in the event of a fatal workplace accident. The weekly benefits payments to surviving family members equal 70% of the weekly wage of the deceased worker, not to exceed the maximum benefit amount established annually by the Commissioner of Labor. For 2022, the maximum death benefit amount is $1,065 per month. However, these benefits are divided between all surviving dependents after a judge holds a hearing on the extent of each party’s dependency.

Contact a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

The law firm of Petrillo & Goldberg has assembled a compassionate team of advocates who have dedicated their careers to ensuring that New Jersey injury accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. The injury advocates at Petrillo & Goldberg deal with the insurance companies so accidents victims can focus on recovering, returning to work and moving forward with their life. To learn more, call 856-486-4343 to schedule a free consultation. You can also reach us through our online contact form.