When workers have been hurt on the job, they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include medical treatment and partial wages until they are ready to return to their job. What if they are unable to return to that job? The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Shebell & Shebell, LLC help them get the benefits they need. Our office is located in Shrewsbury.
Sometimes, a worker’s injury is so severe that returning to their old job is not an option. The workers’ compensation system in New Jersey provides benefits for workers in this situation. In general, the options include:
Permanent Total Benefits
Workers are left with a permanent disability and unable to work any type of job. They are eligible to receive weekly benefits equal to 70 percent of their average weekly pay. (There are annual minimum and maximum rates set by the state.) These benefits run for 450 weeks but may continue after that if workers can show they are still unable to work.
Permanent Partial Benefits
Workers lose some function but are still able to work certain jobs. “Scheduled” losses include a loss involving arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, eyes, ears or teeth. Benefits end after the temporary disability ends. Benefits can run for as long as 600 weeks.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
If you are left with a permanent disability but are able to work other types of jobs with retraining, you are eligible for help from the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS). This agency helps workers transition to a new job that matches their skills and abilities. Services provided include skills assessment, training, job counseling, placement services and educational assistance.
A work injury can have a significant impact on your life. You may be left unable to go back to the job you had. You may only be able to do jobs that don’t require heavy lifting or kneeling and squatting. You may only be able to do light duty work or have to work shorter hours.
That’s why you need an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side. Our firm is dedicated to making sure you get the medical treatment you need and the disability benefits you deserve.
Insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind. They only care about minimizing your claim so they can save money by paying you less. They may dispute the extent of your injuries or question the need for certain kinds of treatment. Your claim for workers’ compensation benefits may be denied.
We Fight For Your Rights
Our firm get a lot of questions from injured clients. “Do I have to return to work after getting workers’ comp?” “Can you still get workers’ comp if you go back to work?” “What if I am pressured to return to my old job?” We can help you get answers.
You may hear you don’t need a work injury lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim, but there’s too much at stake not to have experienced legal representation. Insurance companies know how to use the workers’ compensation system to their advantage. They’re hoping you don’t get a lawyer, because it makes things easier for them.
We know the laws in New Jersey, and we know how to use the workers’ compensation system to help you get treated fairly. Our attorneys can help you prepare for independent medical examinations (IME). We can arrange for you to get a second opinion from a reputable doctor or specialist in the area.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers build strong cases and present convincing arguments to judges. We are prepared to fight for you all the way to court, if that’s what it takes. Learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation – we can meet at our office in Shrewsbury, or we can come to you.