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How Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Paid in New Jersey?

Posted on behalf of James Lynch on November 30, 2018  in Workers' Compensation News. Updated on March 2, 2022

work injury claim formIf you suffered a work-related injury, you may be wondering how long it will take for you to receive your workers’ compensation benefits. Typically, you will begin receiving benefit payments soon after filing your workers’ compensation claim. However, it is important to understand exactly when payments begin.

If you need legal assistance with any aspect of your workers’ compensation claim, the Lynch Law Firm, PC can help. Our New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers can explain what benefits you might be entitled to during a free, no obligation consultation.

When Will I Receive Benefits?

In most cases, workers should receive their first benefits payment two weeks after reporting their injury to their employer or its workers’ compensation insurer.

If you do not receive your benefits within this time, a fine may be issued against your employer’s insurer. Typically, the fine will amount to 25 percent of the benefits payment you did not receive. However, this will only occur if the insurer delayed your payment by 30 days or more.

How Much Will I Receive in Temporary Disability?

Temporary total disability benefits are paid to workers who are disabled for a week or more. These benefits are equal to 70 percent of the employee’s weekly wages, subject to the state maximum.

These benefits continue while the employee is unable to work and is receiving active medical care. They usually terminate when the employee is released to work or when he or she reaches maximum medical improvement, meaning that additional treatment will not improve his or her medical condition.

Temporary disability benefits must be at least $241 but no more than $903 a week in 2018. For 2019, the minimum payment is $246 and the maximum is $921.

What Will I Receive in Permanent Disability Benefits?

Permanent total disability benefits are paid to an employee who is unable to return to any type of gainful employment due to his or her injury. Permanent total disability is also presumed when the worker has lost two major members of his or her body, such as eyes, arms, hands, legs or feet.

If you qualify for permanent total disability benefits, you will receive payments each week for a maximum of 450 weeks. However, your benefit payments may extend past 450 weeks if you are still unable to work.

Permanent total disability benefits are based on 70 percent of the average weekly wage, subject to a state maximum. Payments in 2018 are subject to a minimum of $241 a week in 2018 and a maximum of $903. As of Jan. 1, 2019, disability benefit payments will increase to $246 a week minimum or $903 maximum.

Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

Permanent partial benefits are paid to workers who suffer certain types of injuries that impact certain areas of their body. These benefits are based on whether the particular injury is on New Jersey’s schedule, which includes injuries involving the worker’s:

  • Arms
  • Hands
  • Fingers
  • Legs
  • Feet
  • Toes
  • Eyes
  • Ears
  • Teeth

Non-scheduled losses involve another part of the body not included in the schedule, such as the lungs, heart or back.

Permanent partial benefits are paid weekly and begin after the temporary disability ends. The amount of benefits depends on the type of injury. In 2018, the minimum payment for is $35 and the maximum is $903. For 2019, the minimum weekly payment will remain $35, while the maximum payment will increase to $921.

Some examples of benefit rates based on certain injuries include:

  • Injury to a hand considered 40 percent disabled – 245 weeks of compensation and benefits up to $24,818
  • Injury to a leg considered 20 percent disabled – 315 weeks of compensation and benefits up to $15,183
  • Injury to an eye considered 100 percent disabled – 200 weeks of compensation and benefits up to $84,200

Contact an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Handling a workers’ compensation claim without help can be difficult. To ensure that you are receiving the full benefits you need, contact an experienced attorney for help with your claim.

Lynch Law Firm, PC is dedicated to helping injured workers obtain compensation after suffering an on-the-job injury. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We can explain the types of benefits available and when you should expect to receive them.

Complete a Free Case Evalaution form to get started.

* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

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