Workers' Compensation is a system that provides benefits to those who have been injured in the course of their employment. Workers' compensation laws vary from state to state. In New Jersey, the following benefits are available:
- Medical Benefits: The employer is obligated to pay for all reasonable medical costs associated with a work injury until the injured employee reaches maximum medical improvement. Under NJ law, the employer has the right to choose the medical providers.
- Temporary Benefits: If the authorized treating doctor takes the injured employee out of work for a period in excess of 7 days, the employer is obligated to pay the employee 70% of his or her average weekly wage, up to the state maximum, until the employee is capable of returning to work.
- Permanency Benefits: The employer is obligated to compensate the injured employee for any permanent injury, which can be proved with objective medical evidence, in accordance with a schedule contained in the Workers' Compensation Act.