Fatal Workplace Injuries Rose Nationwide in 2016
There were approximately 2.9 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers nationwide in 2016. Fatal workplace injuries totaled 5,190 nationally in 2016, a seven percent increase from the previous year. This marks the third consecutive increase in annual workplace fatalities. In the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, 220 people died in workplace injuries in 2016, the same number as the prior year.
Workers’ compensation provides relief
New Jersey workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to those employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness. The worker does not need to be in the workplace at the time of injury, only that they were in the course and scope of their employment when the injury occurred. Workers’ compensation operates under a “no-fault” system, meaning that an injured worker is still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if they were at fault for the accident. Compensation may include medical treatment, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.
Death benefits for workplace injuries
If an employee is fatally injured in an accident at work, the decedent’s surviving family members may receive death benefits under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation. In order to receive benefits, the cause of death must be a workplace injury or illness, or due to an occupational injury. Only dependents may receive death benefits including the surviving spouse and dependent children who lived with the decedent at the time of death and were financially dependent upon the decedent.
Statute of limitations
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is two years from the date the injury occurred, or from the time that the worker became aware that the injury or illness was related to the workplace. This deadline is significant. Workers who delay filing a formal workers’ compensation claim within two years of the incident will not have their case heard in court. Furthermore, they forfeit their right to receive workers’ compensation benefits for their injuries, medical care, and lost wages. So if you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to recover the just compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Our New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys help New Jersey workers
At Lomurro Munson LLC, our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys help New Jersey workers receive fair compensation for their workplace injuries. We also assist New Jersey families who are facing the loss of a loved one due to a workplace fatality. Let us help you. From recovering lost wages, receiving compensation for medical bills, ensuring proper ongoing medical care, and providing for surviving family members who have suffered the loss of a primary wage earner, we are there for you every step of the way, advocating on your behalf. Contact a member of our team today at 732-482-9285 or contact us online to arrange for a confidential consultation to discuss your workers’ compensation claim.