On the Job Injuries

What is an On-the-Job injury?

An injury which occurs as a result of either a direct accident as a result of your employment or caused by a particular exposure to something in your workplace. It is an injury which occurs as a result of any unforeseen or unintended result from usual or customary exertion even when there is no unexpected cause.

What do I do if I think I have an On-the-Job injury?

If you have been injured as a result of an on-the-job injury (no matter how slight) you must report that to your employer. The employer will fill out an accident report which will be submitted to the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier and benefits will be provided. An employee should know the specific nature of the injury and that it came from his/her employment before reporting it to the employer.

I have a Repetitive Stress Injury (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) and I work on an assembly line. Is that an On-the-Job injury?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is only one example of an occupational injury which may be caused by work exposure, and therefore can be an on-the job injury. Any medical condition or disease caused by exposure to a harmful work environment will be subject to the same benefits as traumatic injuries. For more information, please see the Repetitive Stress Injuries Topic Section.

What benefits am I entitled to if I have an On-the-Job injury?

If you have an On-the-Job Injury then workers’ compensation insurance provides three basic benefits: medical benefits, benefits for lost time from work, and benefits for permanent injuries. Medical care means that your employer must provide you with reasonable medical care. In New Jersey your employer has the right to choose which doctors you go to for treatment. If the authorized doctor indicates you are unable to work for more then seven (7) days you will be paid 70% of your average weekly wage up to a maximum rate which is set annually. Finally, if your injuries result in permanent medical problems, you will be entitled to receive an award.