Workers’ Compensation for Home Health Aides

Some careers tend to be more physical, which can put some employee types at a higher risk of injury. One of these careers includes home health aides. Understanding the common causes of injury, as well as the process of workers’ compensation can help home health aides navigate a work-related injury.

Why are Home Help Aides at an Increased Risk of Injury?

Home help aides are often tasked with assisting seniors or other patients who may need a little extra mobility help while at home. They often work with seniors who have limited mobility, or those recovering from a procedure. They may also work with patients who are permanently disabled.

This often means that their job includes a lot of heavy lifting and moving. In addition to transporting the necessary mobility equipment from one location to another, they may also be responsible for assisting a senior in moving from a bed to a wheelchair, bath, or furniture. While home help aides typically undergo extensive training that includes safe lifting and moving practices, injuries are always a possibility.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that employers provider to employees. It helps employees cover costs like medical expenses, lost wages, and any other related costs when they are injured on the job. Most employers in New Jersey are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage.

How Do I File for Workers’ Compensation in New Jersey?

Following an injury that occurs at work, you’ll need to follow certain steps to ensure that you’re covered by workers’ compensation. Follow these steps following an injury:

• Receive medical care as soon as possible
• Inform your physician that you were injured at work
• Notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible
• File a claim with workers’ compensation

A few things may happen once you file a claim. The process may be easy and you may receive your payments in a timely manner. For some people, however, this process isn’t always easy. It’s possible that the workers’ compensation company will request more information from you. They may question if your injury really occurred at work. They may also claim that the injury was your fault. In some cases, they may even deny your claim.

It’s also important to keep in mind that there is a time limit involved with workers’ compensation claims. In most cases, you have just 14 days to notify your employer. Additionally, if you file a formal petition on a workers’ compensation claim, you have just two years from the date of your injury to do so.

Your Options Following a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim

If your claim is denied, you may still have options. You can file an appeal, where they will likely schedule an informal hearing. During this hearing, they will request more information to determine if your case is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Working With a Lawyer Following a Claim

If your claim is denied, or workers’ compensation is making your case more difficult than it should be, it may be worth it to reach out to a lawyer. You risk your health by helping others when they need it, it’s only right that your employer provides you with the insurance benefits you deserve.

Contact a Perth Amboy Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your New Jersey Workplace Injury Case

A workplace injury can be devastating, particularly if it prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time. Although New Jersey Workers’ Compensation laws are supposed to provide you with reimbursement for medical expenses and replacement pay for missed time at work, it is not always easy to get the Workers’ Comp benefits you deserve. That is why you should speak with a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer about your situation and get guidance throughout the claims process. The experienced Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC represent clients in Howell, Long Branch, Perth Amboy, Freehold, and all across New Jersey. Call (732) 264-4400 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation about your work injury case. Our main office is located at Park Village, 25 Village Court Highway, #35 Hazlet, NJ 07730, and we also have an office in East Brunswick, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.