Workers' Compensation: New Jersey

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Nicole Farley, Fisher Phillips

Summary

• New Jersey employers are required to obtain workers' compensation coverage and can obtain such coverage through private insurance carriers or through self-insurance. See Covered Employers.
• New Jersey law provides for coverage for more categories of workers than are considered employees under the Internal Revenue Code. See Covered Employees.
• Employees who are disabled due to a job-related injury or disease are entitled to medical expenses to treat job-related injuries or illnesses and income benefits to replace part of the wages lost due to disability; See Compensable Injuries.
• When disputes arise concerning workers' compensation benefits or the characterization of employees or injuries, aggrieved parties can seek remedies from the Division of Workers' Compensation. See Administrative Hearings and Court Proceedings.
• In some situations, employers may choose to object to an employee's claim for workers' compensation benefits. In that event, the employer can make several different arguments to the state workers' compensation board. See Employer Defenses to Workers' Compensation Claims.
• New Jersey employers have significant control over the choice of treating physicians assigned to treat injured or ill workers with compensable injuries. See Medical Benefits and Communication with Healthcare Providers.
• In addition to funds for medical care to address compensable injuries, workers' compensation insurance provides for other benefits. See Other Benefits.
• Benefits are calculated using a statutorily-defined system. See Calculation of Benefits.