When you get hurt on the job, you might need to take some time off work to get medical care and fully recover from your injuries. In most cases, New Jersey workers can file workers’ compensation claim to get financial assistance to pay for their medical care. Did you know — if you need to spend an extended time away from work recovering from injuries — that you can pursue wage replacement benefits too?

The New Jersey workers’ compensation system is designed for the benefit of employees who sacrifice time with their families and their general enjoyment of life to go to work day in and day out. Indeed, workers give up a lot to generate profits and perform labor-intensive services for their employers. As a community, the least we can do is create a safety net for workers — so that when they’re injured on the job — they can get the medical care they need. This safety net should also compensate workers so they can stay financially afloat while they’re too hurt to perform their job duties.

When a New Jersey worker qualifies for wage replacement benefits, he or she will not receive the full amount of income formerly received. Workers usually receive approximately two-thirds of their average wages or salary when they’re unable to work because of a job-related injury. However, workers’ compensation benefits are exempt from income taxes, so in the end, many injured workers will receive approximately the same amount of money they were making before.

Wage replacement benefits can be the monetary lifeline that can keep a laid out New Jersey worker’s head above financial waters while he or she is recovering from a serious injury. If you think you could qualify for wage replacement benefits the Law Office of Jack L. Stillman, PA, can advise you of your legal rights and options.