There were 75,800 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in New Jersey in 2020, which is an increase from the previous year, a new report shows.

According to new data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2020 occurred at a rate of 2.9 cases per 100 full-time workers. 

The majority of injuries were reported in the trade, transportation, utilities, education, and health services industries.  Injuries or illnesses that resulted in at least one day away from work increased significantly in the education and health services sectors. 

Another breakdown of the data shows that 71.6% of cases were injuries, while 21,400 cases were illnesses.  To review the complete report from BLS, visit: https://www.bls.gov/regions/new-york-new-jersey/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_newjersey.htm

In New Jersey, employees who sustain a work-related injury or illness are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In the event of an employee’s death, their dependents can be eligible for benefits. 

In New Jersey, workers compensation law provides the following benefits:

Medical benefits: All necessary and reasonable medical treatment, prescriptions and hospitalization services related to the work injury are paid by the employer’s insurance carrier or directly by the employer if they are self-insured.

Additional benefits include temporary disability benefits, permanent partial disability, and permanent total disability benefits.

Temporary benefits: If you can’t work for more than seven days because of a work-related injury or illness, you will be entitled to temporary total disability benefits equal to 70% of your average weekly wages before the injury. However, the minimum and maximum may change each year. 

Permanent partial disability: If an employee’s injury or illness results in a permanent inability to work, the worker is eligible for weekly benefits that depend on the level of the disability. 

Permanent Total disability: If a worker’s injury or illness leaves them permanently unable to return to any type of employment, they are eligible to receive permanent total benefits equal to 70% of their average weekly pay. However, after 450 weeks, workers must provide evidence of their total disability.

In addition, dependents of a worker who dies because of a work-related injury or illness may be eligible to receive death benefits.

If  ou’ve sustained a work-related injury or illness, the process of obtaining workers compensation benefits may be stressful or overwhelming. If you or your loved one need help with their workers compensation case or claim, we can assist you with a free consultation.