In New Jersey and all other states, Workers’ Compensation provides medical treatment, survivor benefits and wage loss replacements to those who suffer an injury because of a job-related incident. New Jersey requires all of its employers to have workers’ compensation insurance as long as there is at least one employee of the company. What happens when a workplace injury results in chronic pain? Many employees worry about how long they can receive benefits for a workplace injury.
When it comes to benefits, the NJBIA states that it covers medical treatment and lost wages, but many do not imagine what life would be like if the symptoms from that injury last for a long time. Some workplace injuries can result in chronic pain. The most common chronic pain injuries involve overextension of the spine. These injuries result from heavy lifting, poor posture and falls. Single acts and repetitive motions can cause severe back pain that leads to a chronic injury.
Workers’ compensation is complex and often insurers will argue what they will or will not pay for. Chronic pain is the source of many arguments. The law states that an employer must relieve the worker of his or her effects of the injury. Injured workers may have entitlements to permanent disability benefits in regards to chronic pain. This is particularly true if the impairment restricts the body in such a way that it totals permanent disability.
The information provided is supposed to educate on the benefits of workers’ compensation and chronic pain. It is not intended as legal advice.