Types of New Jersey Workers' Compensation Benefits
New Jersey workers' compensation includes various types of benefits, depending upon the nature of your injuries and your medical needs. We invite you to learn more about compensation on this page. Your Seigel Capozzi Law Firm LLC attorney will answer your specific questions and help you file for the types of benefits you are entitled to.
Temporary total compensation (TT)
TT compensation pays you direct cash (bi-weekly check) if you are totally disabled and unable to work for a short period of time. The disability can result from an accident or an occupational disease, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. TT is generally the initial award to cover the injured worker's loss of wages and earnings.
Scheduled loss (SL) or permanent partial loss (PPL)
Even after returning to work, you may suffer a certain amount of permanent (residual) damage from your injury. A scheduled loss (formerly known as a permanent partial) award encompasses amputations and loss of use of a limb or organ, including vision and hearing. A permanent partial loss is often requested on your initial report of injury. A partial loss can also be identified during your recovery, while your claim is in progress. If approved, compensation will be based on the nature of the injury and the amount of your earnings during the year the injury occurred. Workers' compensation insurance carriers maintain a schedule of types of injuries and apply the award against your degree of permanent loss. As your attorney, we make sure the schedule is applied fairly and your disability is fully accounted for, as determined by an independent physician.
Permanent total disability (PTD)
If your injuries make it impossible for you to perform your former work duties in any capacity, you may qualify for PTD. The PTD benefits will compensate you for your impaired capacity to earn a living. PTD compensation is a lifetime benefit. Permanent total disability benefits require an independent determination of your injuries. Insurance carriers may be quick to offer you a
lump sum settlement that looks attractive on the surface, but can mean a significant reduction in total benefits over your working life. We will help you make the right decision.
Medical compensation
Not all workers' compensation benefits are paid in the form of cash. You will also qualify for medical compensation paid directly to your physician and physical rehabilitation trainer. To qualify, your physician must be approved by your workers' compensation insurance carrier. If you don't know an approved provider, our firm can help you find one. Medical compensation does not mean medical insurance coverage. You will receive benefits only for medical costs directly related to recovering from your injuries in your efforts to return to work. Members of your family will not have their medical costs covered by this benefit.
Wage loss benefits (WL)
It is likely that your injuries will result in a reduction or loss of wages during your recovery period. Wage loss compensation pays you directly while you are out of work, based on the average weekly wage earned over the previous 12-month period. As your attorneys, we fight to ensure every dollar in direct and non-direct earnings are accounted for in the calculations.
Additional types of benefits
In addition to the above, there are various types of benefits payments that include working wage losses, non-working wage loss, living maintenance wage loss and death claims for surviving family members.
Learn more at our Workers' Compensation FAQ page
Seigel Capozzi Law Firm LLC attorneys focus on one thing — your rights. Contact our offices to arrange a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our New Jersey workers' compensation lawyers today. From our offices in Ridgewood, we represent clients in the Passaic, Bergen and Hudson County regions, and throughout northern New Jersey.
