How a worker must give the employer notice of a workplace injury
After suffering a serious on-the-job injury, a hurt worker may have a lot to think about. In addition to having their injury treated and their pain managed, they may worry about how they will do their job so that they can support their family. In New Jersey, a worker in this situation may be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits to help them through their period of convalescence.
To claim workers’ compensation, a worker must provide their employer of notice of their injury. The state mandates that specific information be included in the notice, and that it be given to specific individuals within an employment organization. This post will discuss these requirements, but it is important that readers remember no legal advice is provided herein. Any matter related to workers’ compensation that raises questions for a reader should be directed to their trusted workers’ compensation lawyer.
What information must be included in the notice?
Notices of workplace injuries must contain specific information. That information includes, but is not limited to:
- The worker’s name
- The location of the injury
- The type of work the worker performs for the employer
- The date of the injury
- The fact that the worker will seek compensation for their injury
A worker may use the statutory language provided in Title 34 of the New Jersey Statutes or they may write it containing the same information without penalty.
Who can accept notice of a workplace injury?
Generally, if an officer or supervisor in a workplace could accept notice of other forms of legal actions, they can accept notice of a workers’ compensation claim. If a worker cannot hand notice off to someone in this capacity, their notice can also be sent through the mail. It is important that workers understand the time limits that are placed on providing notice to their employers about their workplace injuries, and their workers’ compensation attorneys can help them stay ahead of all necessary requirements.