A: Virtually all types of work-related physical injury and industrial illness are covered by workers compensation. Very commonly covered conditions include repetitive-stress injuries (RSIs) like carpal-tunnel syndrome (CTS), back injuries, traumatic injuries, wounds or bodily reactions to substances. Many states also cover mental or emotional harm, but the standards for psychological coverage vary greatly from state to state. Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered unless aggravated at work.

A: Available benefits vary from state to state, but usually include compensation for medical expenses and disability benefits to replace wages, at least in part. States use various methods for calculating benefit amounts, such as schedules or formulas that may take into account the severity and type of injury and amount of lost wages. Some states offer other types of benefits, such as vocational rehabilitation. Death benefits are available to surviving dependents of workers who die from occupational injury or disease.

A: State laws require one of three payment methods or a combination thereof. Employers may need to carry workers compensation insurance; employers may self-insure by setting up a fund sufficient to cover outgoing benefits; or the state may administer its own fund into which employers are required to pay.

A: Of course, you should first obtain necessary emergency treatment. Second, give notice of the injury or disease to your employer as soon as possible. State laws vary about what type of notice is sufficient, whether a designated person needs to receive it, how soon it must be given and if there is a deadline. Also, some states require notice to other parties, such as the state workers compensation agency, local court or workers compensation insurer. Third, file your workers compensation claim with the state agency in a timely manner. Consult a knowledgeable workers compensation attorney as early in the process as possible for advice about how to proceed every step of the way.

A: Whether you can choose your own doctor depends on your state’s law. Most states allow emergency treatment without concern for consultation with the employer or insurer. Beyond an emergency, the choice of treating physician may belong to the employee, the employer, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier or the state. Sometimes the employee can choose from a list of providers compiled by the employer, insurer or state agency. Your state law may also control how to change providers or other situations, such as obtaining a second opinion.

A: New Jersey is unique in that a denial of benefits by an employer or its insurance company does not harm your case. All claims go before a Judge of Compensation, who has exclusive power to determine the facts and order benefits to be paid to a claimant. The attorneys at Doner & Castro can guide you through the process

A: If you are harmed in the course of employment, you are entitled to workers’ compensation, regardless of the cause. You may be able to sue a third party that caused the injury, such as the manufacturer, distributor or seller of faulty equipment that caused the injury. If a co-worker caused the injury, most states do not allow you to sue your colleague, but some do. If you recover from a third party, your employer or its insurer may be eligible for workers’ compensation reimbursement or they may be able to join the suit.