Workers compensation law lends financial protection to employees if they happen to be injured during their course of work. If you sustain work related injuries, you must hire a lawyer as soon as possible so that you receive satisfactory compensation in return of all the emotional, physical and financial trauma that you had to undergo. Although the constitution gives you the right to demand compensation and drag your employer to court if he refuses to pay you, hiring a lawyer is a good thing because the matter can be wrapped up more quickly and the money you might get can also be more.
There are a lot of interesting things about workers compensation in New Jersey. Here are some facts.
Different compensation laws for workers
Workers compensation is a blanket law that encompasses three parts. They are:
1. Federal Employment Liability Act that is especially meant for the railway employees
2. The Merchant Marine Act which protects seamen
3. The Federal Employment Compensation Act which provides protection to all civilians in the country who are not covered by the other two laws
Every state has different laws
Workers compensation laws in New Jersey are very different from those in California. The most unique laws are of Texas because here, employers are not obligated to be equipped with workers compensation insurance. The reason for variations between states is because every state has its own rules and limitations. States do not have to follow uniform laws instigated by the Federal government. However, several states do follow the Federal guidelines. These, and other factors, bring variations in the law from one state to another. So, people who migrate to other states for employment should understand laws of that particular state so that they are aware of their rights.
The current problem regarding workers compensation
One of the biggest problems that employers face in the current world is that of the aging workforce. Interestingly, when compared to the younger workforce, the seniors sustain a lesser number of injuries because they tend to be more cautious and careful. However, when they do sustain injuries, the compensation that the employer has to pay turns out to be much higher. Owing to this problem, demands are on to make changes in the standards of safety measures employed at the work place. A safer environment ensures lesser injuries, thereby easing the burden on employers. Additionally, changes are also required in the workers compensation insurance laws so as to make them more favorable towards the seniors.
Statistics related to workplace injuries are rather alarmingly. Surveys show more than a thousand people lose their lives and more than four million people suffer injuries related injuries every year. More than $155 billion is spent every year on work related injuries.
In such a scenario, workers compensation insurance can be a boon for injured workers.
