Closed Period of Disability
If you have been disabled for a period of time and return to work you still may qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits. The Social Security Administration defines a closed period of disability as "the period of disability with a definite beginning date and a definite ending date. . . . " Program Operations Manual System (POMS) DI 25510.001. Many people return to work following a period of disability because their health or injuries improve. Some have no choice because they need an income to survive. Generally if a person is unable to work for a period of 12 months [...]
If I get hurt at work can I go to my own doctor?
When you get injured at work it can be very stressful. Unsettling questions may run though your mind: “Do I have a serious injury?” “Is my injury permanent?” “Will I be out of work?” Often, the last thing you want to think about is dealing with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company in order to schedule your treatment. One of the most common questions I get as a certified Workers’ Compensation Law attorney is: “I’ve gotten hurt at work, can I go to my own doctor?” In New Jersey, NJSA 34:15.15 allows you to see your own doctor if it [...]
Should I choose a Certified Workers Compensation Law Attorney to handle my claim?
The point is you wouldn’t trust your health to a doctor that wasn’t board certified would you? Why then would you trust your family’s financial well-being to an attorney who does not have a proven track record and experience through certification and peer review?
What is a Certified Workers Compensation Law Attorney?
A Certified Workers Compensation Law Attorney is a designation granted by the New Jersey Supreme Court to attorneys who are able to demonstrate sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge, and skill in workers' compensation law practice. The Supreme Court, through its Board on Attorney Certification, designates only those lawyers who are able to meet the standards set by the Board and approved by the Court. A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A New Jersey attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court must have: • Been a member in good [...]
If Medicare pays for my treatment will it affect my workers compensation claim?
A Medicare beneficiary with a pending workers compensation claim may be required to reimburse Medicare some or all of their workers compensation benefits. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services "CMS" administers all Medicare payments to medical providers. Payments for medical conditions, which are the result of work related injuries or exposures, are considered "conditional payments". These payments by Medicare are made on the condition that if an injured worker receives workers compensation benefits Medicare is entitled to make a claim for reimbursement. Therefore, it is very important to consider your legal rights and obligations when seeking medical treatment through [...]