Detailed Answer
If you suffer a work-related injury in New Jersey, you can follow these steps to confirm whether a workers’ compensation claim has been filed on your behalf.
1. Review Employer Notices
Your employer must report injuries to their insurance carrier under N.J.S.A. 34:15-16. That report does not always mean that a formal Claim Petition has passed to the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
2. Contact the Insurance Carrier
Ask your employer or HR for the carrier’s name, policy number and claim number. Then send a written inquiry to the carrier requesting confirmation that they received notice of your injury and opened a claim file. Keep copies of all correspondence.
3. Check with the NJ Division of Workers’ Compensation
Contact the Division of Workers’ Compensation at (609) 292-8512 or submit a public records request online to confirm whether a Claim Petition (Form C-32) has been filed. Visit the DWC claims page for details: https://www.nj.gov/labor/wc/claims.html.
4. Understand Key Deadlines
You must notify your employer in writing within 90 days of injury per N.J.S.A. 34:15-16. If you discover that no Claim Petition has been filed, you have two years from the date of injury to file with the DWC under N.J.S.A. 34:15-42.
Helpful Hints
- Document the exact date, time and nature of your injury when you report it.
- Request insurance carrier details in writing from your employer.
- Send a certified letter to the carrier asking for claim status and keep the receipt.
- Call the NJ DWC at (609) 292-8512 or visit the DWC Claims page to confirm a filed petition.
- Note that you must notify within 90 days and file within two years of the injury date.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about New Jersey workers’ compensation and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified attorney.