Finding yourself injured on the job is already a stressful situation, but discovering that your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance can add another layer of worry. You might ask, “How will I cover my medical expenses and lost wages?”
Fortunately, New Jersey has mechanisms in place to help workers in this exact situation. Let’s explore how you can receive the compensation you deserve, even when your employer is uninsured.
What is the Uninsured Employer’s Fund (UEF)?
In New Jersey, the Uninsured Employer’s Fund (UEF) aims to protect workers whose employers have not met their legal obligations to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This fund provides necessary benefits when your employer cannot or will not do so.
If the New Jersey Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau determines that your employer lacks coverage, the UEF will assign an attorney and a judge to review your case.
If the court decides that your employer failed to provide the required insurance, the judge will order them to pay your benefits. If your employer cannot pay, you may apply to the UEF for payment of your benefits. The fund will cover your temporary disability payments and reasonable medical expenses, ensuring you have the support you need during your recovery.
Securing compensation for work-related injuries
Getting through the aftermath of a workplace injury is challenging enough without the added complexity of an uninsured employer. However, the UEF ensures you get the financial support you need to recover. By understanding the steps to take and working with legal professionals, you may secure the compensation you deserve.