Basics

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of Workers’ Compensation?

Answer 1

To protect the worker

Question 2

True or False: Workers’ Compensation precludes civil suits against third parties.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What are the two types of payments covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Answer 3

• Temporary payments while out of work
• Permanent payments for permanent injury

Question 4

What happens if an employee loses two fingers at work?

Answer 4

• Claim against the manufacturer of the machine
• Award in civil court
• Compensation claim settles before civil trial

Question 5

Fill in the blank: An illegal alien’s status has ______ on civil or compensation claims.

Answer 5

no effect

Question 6

What is the consequence of an employer not having Workers’ Compensation insurance?

Answer 6

• Violates the law
• Uninsured fund pays medical and temporary benefits but not permanency

Question 7

True or False: A worker paid under the table can still file a Workers’ Compensation claim.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What is required to prove an independent contractor’s status?

Answer 8

• Exclusive control by the employer
• Paid directly
• Compliance with employer’s specifications

Question 9

What is the consequence if a subcontractor has no coverage?

Answer 9

General contractor’s insurance pays

Question 10

What must be demonstrated to succeed in a Workers’ Compensation claim?

Answer 10

• Proof of employment
• Injury on the job
• No causal relationship needed except commuting

Question 11

What does the ‘menu of body parts’ in Workers’ Compensation refer to?

Answer 11

A chart assigning maximum weeks of benefits for injuries to specific body parts

Question 12

How does the Workers’ Compensation chart change over time?

Answer 12

It goes up every year based on average earnings of workers

Question 13

What is the maximum number of weeks assigned for a hand injury?

Answer 13

245 weeks

Question 14

What is the maximum number of weeks assigned for a leg injury?

Answer 14

315 weeks

Question 15

If a worker receives a 25% hand award, how many weeks do they receive?

Answer 15

61 weeks

Question 16

What scale is used for unscheduled/partial total injuries?

Answer 16

600-week scale

Question 17

How many weeks would a 20% back award equate to?

Answer 17

120 weeks

Question 18

True or False: The Workers’ Compensation system uses a standardized system of weeks for calculating benefits.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

What is the role of the director of workers’ complaints?

Answer 19

Held accountable to the commissioner of labor

Question 20

What is the maximum fee an attorney can charge in Workers’ Compensation cases?

Answer 20

20% of the gross amount of benefits obtained

Question 21

What are the steps a worker must follow after getting injured on the job?

Answer 21

• File a claim immediately
• Keep detailed notes on treatment and feelings
• Get medical evaluations

Question 22

What recourse do employees have if they face retaliation for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim?

Answer 22

Usually through unions

Question 23

What must be posted at the job site regarding Workers’ Compensation?

Answer 23

Insurance information

Question 24

Fill in the blank: A temporary employee may still recover from the ______ fund even if not technically an employee.

Answer 24

uninsured

Question 25

What is a compensable injury for police and firemen, even if they are volunteers?

Answer 25

Injuries sustained while performing their duties

Question 26

What must be proven for general cancer claims in Workers' Compensation?

Answer 26

Exposure at work caused the injury

Question 27

What does the term 'idiopathic fall' refer to in Workers' Compensation?

Answer 27

A fall with no known cause at work

Question 28

What is the impact of an employee's mental health condition on Workers' Compensation claims?

Answer 28

Needs objective medical evidence to be compensable

Question 29

What is required if a worker wants treatment from a different doctor?

Answer 29

File a motion with an opinion of causal relationship

Question 30

What happens if a Workers' Compensation claim is not filed right away?

Answer 30

Risk of delays and potential loss of benefits

Question 31

True or False: The burden of proof in a Workers' Compensation case is on the petitioner.

Answer 31

True

Question 32

What is the significance of the 1980 Act regarding psychological claims?

Answer 32

Subjective complaints are not enough; objective signs are needed

Question 33

What percentage of wages is typically used for compensation in workers' comp?

Answer 33

70% of wages, capped at a statewide max/min ## Footnote This percentage is used to calculate the weekly compensation rate.

Question 34

What is the standard time scale used for Unscheduled/Partial Total awards?

Answer 34

600-week scale ## Footnote This scale is used to determine the duration of compensation for partial disabilities.

Question 35

How do you calculate the dollar award for a 20% back injury?

Answer 35

20% × 600 = 120 weeks ## Footnote Then multiply 120 weeks by the weekly compensation rate.

Question 36

Why is the term 'Weeks' used in calculating injury awards?

Answer 36

It’s a standardized system for measuring injury awards ## Footnote This allows judges, lawyers, and insurers to communicate effectively using the same metrics.

Question 37

In the example provided, what is the weekly compensation rate for a worker making $900/week?

Answer 37

$630/week ## Footnote This is calculated as 70% of the worker's gross wages.

Question 38

What is the total award for a 30% hand injury if the hand is assigned 245 weeks?

Answer 38

$46,305 ## Footnote Calculation: 30% × 245 weeks = 73.5 weeks; 73.5 × $630 = $46,305.

Question 39

What is the first step in calculating a workers' comp award?

Answer 39

Find the Injury Type ## Footnote This involves determining whether the injury is scheduled or unscheduled.

Question 40

What is the maximum number of weeks for a scheduled injury?

Answer 40

Each body part has a max # of weeks according to the NJ disability chart ## Footnote This varies by body part and is defined in the state's regulations.

Question 41

What is the formula to find the Award Weeks for a hand injury?

Answer 41

Multiply the % of Disability by the weeks for that body part ## Footnote Example: For a hand with 245 weeks, 25% disability results in 61.25 weeks.

Question 42

What is the maximum and minimum weekly compensation rate for 2025?

Answer 42

Max ≈ $1,170, Min ≈ $293 ## Footnote These values change every year based on state regulations.

Question 43

What is the final step in calculating the total award in dollars?

Answer 43

Multiply Award Weeks by Weekly Rate ## Footnote This gives the total monetary compensation before adjusting for any credits or liens.

Question 44

What should be adjusted for after calculating the total award?

Answer 44

Credits or Liens ## Footnote This includes any prior awards or third-party recoveries that may affect the net amount.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: The shortcut memory hook for calculating awards is Body Part → Weeks → % → Comp Rate → Multiply → _______.

Answer 45

Adjust ## Footnote This memory hook helps to remember the steps in the calculation process.