New Jersey workers' compensation insurance: Your ultimate resource
Everything to know about workers’ compensation for
New Jersey
businesses
What does workers’ compensation cover?
A standard workers’ comp policy covers four primary areas: medical expenses, lost wages, employer liability and ongoing rehabilitation. EverPeak policies ensure your crew gets the care they need to return to work safely while protecting your business from the costs of workplace accidents.
Medical care
Coverage for the necessary treatment resulting from a work-related injury or illness.
Lost wages
Partial pay for employees unable to work while recovering from an injury.
Legal protection
Financial support for your business if an employee files a lawsuit related to an accident.
Ongoing care
Rehabilitation and training to support employees re-enter the workforce, and ongoing benefits for permanent injuries.
Death benefits
Financial support for the families.
What are
New Jersey
's workers' comp laws?
New Jersey's workers' compensation system stands as a cornerstone of protection for employees across the state, offering crucial support in times of work-related injuries or illnesses. This comprehensive system ensures workers receive necessary medical treatment, wage replacement benefits, and rehabilitation services, regardless of fault.
Workers’ compensation coverage in New Jersey ensures that workers are fairly compensated for lost wages and medical expenses.
Here’s everything you need to know about New Jersey workers’ compensation.
What is workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program for nearly all employers in New Jersey. Employers are required to have an active policy before hiring their first employee. Coverage provides medical and financial protection for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
Without workers’ compensation, the cost of a work-related injured employee’s medical treatment could become the responsibility of your business.
New Jersey workers' compensation laws
The State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Division of Workers’ Compensation administers the workers’ comp law in the state.
According to the New Jersey Workers Compensation Act, passed in 1911, the law requires employers with one or more employees to be covered by an active workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Businesses can obtain workers’ comp coverage through a partner like EverPeak Insurance. Alternatively, companies that meet the state’s requirements may also apply to be self-insured.
In New Jersey, workers' compensation cases are "no-fault," which means that the amount a claimant receives will not increase or decrease regardless of who was at fault.
Employees can verify online if their employer has coverage.
Who is covered and exempt from
New Jersey
workers' comp?
Who is covered?
Policies include protection for full and part-time workers.
Some New Jersey workers’ comp exemptions include:
- Volunteers
- Unpaid interns
- Independent contractors
- Sole proprietors with no employees
Covered injuries and illnesses
Workers' compensation covers a range of work-related injuries and illnesses, including physical injuries resulting from an accident and occupational diseases developed over time due to job conditions.
Benefits provided
New Jersey workers’ comp insurance provides three types of benefits for work injuries:
- Medical benefits
- Lost wages
- Death benefits
New Jersey workers’ comp benefits include:
- Medical treatment for work-related accidents, injuries and/or illnesses
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits
New Jersey workers’ compensation rates
Employee workers’ comp lost wage pay is 70% of their average weekly wage.
As of 2024, the maximum New Jersey workers’ comp weekly benefit is $1,131.
How much does workers’ comp cost in
New Jersey
?
How do you file a workers’ compensation claim in
New Jersey
?
Filing a workers' compensation claim
In the event of a work-related injury or illness:
Step 1: Employee reports injury to employer
Employees in New Jersey should report their injury to their employer within 24 hours.
The injured worker and their supervisor must complete the Employer’s First Report of Accidental Injury and Occupational Disease together within 24 hours of the accident. The employer should promptly file this form with their workers’ comp insurance provider.
Step 2: Seek medical care
The employee should immediately seek medical attention.
Step 3: Receive benefits
If an employer’s insurance provider accepts the claim, the worker may begin receiving benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Step 4: Return to work/permanent disability benefits
Following their recovery, the worker is to resume work safely. If a work injury has left an injured employee unable to do any type of work, the employee might be entitled to permanent disability benefits.
Choosing a healthcare provider
Employers are responsible for selecting a provider or giving a list of providers their workers’ comp insurer approves for the injured employee.
Compensation for missed work
In New Jersey, if an employee cannot work for seven days (including weekends and holidays), they are eligible for temporary disability benefits. The seven days need not be consecutive.
Resolving disputes
Injured workers who disagree with the outcome of their claim can file a formal Claim Petition or an Application for an Informal Hearing with the Division of Workers' Compensation.
How to get workers' compensation
Insurance requirements for employers
Unless exempt, employers in New Jersey must carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify for self-insurance. Compliance with this requirement is essential to protect both the employer and employees.
Choosing the right insurance provider
When selecting a workers' compensation insurance provider, consider factors such as the provider's experience in the industry, financial stability, coverage options, claims process, customer service, and cost.
We recommend requesting multiple quotes and comparing the offerings before making a decision.
Covering your business and employees with a trusted insurance partner — like EverPeak — brings peace of mind so you can focus on your bottom line.
FAQs
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that benefits employers and employees in the case of a work-related injury or illness.
Reach out to our customer service team directly at 833.929.0523, or fill out our contact form, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Workers' compensation can cover staff injuries that happen on the job, including incidents involving patients, depending on the circumstances and your policy's terms.
Many general contractors, property owners or permitting offices require proof of insurance — often a certificate of insurance — before work begins. Confirm with the requesting party what's required for your specific job.
In many cases, yes — general contractors often require subcontractors to carry their own coverage before starting work. Requirements vary by project and state, so confirm with your contractor and an agent.
Enforcing safety protocols, providing proper employee training, maintaining a clean and hazard-free work environment, and regularly reviewing safety practices can significantly reduce workplace injuries.
Your premium is primarily determined by your industry payroll classifications, geographic location and total annual payroll. Your business’s safety history can also play a major role in determining your final rate. Three key factors influence your base insurance rate:
- Industry classification codes: Higher-hazard trades naturally carry higher baseline rates.
- Geographic location: Rates and statutory benefit structures fluctuate heavily by state lines.
- Historical safety record: Maintaining an accident-free workplace lowers your Experience Modification Rate (E-mod), resulting in built-in premium discounts.
Work-related injuries or illnesses should be reported immediately or within a few days of occurrence. State statutes typically set strict deadlines—for example, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80) requires notice within 30 days of the accident. Prompt reporting ensures timely medical care and protects your right to benefits.
Why choose EverPeak for workers’ comp coverage?
EverPeak protects the hardest-working businesses in
New Jersey
with simple, reliable workers’ comp starting as low as $18 a month. Backed by over a century of specialized experience, customers get multi-state coverage, fast and easy claims support, and a vast network of brokers.
New Jersey
workers’ comp resources
Requirements for Employers
New Jersey Workers’ Comp FAQs
Workers’ Comp Forms
An Employer’s Guide to Workers’ Compensation in New Jersey
New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Law
Customer Care
Learn more about workers’ compensation in your state
Learn more about specific workers' comp insurance requirements and local compliance guidelines in your state.