Hundreds of accidents occur on construction sites across New Jersey. Just last week there was a horrible accident in Hanover, New Jersey where two workers were killed. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of Workers’ Compensation insurance on work sites in order to determine the proper course of action following a construction accident in New Jersey.
Most construction accidents occur on sites where there is a property owner, a general contractor, and several subcontractors. Prior to the construction project being performed, the General Contractor normally obtains a special workers’ compensation policy called a “wrap around” policy. This workers compensation policy covers the “work site” or the “construction site” for all workers on the site. The policy will cover employees of subcontractors who have their own workers’ compensation insurance.
When an injured work suffers a substantial injury on the construction site, the family of the worker is often left with not knowing the proper insurance company and who will cover the medical bills. For starters, the injured worker should contact the Human Services Representative for the Subcontractor who employs the worker. Additionally, the family or worker should also find out who the General Contractor is on the site and find out the name of the insurance company for the wrap around policy obtained by the General Contractor. Traditionally, the General Contractor’s workers’ compensation policy will cover the injury and not the Subcontractors’ workers’ compensation policy.
This is a critical distinction.& ;When a serious injury is involved, an injured worker should know who is paying the medical bills. Also, medical treatment may be slowed down or impeded if the hospital does not know who the proper insurance company may be or who to request authorization for said medical treatment.
The foregoing is a general discussion of the law and is not intended to be specific legal advice. If you or a loved one was injured in a serious construction accident, please contact our office and speak with one of our attorneys.
