Workers' Compensation
If you suffer a work-related injury, illness or disability, the University provides free coverage for medical treatment and wage replacement benefits for an approved absence from work. The University’s Workers’ Compensation Plan provides eligible faculty and staff with 85 percent of gross wages in effect at the time of the injury or illness for up to 26 weeks. This is 15 percent higher than the statutory rate mandated by the State of New Jersey.
The statutory amount, up to the state weekly maximum, is not taxable. Amounts above the state weekly maximum are considered taxable and will be treated accordingly.
The weekly cap is indexed annually. For example, the weekly cap for 2010 in New Jersey is $794. Amounts payable above this weekly cap are considered taxable income.
Casual employees are paid at the benefit rate for the New Jersey Workers' Compensation Law, or 70 percent of weekly wages, witih no University supplement.
Vacation time will accrue during the first three months of workers’ compensation leave.
If you are injured on the job, immediately contact your supervisor and/or the Office of Employee Health, except in an emergency situation. You may go to the University Medical Center at Princeton or a similar facility due to an accident that occurs off hours or on a weekend.
If you are a union employee, please refer to your collective bargaining agreement.
If you are an eligible probationary employee, casual or temporary employee, you may apply for the statutory benefit.
Our plan complies with the Workers’ Compensation Law of the State of New Jersey, is self insured and managed by an independent Workers’ Compensation Claims Administrator under the University’s Office of Risk Management.
For more information about Workers’ Compensation please contact Gwen Hatcher, Office of Risk Management, 258-1192 or gwenh@princeton.edu.
You can count on support from knowledgeable and responsive HR staff when you have a benefits question or problem. Just call or e-mail us. We’re here to help!
While the University intends to continue each of the benefit plans, the University reserves the right to terminate or amend any plan, at any time, and for any reason.