How to File a WorkSafeNB Claim for a Workplace Injury in New Brunswick

A sudden workplace accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. 🚨 From painful physical injuries to worries about how you will pay your rent, the stress can be overwhelming. Fortunately, New Brunswick has a robust workers’ compensation system designed to provide medical care and wage replacement while you recover.

Whether you suffer a back injury at a warehouse in Moncton, a slip and fall at a retail store in Fredericton, or a repetitive strain injury at a desk in Saint John, the process remains the same. To ensure your medical bills and lost wages are covered, you must follow the correct administrative steps promptly. This guide breaks down exactly how to file your WorkSafeNB claim.

Step-by-Step Process in New Brunswick

WorkSafeNB relies on three distinct reports to approve a claim: one from you, one from your employer, and one from your doctor. 📋 If any of these pieces are missing, your benefits will be delayed.

Step 1: Get First Aid and See a Doctor

Your health is the absolute top priority. If the injury is severe, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. For less urgent issues, visit your family doctor or a walk-in clinic as soon as possible. You must clearly state that your injury occurred at work so the doctor can bill WorkSafeNB directly and file their mandatory medical report.

Step 2: Notify Your Employer Immediately

By law in New Brunswick, you must tell your supervisor or manager about your injury as soon as it happens. 👤 Even if the injury seems minor, report it. Your employer is legally required to document the incident and submit their portion of the injury report to WorkSafeNB within three days.

Step 3: Complete and Submit Form 67

You must fill out your own application, known as Form 67 (Report of Accident or Occupational Disease). The easiest way to do this is online through the MyServices portal on the WorkSafeNB website. Be completely honest and provide as much detail as possible about exactly what you were doing when the injury occurred.

Step 4: Stay in Contact with Your Case Manager

Once your claim is received, WorkSafeNB will assign you a case manager. 📞 They may call you to ask clarifying questions about your job duties or medical history. Keep them updated on your recovery, follow your doctor’s treatment plan, and communicate openly about any return-to-work plans.

How Much Does it Cost in New Brunswick?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim is completely free for the injured worker. 💰 The system is funded entirely by premiums paid by New Brunswick employers.

• Filing Fees: Submitting Form 67 to WorkSafeNB costs $0 CAD.
• Medical Treatment: If your claim is approved, WorkSafeNB covers the cost of approved physiotherapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment. You should not have to pay out of pocket.
• Travel Expenses: If you need to travel outside of your local area (e.g., from Bathurst to Moncton) for specialized medical treatment, WorkSafeNB typically reimburses you for mileage and parking.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Time is of the essence when filing. ⌛ You should report the injury to your employer on the same day it happens, and ideally submit your Form 67 within a few days. Legally, you have up to one year to file a claim, but delaying it even a few weeks often leads to suspicion and claim denials.

Once WorkSafeNB receives your Form 67, your employer’s report, and the doctor’s report, they aim to make an initial decision very quickly. In straightforward cases, you will generally receive an approval and your first wage replacement cheque within 2 to 4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Author: lawyerinfo.ca