Workplace Injury Claims in New Jersey

Workplace accidents can happen unexpectedly, causing physical, emotional, and financial distress to employees. If you have been involved in a workplace accident in New Jersey, it is crucial to understand your rights and legal options to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

The New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act

In New Jersey, employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to workplace accidents are protected by the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act. This act requires most employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees who are injured on the job. These benefits may include medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, employees are entitled to receive these benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This means that even if the accident was caused by the employee’s own negligence, they may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Reporting the Accident

It is important to report any workplace accident to your employer as soon as possible. Failure to report the accident promptly may jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. New Jersey law requires employees to report workplace accidents within 90 days of the incident.

Seeking Medical Treatment

After a workplace accident, it is essential to seek medical treatment promptly. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is crucial to see a doctor to document your injuries and begin the healing process. Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover medical treatment related to the workplace accident, so it is essential to keep detailed records of all medical expenses and treatments.

Understanding Your Rights

As an employee injured in a workplace accident, you have specific rights under New Jersey law. These rights include:

• The right to receive workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment and lost wages
• The right to choose your own treating physician
• The right to appeal a denial of workers’ compensation benefits

Appealing a Denial of Benefits

If your employer or their insurance carrier denies your workers’ compensation claim, you have the right to appeal the decision. In New Jersey, you can request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge to present evidence supporting your claim. It is crucial to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney by your side to navigate the appeals process effectively.

Third-Party Claims

In some cases, workplace accidents may be caused by a third party, such as a negligent contractor or equipment manufacturer. If a third party’s negligence contributed to your workplace accident, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to seeking workers’ compensation benefits. This can help you recover additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation benefits.

Contact a Workplace Injury Lawyer

Dealing with a workplace accident can be overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate the complex workers’ compensation system. If you have been injured in a workplace accident in New Jersey, it is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim, appealing a denial of benefits, or pursuing a third-party personal injury lawsuit.

At our law firm in Denville, New Jersey, we have extensive experience representing clients injured in workplace accidents. We are committed to ensuring that injured employees receive the full and fair compensation they are entitled to under the law. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the complex legal system after a workplace accident.