Legal Representation for Workers' Compensation

To be eligible for workers' compensation, you must show that your injury is directly related to your work. An injury may be sustained in a workplace accident or can occur over time due to cumulative stress. 

Qualifying injuries also include illnesses due to exposure and injuries that occur outside of the workplace as long as you were acting in the "course and scope" of your employment. 

For example, if you are a delivery person injured in a motor vehicle accident or if you are injured in an accident while driving to see a client, you may qualify for workers' compensation.

Under New Jersey law, some employees are exempt from workers' compensation coverage. These include independent contractors and casual employees. Federal employees have their compensation system, as do railroad workers and certain maritime employees.

Workers' compensation benefits include compensation for all medical treatment that is necessary to cure your work-related injury, including hospital care, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other follow-up rehabilitation. Suppose you are unable to return to work for seven or more days. 

In that case, you are eligible to receive temporary disability benefits payable at 70 percent of your gross average weekly wage, not to exceed a statutory maximum for the year of your accident. If your workplace injury results in a permanent impairment, you will qualify for either permanent partial disability if you can return to work or permanent total disability benefits if your injuries preclude you from returning to work.

You are not required to hire an attorney to obtain workers' compensation benefits. However, suppose your claim has been denied or your benefits have been suspended. In that case, it is wise to retain the services of an experienced New Jersey workers' compensation lawyer. 

Contesting a denied claim is a complex process that requires extensive paperwork to support your case. I have 30 years of experience and have successfully handled several hundred workers' compensation cases.

In addition, if your injuries include permanent disfigurement or will permanently impact your ability to perform your job — or prevent you from working — a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney will help you maximize the amount you receive. 

I can also provide legal guidance on applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if your injury prevents you from returning to work for an extended period.