Jersey City Work Injury Lawyers

Every worker deserves a safe environment where they can earn a living without fear of unnecessary harm. Unfortunately, workplace accidents happen virtually every day across New Jersey. If you were injured on the job, our firm is here to help you get back on your feet again. Contact the seasoned Jersey City work injury lawyers here at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free initial consultation today.

Where Work Injuries Occur

Certain industries are widely recognized as high-risk, but the truth is that injuries can happen anywhere. Even offices, schools, or small businesses can suddenly become dangerous environments under the wrong circumstances. That being said, statistics show that some workplaces consistently present greater hazards. Some of the most dangerous workplaces are as follows:

• Construction Sites: Heavy machinery, power tools, scaffolding, and constant activity make construction one of the most dangerous industries. Falls, falling debris, and equipment malfunctions are some of the most common causes of construction site injuries.
• Manufacturing Facilities: Assembly lines, conveyor belts, and a variety of other factors often create conditions where crush injuries, amputations, and repetitive stress injuries occur.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers: Employees are often injured by forklifts, pallet jacks, or while lifting and moving heavy items.
• Transportation and Delivery Work: Truck drivers, rideshare drivers, and others in the commercial transportation business are vulnerable to motor vehicle accidents, which are among the leading causes of workplace injuries.
• Healthcare Settings: Nurses, aides, and doctors alike all face risks from lifting patients, contagion exposures, and, in some cases, workplace violence.
• Public Safety Roles: Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs put themselves in harm’s way every time they respond to an emergency.

Steps to Take After an On-the-Job Injury

After sustaining a workplace injury, you should do everything in your power to take the following steps, as they will protect both your health and your legal rights later on. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health should always come first. Even if an injury seems minor, complications could arise later, which is why you must ensure you receive prompt treatment. This will also create medical records that can be used to support your claim.
• Report the Injury to Your Employer Immediately: Do not wait to report your injury to your employer. If you delay, you may be barred from pursuing a workers’ compensation claim. Under N.J.S.A. 34:15-17, notice given within 14 days fully protects your right to benefits, and no compensation at all is allowed if you wait more than 90 days. Report the same day whenever you can.
• Document the Accident: If possible, take photos of the scene and any equipment or hazardous conditions involved. You should also gather witness contact information.
• Follow Your Employer’s Medical Referral Process: Under the law, your employer or their insurance carrier has the right to select the treating physician for a workers’ compensation claim. Ensure you comply with this process.
• Keep Records: Save all medical bills, treatment notes, and all communication with your employer or insurer.
• Contact a Work Injury Lawyer: It’s almost a given that insurance companies will try and minimize your benefits, but a personal injury attorney can push back and fight for the maximum compensation on your behalf.

How Long Do I Have to Report and File in New Jersey?

Two separate deadlines govern every work injury claim, and missing either one can end your case before it starts.

Notice to Your Employer

New Jersey builds this in tiers. Notice given within 14 days fully preserves your right to benefits. Between 14 and 30 days, an incomplete or inaccurate notice will not bar you unless the employer proves it was prejudiced. Between 30 and 90 days, you may still recover, but only if you can show a reasonable cause or excuse for the delay. Past 90 days, no compensation is allowed at all. The lesson is simple: report the same day if you can, and put it in writing.

Filing Your Claim Petition

Reporting an injury to your supervisor is not the same as filing a claim. To preserve your rights formally, a claim petition must be filed with the Division of Workers’ Compensation within two years of the accident, or within two years of the last payment of compensation, whichever is later. For occupational conditions that develop over time, the two-year clock generally begins when you knew, or should have known, that the condition was related to your job.

If either deadline is approaching, or has already passed, speak with a lawyer before you assume the claim is lost. Our workers’ compensation claims team can tell you quickly where you stand.

Workers’ Compensation Vs. Third-Party Claims in New Jersey

When an employee is injured on the job, workers’ compensation is typically the first resource. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that you do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. These benefits typically cover things such as medical treatment, a portion of your lost wages, and disability payments if you can’t return to work. However, workers’ compensation does not provide compensation for pain and suffering, and benefits are limited by statute.

That said, sometimes, another party beyond the employer is responsible for the accident. In this case, you may have a viable third-party claim. For example, if a defective piece of equipment caused your injury, you may be able to sue the manufacturer. Unlike workers’ comp, a third-party lawsuit allows recovery for the full range of damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost earning potential.

Contact Our New Jersey Work Injury Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, don’t wait to get answers. Simply reach out to the knowledgeable and dedicated team of work injury lawyers here at Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free case evaluation today. We stand ready to fight for you, every step of the way.