When you’ve suffered a workplace injury, navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation laws can feel like a daunting task—especially when you should be focused on your recovery. At Cuneo & Leonetti Law Firm, our Camden worker’s compensation lawyers bring years of experience and a commitment to securing the benefits and compensation you’re entitled to. Whether you’ve experienced a slip and fall, repetitive stress injury, or a more severe accident, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and your needs are met. Contact us today for your free consultation and start your path towards getting the justice you deserve.

What is Workers Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance designed to provide medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. In Camden, workers’ compensation laws are regulated at the state level by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Filing a Workers Compensation Claim in Camden

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Camden, New Jersey involves several steps and adhering to certain timelines to ensure your claim is processed effectively. Here’s a general guide to filing a claim:

Seek Medical Attention: The first and foremost priority is to get medical treatment for your injuries. In most cases, your employer or their insurance company has the right to designate a healthcare provider for treating work-related injuries.
Report the Injury: Notify your employer about the injury immediately. The report should be in writing, specifying the nature of the injury and how it occurred. Failure to report within a reasonable time may jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.
Employer Notification to Insurance Company: Once notified, the employer is generally responsible for informing their workers’ compensation insurance provider about the injury.
First Report of Injury: The employer usually files a “First Report of Injury” form with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation and their insurance carrier. This starts the formal claims process.
Insurance Company Investigation: Upon receiving the notification, the insurance company will conduct an investigation to assess the validity of your claim. They will then either approve or deny temporary disability payments and other benefits.
Payment of Benefits: If approved, the insurance company will commence payment of benefits, which can include medical expenses and a percentage of your lost wages.
Petition for Benefits: If your claim is denied or if there’s a dispute regarding the benefits, you may file a formal Claim Petition or an Application for an Informal Hearing with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Hearing: If you file a formal Claim Petition, a pre-trial hearing will usually be scheduled, followed possibly by a trial before a judge of compensation. The judge will then make a decision regarding the awarding of benefits.

Key Aspects of Worker’s Compensation Claims in Camden, NJ

Here are some key aspects of Workers Compensation in Camden:

No-Fault System: Workers’ compensation operates on a no-fault basis, meaning that benefits are generally available regardless of who is at fault for the workplace injury or illness.
Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation covers all necessary and reasonable medical treatment, prescriptions, and hospital services related to the work injury or illness.
Temporary Disability Benefits: If an injured worker is unable to work for more than seven days, they may be eligible for temporary disability benefits, which are calculated as a percentage of their average weekly wage.
Permanent Disability Benefits: For injuries that result in permanent disability, additional benefits may be available based on the severity of the disability and its impact on the worker’s ability to earn income.
Death Benefits: If a workplace accident or illness results in death, death benefits may be available to the deceased worker’s dependents.
Employer’s Role: Employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and they must report all workplace injuries and illnesses to their insurance company and the state agency.
Filing a Claim: The injured worker has a responsibility to inform their employer about the injury or illness as soon as possible. Formal claims should be filed within a specific time frame to ensure eligibility for benefits.
Dispute Resolution: If there’s a dispute about the benefits, either the injured worker or the employer can file a petition with the Division of Workers’ Compensation, and the matter may be resolved through litigation, mediation, or other dispute resolution methods.
Retaliation Prohibited: Employers are not allowed to retaliate against employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Common Types of Worker’s Compensation Claims

While workers’ compensation claims can vary widely depending on the industry and specific job role, there are certain types of claims that we commonly encounter here at Cuneo & Leonetti. Regardless, our Camden personal injury lawyers are preared to handle a variety of different circumstances. Here are some of the more common types:

Slip and Fall Accidents: One of the most frequent types of workplace accidents, slip and fall incidents can occur in virtually any work environment, from office spaces to construction sites.
Repetitive Stress Injuries: These injuries occur over time due to repetitive motion or overuse. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common example often seen in office workers, assembly line workers, and those in other repetitive jobs.
Construction Accidents: Given the inherently hazardous nature of construction work, accidents involving heavy machinery, falls from heights, and other construction-related incidents are common.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive as part of their job, such as delivery drivers or salespeople, are at risk for motor vehicle accidents while on the clock. Contact one of our Camden car accident lawyer for help navigating your legal options.
Burns and Electrocutions: These types of injuries are more prevalent in fields like electrical work, welding, and other jobs that involve working with high temperatures or electrical currents.
Machinery Accidents: Factories and industrial workplaces often involve the use of heavy machinery, where accidents can easily happen if safety protocols are not strictly followed.
Lifting and Material Handling Injuries: Improper lifting techniques or overexertion can lead to back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems, particularly in jobs that require manual labor.
Chemical Exposure: Workers in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries may be exposed to hazardous chemicals that can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and other health problems.
Workplace Violence: Though less common, incidents involving violence at work do occur, and can result in serious physical and psychological injury.
Occupational Diseases: Certain professions have a higher risk of diseases due to exposure to harmful substances. For example, asbestos exposure may lead to mesothelioma.

Common Causes of Worker’s Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation claims in Camden can arise from a variety of causes, many of which are common across different types of workplaces. Understanding these causes can help both employers and employees take preventive steps. Here are some common causes that often lead to workers’ compensation claims:

Unsafe Work Environment – An unsafe work environment that lacks proper safety measures can lead to a wide range of injuries, from slips and falls to machinery-related accidents.
Lack of Training – Insufficient training on operating machinery, handling hazardous materials, or performing job-specific tasks safely can increase the risk of workplace injuries.
Human Error – Mistakes by employees or coworkers, whether due to lack of attention, fatigue, or other factors, can result in accidents and injuries.
Equipment Failure – Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment can be a significant cause of workplace injuries, particularly in industrial settings.
Overexertion – Excessive physical effort, such as heavy lifting or repetitive motion, can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal issues like back injuries and sprains.
Inadequate Safety Gear – The absence of or failure to use proper safety gear, such as helmets, goggles, or gloves, can result in injuries that could have been otherwise prevented.
Falls from Height – In jobs that involve working at elevated levels, like construction or roofing, falls can be a major cause of serious injury or death.
Hazardous Materials Exposure – Exposure to chemicals, fumes, or other hazardous materials can cause both immediate injuries and long-term health problems, such as respiratory issues or skin conditions.
Vehicle Accidents – Employees who operate vehicles for work-related purposes, like truck drivers or delivery personnel, are at risk for motor vehicle accidents.
Weather-Related Accidents – Extreme weather conditions can contribute to accidents, particularly in outdoor jobs. For example, icy conditions can lead to slips and falls, and excessive heat can lead to heat-related illnesses.
Workplace Violence – Although less common, incidents involving physical altercations or violence at work can also lead to workers’ compensation claims.

Statute of Limitations For Workers Compensation Claims

The statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Camden is generally two (2) years from the date of the injury or the last payment of compensation, whichever occurs later. This means that if you’ve been injured or have contracted an occupational disease, you typically have two years (2) from the relevant date to file a formal Claim Petition with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Given the complexity of the workers compensation system, there are some additional factors to consider:

Date of Injury: The clock usually starts ticking on the date of the injury. In the case of occupational diseases, it may start when you become aware or should reasonably become aware of the condition and its relevance to your employment.
Last Payment of Compensation: If you have been receiving benefits, the two-year period may start from the date of the last benefit payment you received, rather than from the date of the injury.
Notification to Employer: The statute of limitations for filing a claim is separate from the timeline for notifying your employer of an injury, which should be done as soon as possible. Failure to notify the employer in a timely manner could jeopardize your claim.
Exceptions and Nuances: While the two-year period is generally standard, there may be specific exceptions or nuances depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, claims involving minors or mentally incapacitated individuals may have different timelines.
Filing a Formal Claim: Filing a formal Claim Petition is different from simply reporting the injury to your employer or seeking medical treatment. A formal petition is a legal action aimed at obtaining benefits, and it must be filed with the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation within the statute of limitations.

Contact Our Camden Workers Compensation Lawyer Today

Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims can be daunting, especially when you’re dealing with the stress and pain of a work-related injury or illness. Don’t leave your rights and benefits to chance. Contact our experienced Camden worker’s compensation lawyers at Cuneo & Leonetti today to guide you through the intricacies of New Jersey’s worker’s compensation laws. With our team on your side, you can focus on what really matters — your health and recovery. Reach out to us now to schedule a free consultation and take the first step in securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.