All workers are entitled to a safe workplace. Unfortunately, workers are injured in workplace accidents every day. And while the workers’ compensation system exists to compensate you for your injuries, it doesn’t always work as intended or provide the financial resources that you need.
At Cuneo & Leonetti, our New Jersey lawyers understand that navigating the complexities of workplace injuries and their aftermath can be overwhelming, and that’s why we’re here to offer our expertise and unwavering support. Whether you’ve experienced an injury due to inadequate safety measures, hazardous conditions, or any workplace-related incident, our attorneys are here to offer clarity and guidance.
So take the first step towards securing the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us today at (856) 869-9066 to schedule your case review, or book it online with a Cherry Hill lawyer. Your journey to recovery and justice begins here.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation in New Jersey is a system designed to provide financial protection and benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
It ensures that employees receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs resulting from workplace incidents without establishing the fault of the employer.
What Employers Are Required To Have Workers’ Compensation Coverage?
All states (save for Texas) require workplaces to have workers’ compensation insurance. In New Jersey, the statute dictates that all employers based out of New Jersey with more than one employee must carry workers’ compensation insurance (unless federal programs cover the employer). This includes corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships.
Workplace Accidents That Could Yield A Workers’ Comp Claim
Many incidents could yield a workplace injury, giving rise to a workers’ compensation claim. Here are some common examples of how employees could become injured while on the clock.
Motor Vehicle Accident-Related
While many motor vehicle accidents will often be caused by a negligent third party that was not your employer – thus allowing you to proceed with legal action against that individual – there are exceptions to this.
One example is if a transportation company that provides semi-trucks to drivers fails to perform adequate maintenance, which federal law requires. In that case, an individual who is in an accident or receives an injury due to this lack of care could be able to file a claim for a workplace injury under workers’ compensation.
Premises Liability-Related
Another way an individual could become injured on the job is due to the lack of care and attention given to the premises. Whether it’s inadequate maintenance, poorly shelved boxes, loose railings, or slick or wet floors, workplace injuries often result from conditions within the work environment.
Some common locations that could cause workplace injury include:
- Construction Areas or Sites
- Backrooms or Stock Rooms
- Warehouses
- Bathrooms and Kitchens
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand that while these are prevalent zones for injuries, a worker can be injured on any workplace premises if potentially hazardous.
Tool-Related and Repetitive Use Injuries
Workplace injuries stemming from tool usage encompass a range of scenarios, from cuts, abrasions, and punctures caused by mishandling tools, to more severe injuries resulting from equipment malfunction or lack of proper safety measures.
Additionally, repetitive use injuries are a prevalent concern, arising from performing the same motions repeatedly, leading to strains, sprains, and musculoskeletal disorders developing over time.
These injuries highlight the significance of a robust workers’ compensation program, comprehensive safety measures, and ergonomic protocols, all of which play pivotal roles in minimizing risks, preventing workplace injury, and maintaining a safe workplace environment.
If Workers’ Compensation Exists, Why Would I Need A Lawyer?
Workers may need to hire a lawyer to help them navigate the complexities of pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, even if that claim would not cause rise to any legal action.
Therefore, a workplace and workers’ compensation lawyer can assist with issues such as:
- Investigating Your Claim and Filling Out Paperwork
- Keeping Track of Deadlines
- Negotiating The Insurance Settlement Amount
Additionally, some circumstances would allow a worker to go outside the workers’ compensation system and bring a suit against an employer.
Here are situations that could give an injured worker to go outside of the New Jersey workers’ compensation system and take direct legal action:
- Your claim is denied.
- The first doctor you see declares you fit for work before you’re ready.
- You’re told that you are ineligible to file a claim.
- You are accused of fraud or an attempt to cheat the system.
- Your employer is breaking the law and does not have workers’ compensation insurance.
- You are injured while on the clock. However, the responsible individual was a third party, not your employer. In this case, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
It’s important to remember that you have a right to consult an attorney at any point during the workers’ compensation process. If you feel entitled to benefits, you shouldn’t be pressured or dissuaded from seeking legal counsel.
Most workers’ compensation attorneys, like our team at Cuneo & Leonetti, offer free, no-obligation consultations to workplace accident victims.
Your Path to Recovery: Personal Injury Advocates at Cuneo & Leonetti
Working with a legal team who has workers’ compensation experience is a great way to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the financial security you deserve after suffering an injury. And Cherry Hill has no better legal team than the attorneys at Cuneo & Leonetti.
At Cuneo & Leonetti, we always strive for maximum compensation, especially in workers’ compensation cases. Often you or your loved one is a breadwinner for your family. People are counting on your income – and being thwarted by insurance companies or your employer is deeply unfair to you and those you love.
When our legal team decides to take cases to court, we win big jury verdicts. And even if we decide the best avenue in your case is to settle, we’ve gotten millions for our clients from doing that as well.
So get in touch with the legal team with almost a five-star rating on Google. The law firm of Cuneo & Leonetti is ready to take your case. A Cherry Hill attorney can help determine your right to compensation in the event of a family member or loved one’s death due to another’s negligence.
You only need to call (856) 869-9066 or book your free, no-obligation workers’ compensation case review and consultation online today.