East Orange Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Workplace accidents and injuries can happen in all professions, even the safest office environments. They are a constant concern in more dangerous professions, such as construction or manufacturing; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report nearly 3 million work-related injuries and illnesses each year in the United States. That is roughly three out of every 100 workers.

Our East Orange Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein have decades of experience helping injured workers obtain benefits and other forms of compensation. Our team of dedicated and experienced lawyers can help you navigate the complex Workers’ Compensation system to receive your much-needed benefits more quickly so you can focus on your recovery and return to work. 

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Most New Jersey employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, which provides workers with necessary medical care and financial benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses. Workers’ Compensation benefits provide medical treatment, partial lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and disability for workers who suffer an amputation, paralysis, or other permanent disability. According to OSHA, the most dangerous professions include:

• Agricultural farm workers
• Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
• Construction and roofing
• Delivery and truck drivers
• Logging 
• Manufacturing
• Refuse, waste and recycling
• Structural iron and steel construction
• Underground mining
• Warehousing and stockyards

Benefits may also be available for families of workers killed in work-related accidents to cover medical and funeral-related expenses.

What Are Common Types of Workplace Accidents and Injuries?

Workplace accidents and injuries can occur for various causes, depending on the environment. Some of the most commonly occurring accidents include:

• Burns from exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.

• Construction site accidents, such as falls from heights or improper use of equipment.
• Electrocution from unprotected exposure to high voltages.
• Hearing loss due to noisy areas without adequate hearing protection.
• Overexertion, particularly in hot weather.
• Prolonged exposure to hazardous or toxic substances or chemicals leading to respiratory illnesses and certain cancers.
• Repetitive motion injuries, such as prolonged keyboarding or assembly line work.
• Slip and fall accidents from wet or icy surfaces, tripping over equipment, and other hazards.
• Vehicle collisions and crashes.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Workplace Accident?

Workers’ Compensation claims require substantial documentation related to the accident and the injuries you sustain, and you must begin gathering that information as soon as possible if you are physically able. You should take the following steps after a work accident and injury:

• Report the accident: Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as it happens, telling them what led to the accident and what injuries you have suffered. Employers are typically required to file an accident report with their Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier within a specific timeframe, and many employers have specific policies about reporting accidents and injuries. 
• Document the scene: Take photos, including what caused the accident, such as faulty equipment, wet floors, or broken railings, and your injuries. 
• Gather witness statements: Ask witnesses for statements regarding what they witnessed.
• Seek medical attention: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some internal injuries have delayed symptoms, which can be life-threatening if not treated. A doctor’s report detailing your injuries and recommended treatment is required in Workers’ Compensation claims, and you should tell the doctor that your injuries are work-related so they can prepare the proper forms
• Gather forms: You are required to complete separate forms if you are requesting multiple benefits and provide supporting documents such as the doctor’s report, proof of wages, or prior work-injury history. You can request additional forms from your employer if you qualify for occupational disease, hearing loss, or dependent benefits.

Before filing, you should consult an experienced East Orange Workers’ Compensation lawyer familiar with the complexities of the law, handling insurance claims, and negotiating maximum settlements with insurance companies.

Can Workers’ Compensation Claims Be Denied?

Workers’ Compensation claims can be denied for many reasons, the most common being incomplete or inaccurate information on your benefits application or filing after the deadline. Some of the most common reasons for claims to be denied include: 

• Non-work accidents: Claims are denied for injuries unrelated to your job and even some instances where you performed a job-related task away from your place of employment.
• Intentional: Self-inflicted injuries, or those resulting from intentional behavior, such as fighting, are not eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits.
• Under the influence: Claims filed for injuries resulting from drug or alcohol intoxication are not covered and will be denied.
• Lack of evidence: Proper medical documentation is crucial to a Workers’ Compensation injury claim to avoid being denied for lack of medical evidence. 
• Pre-existing condition: Injuries stemming from a pre-existing condition rather than a direct result of your job duties are not covered. 

You can file an appeal if your Workers’ Compensation claim is denied. If you receive a denial, you should speak with an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer to help prepare the appeal, gather supporting information, and properly prepare the filings. 

Our East Orange Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein Help Workers Obtain Benefits and Compensation for Work-Related Accidents

When you are injured in a work-related accident in New Jersey, you are entitled to certain benefits through your employer’s insurance policy and potentially a separate claim if there are additional responsible parties. If you have been injured on the job, our experienced East Orange Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein can help you navigate the process and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Call today at 973-675-8277 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in East Orange, New Jersey, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.