Edison Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Injuries that occur while at work can have permanent negative health consequences for employees. In addition to incurring medical bills, the injured employee may have a limited ability to work in the future.
Most employers within the state are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to compensate employees for workplace injuries. If you were injured on the job, you should speak with an Edison workers’ compensation lawyer to understand your legal rights. Our personal injury attorneys could help you secure the benefits you need to recover.
Examples of Common Workplace Injuries
While workplace injuries can occur at any job, these injuries are especially common for jobs that require physical or manual labor, such as construction workers or warehouse employees.
The specific cause of a workplace injury can include accidents like:
- Slip and falls
- Vehicle accidents
- Falling objects or debris
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Heavy machinery operation errors, such as forklifts
- Electrical injuries
- Fires or explosions
These accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns
- Spine or neck injuries
- Paralysis, including quadriplegia or paraplegia
- Amputation
- Developing an illness, such as cardiovascular disease
- Internal bleeding
Many of these injuries happen due to negligence by an employer or fellow employee. In addition to physical injuries, workplace accidents can also lead to mental health issues. If a person is unsure whether their injury occurred while on the job, they should consult with an Edison workers’ compensation attorney.
Employers Must Maintain Workers’ Compensation Coverage
A workers’ compensation program provides insurance that allows employees to recover for injuries suffered on the job. The no-fault system does not require that employees prove who was responsible for their harm as long as the injury occurred during the course of their employment, according to New Jersey Statutes § 34:15-1.
Workers’ compensation allows employees to recover compensation such as:
- Medical expenses or physical therapy costs
- Replacement of wages
- Temporary disability benefits
- Long-term or permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits for surviving family members
State law requires all employers to maintain workers’ compensation coverage or obtain approval for self-insurance. The only exception is if the employer is covered by a federal workers’ compensation program. Employers are also required to inform employees of their workers’ compensation benefits and clearly explain the process for initiating a claim.
Since many employers utilize independent contractors, it is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits are only available to employees. If there is a dispute regarding whether a worker qualifies as an employee, the court will look at factors, including whether the employer has control over the employee or if the work is essential to the business.
An Edison attorney can advise on whether an injured victim qualifies as an employee under state workers’ compensation laws.
Workers’ Compensation May Not Fully Cover Losses
While workers’ compensation provides insurance to compensate employees for their injuries or harm suffered, injured workers should still hire an Edison workers’ compensation lawyer at the outset of pursuing a claim. An injured employee may still need to take formal legal action if the workers’ compensation program does not adequately cover the losses incurred due to their job injury.
The workers’ compensation system is complex and can be intimidating. An attorney can assist an employee in filing their claim and providing guidance throughout the claims process. Hiring a lawyer can help alleviate stress and allow the injured employee to focus on the recovery process.
In certain cases, the benefits received by an employee through the workers’ compensation program are insufficient to cover their full losses. Further, hiring an attorney is beneficial if the program completely denies the employee’s claim. For example, an employer may dispute whether the injury actually occurred on the job.
Contact an Edison Lawyer Regarding Workers’ Compensation Claims
You should not have to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. A Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq attorney could help you understand your legal rights when facing challenges recovering maximum compensation from workplace injuries.
If you or a loved one were injured on the job, you should reach out to an Edison workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Employees generally have a two-year window to file their claim from the date of the injury.
