Workers' Compensation Legal Help in New Jersey
It is challenging enough to suffer a work injury that keeps you from doing your job. It is even more difficult when your employer takes advantage of your vulnerability — or worse, discriminates against you for filing a workers' compensation claim. If you were injured at work, you have questions that need honest answers, not the corporate line that your employer's workers' compensation insurer has instructed them to give.
At the Iler Law Firm, you will find experienced lawyers who are concerned about your interests and who will advocate for your rights. Contact us for a free initial consultation. While we accept cases statewide, we focus our practice on representing clients from Monmouth County, Middlesex County and Ocean County, New Jersey.
Understand Your Rights Under New Jersey Workers' Compensation Laws
New Jersey workers' compensation (also known as workman's compensation) laws are confusing. Our workers' compensation lawyers can help explain your rights. If you have been injured in the course of employment, you are entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
- Income benefits: You are entitled to income benefits until your doctor finds you fit to return to work. Generally, you can recover lost wages benefits for up to 70-80 percent of your average weekly wages.
- Medical benefits: Workers' compensation benefits include payment for your medical treatment. However, it is critical to have a skilled attorney explain your right to payment of your medical bills. In order to get your medical bills paid, you must first seek attention from the attorney that your employer selects. However, our attorneys seek approval to obtain independent, impartial medical evaluations by a doctor of your choosing.
- Permanent disability/total disability: If you have suffered a permanent disability, such as a spinal cord injury or lost limb, you may be entitled to disability compensation outside of your normal workers' compensation benefits. New Jersey workers' compensation laws identify specific amounts of compensation that an individual is entitled to for total disability or permanent disability depending on where the disability is and the extent of the injury. A portion of compensation may be available for people suffering from a partial disability.
- Cash settlements for disability compensation: While income benefits are covered over the course of the time that you are away from work, disability compensation for a permanent (total) or partial disability is usually given in a lump sum payment. Often times, severely injured workers are offered a cash settlement for permanent disability compensation. Be aware of your rights and what you are signing before you sign anything. Once a cash settlement is made, you will be barred from seeking coverage for any future medical treatments. In addition, beware that if a settlement offer has been made, it is likely for much less than you are entitled. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help assure your right to full recovery is protected.
- Social Security disability (SSD): Many people who are hurt in a work accident suffer from severe impairment that will keep them from working for an extended period of time. If your injury or disability is expected to last more than 12 months or is expected to result in death, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
- Third party claims: If you suffered a serious work injury, workers' compensation benefits will rarely provide the full compensation you will need into your future. If an independent party, such as a sub-contractor or product manufacturer is partially responsible for the accident, we may be capable of recovering additional compensation through a third party personal injury claim.
Forty Years of Advocacy on Your Side
Don't get taken advantage of. Contact us for aggressive, experienced advocacy in New Jersey workers' compensation claims and appeals.
