Recently, rumors spread among workers’ compensation attorneys that the Court in Lebanon, New Jersey would be closing, as a cost-saving measure. While the State of New Jersey had not made a formal announcement, it was confirmed by local newspapers that the plan was to close Lebanon and move the judges and cases to Mt. Arlington and New Brunswick. Currently, the Court serves residents of Somerset, Hunterdon and South Warren County.
We’re proud to announce that attorneys from Levinson Axelrod were part of a group that was able to convince the State of New Jersey to change its mind and keep the Court open. Harold J. Wirths, Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Assemblymen Jack M. Ciattarelli, and their staffs, were kind enough to meet with Todd Watchel, Esq. and their local attorneys, to help ensure the continuance of local Courts. The Commissioner and Assemblyman understood how much this decision would affect residents who would be forced to drive long distances to have their cases heard. In the future, the Court will be reduced in size, but will remain at the same location it has been in for the past fifteen years. Additionally, other reforms to the workers’ compensations system were discussed and may be implemented in the coming years.
This decision will guarantee that local residents will have the Court review issues of medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, or permanency benefits in a timely and convenient manner. On behalf of the thousands of injured workers who will benefit from the decision to keep Lebanon open, Levinson Axelrod thanks Commissioner Wirths and Assemblyman Ciattarelli for reaching a quick resolution to this important issue.