On May 1, 2019, Todd Wachtel, Esq., a Partner at Levinson & Axelrod, P.A.’s Hillsborough office, presented at the annual “Law Day” Seminar at the Lebanon Worker’s Compensation Court.
Todd has been presenting these classes annually to other lawyers and Judges for years. This year, he spoke about cases involving workers who are totally and permanently disabled following job-related accidents. Resolutions to these cases include an award solely against the worker’s compensation insurance carrier, known as “total last accident,” or an award for total disability where the State of New Jersey Second Injury fund picks up benefits after the carrier pays its share.
For an injured worker to receive benefits from the Fund, they must show that they are a hundred percent disabled as a result of their last work-related accident plus any preexisting disability. Most New Jersey worker’s compensation awards get paid out over time, and then end. However, in total disability claims, benefits would continue to be paid while a worker remains a 100% disabled, and could go on for years.
Todd’s presentation also included a lengthy discussion of current trends in ethics for lawyers.
May Day, Law Day
Todd’s “Law Day” presentation also fell on “May Day,” the first day of May that for many years in the U.S. was a celebration of labor movements credited with bringing about benefits to workers like the 8-hour day, and workers’ compensation. It was later changed to “Law Day,” which the American Bar Association observes as a celebration of the rule of law. Law Day provides an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms all Americans share.
The “Law Day” presentation this year was supported by the New Jersey Division of Worker’s Compensation, and the New Jersey Council for Safety and Health.
A New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Workers’ Compensation Attorney, Todd D. Wachtel leverages his expertise and insight to effectively advocate for workers and their families in the wake of life-altering work-related injuries. In addition to his work as an advocate for clients, Todd is actively engaged in giving back to the local and legal communities. Contact Levinson Axelrod, P.A. to speak with a lawyer.