Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Mercer County

Workers' Compensation in New Jersey

New Jersey's workers' compensation laws are designed to provide financial assistance to workers who experience an injury or illness on the job. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that employees can obtain benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident or injury. This system is meant to streamline the process, enabling injured employees to receive benefits without having to prove negligence.

If you’re injured or become ill due to your job, you may be eligible for a range of workers' compensation benefits, including:

• Medical Benefits: New Jersey workers' compensation provides coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your workplace injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and more. These benefits should be covered fully by your employer’s workers' compensation insurance, with no co-pays or out-of-pocket costs for you.
• Temporary Total Disability Benefits: If your injury or illness prevents you from working for more than seven days, you may be eligible for temporary total disability benefits. These payments are intended to replace a portion of your lost wages and are calculated at 70% of your average weekly wage, up to a state-mandated maximum. These benefits continue until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), which is when your condition is no longer expected to improve.
• Permanent Partial Disability Benefits: If your injury or illness results in a lasting impairment, but you can still work in some capacity, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits. These benefits provide compensation for the loss of function or impairment to a specific body part or system. The amount is determined based on a schedule of disabilities and the degree of impairment.
• Permanent Total Disability Benefits: If you’re unable to return to any type of work due to your injury or illness, you may qualify for permanent total disability benefits. These benefits provide ongoing compensation at the same rate as temporary total disability benefits and may continue for the rest of your life.
• Death Benefits: In the unfortunate event that a workplace injury or illness results in the death of a loved one, surviving dependents may be entitled to death benefits. This includes funeral expenses and ongoing financial support to help ease the financial burden on the deceased worker's family.

However, even though New Jersey’s workers' compensation laws aim to be straightforward, the process of securing benefits can be complex and often requires legal expertise. Our Mercer County workers' compensation lawyers at Levinson Axelrod, P.A., have extensive experience handling workers' compensation claims. We know the intricacies of New Jersey's laws and can guide you through each step of the process, helping to ensure that you receive the full benefits to which you are entitled.

Why Has Your Claim Been Denied?

Unfortunately, not every workers' compensation claim is approved on the first attempt. Insurance companies often deny claims for various reasons, which can be devastating when you’re counting on these benefits. Common reasons for claim denial include:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: One of the most common reasons for a denied claim is a lack of adequate medical evidence to support your injury or illness. Insurance companies may argue that your injury is not severe enough to warrant benefits or that it did not occur at work.
• Failure to Report the Injury Promptly: New Jersey law requires that workers report their injuries to their employer as soon as possible. If you delay reporting your injury, the insurance company may use this as a reason to deny your claim, arguing that your injury is unrelated to your job.
• Allegations of Pre-existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing condition, the insurance company might attempt to deny or limit your claim, asserting that your injury is related to that pre-existing condition rather than a workplace accident.
• Employer Disputes: Sometimes, employers or their insurance providers may dispute the details of your claim, suggesting that the injury didn’t happen on the job, or that you’re able to return to work despite your injury.

If your claim has been denied, it’s essential to have an experienced Mercer County workers' compensation lawyer on your side. At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., we can investigate your claim, gather the necessary evidence, and help you file an appeal. We will advocate tirelessly on your behalf to overturn the denial and secure the benefits you deserve.

How Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Can Help

Navigating the New Jersey workers' compensation system can be challenging, especially if your claim is complex or has been denied. That’s why our Mercer County workers' compensation lawyers are here to help at every step of the way.

Initial Claim Assistance

We can assist you with filing your initial workers' compensation claim, ensuring that all necessary information is provided, and that deadlines are met. Our lawyers will work closely with you to build a solid case from the start, helping to maximize your chances of a successful claim.

Gathering Medical Evidence

We’ll help you gather and present comprehensive medical evidence that supports the severity and impact of your injury or illness. Our lawyers work with medical experts to document the extent of your condition accurately and persuasively.

Appeals and Hearings

If your claim is denied, we can represent you in hearings and appeals. Our attorneys are experienced in workers' compensation litigation and can advocate effectively on your behalf to fight for your rights.

Settlement Negotiations

If you are eligible for a settlement, we can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation. Our team at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. is committed to protecting your best interests and fighting for the maximum settlement available.

If you have questions about a workers’ comp claim in Mercer County, contact us today at (732) 440-3089.