Rockaway Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Helping the Injured Get the Benefits They Need

When you’re hurt at work, you expect your employer to have your back. Unfortunately, many people find that their employer and the workers’ compensation insurance company are not on their side. They may receive a denial for the benefits they need or a lowball settlement offer that doesn’t even cover their medical bills.

At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., our Rockaway workers’ compensation attorneys are here to fight for you. We have been representing injured workers since 1939. Our team has the experience and knowledge to take on employers and insurers, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you.

Contact us online or by phone at (862) 288-8382 to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our attorneys today.

Common Types of Workplace Accidents

A workplace accident refers to any unplanned or unexpected event that causes injury, illness, or damage to property within a work environment. These accidents can occur in various settings, including offices, factories, construction sites, warehouses, and more. Workplace accidents can result from a variety of factors, including human error, unsafe working conditions, equipment malfunctions, or a combination of these factors.

Here are some common types of workplace accidents:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are among the most common types of workplace accidents and can happen due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, or inadequate lighting.
• Machinery Accidents: In industrial settings, accidents involving machinery or equipment can occur due to malfunction, improper use, lack of training, or failure to follow safety protocols.
• Falls from Heights: Workers in construction, maintenance, and other industries that involve working at heights are at risk of falling from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or elevated platforms.
• Struck by Objects: Workers may be struck by falling objects, such as tools, materials, or equipment, which can cause serious injuries.
• Vehicle Accidents: Workers who operate vehicles as part of their job duties, such as drivers, forklift operators, or construction equipment operators, are at risk of accidents involving collisions or overturns.
• Overexertion: Overexertion injuries can occur from lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects, leading to strains, sprains, or musculoskeletal disorders.
• Electrical Accidents: Workers who handle electrical equipment or work in proximity to power sources are at risk of electric shocks, burns, or electrocution accidents.
• Fires and Explosions: Workplace fires and explosions can result from various factors, including electrical faults, chemical reactions, or improper handling of flammable materials.
• Chemical Spills or Exposure: Workers in industries that handle hazardous chemicals are at risk of accidents involving spills, leaks, or exposure to toxic substances, which can cause burns, respiratory issues, or other health problems.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries: Jobs that involve repetitive motions, such as typing, assembly line work, or operating machinery, can lead to repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a type of no-fault insurance. This means that, as long as you were injured at work, it doesn’t matter who was at fault for the accident. You should still be eligible for benefits.

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide injured workers with the following types of benefits they need to recover and move on with their lives:

• Medical benefits including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications
• Temporary disability benefits if you are unable to work for a short period of time
• Permanent disability benefits if you will never fully recover from your injuries
• Death benefits for the surviving family members of workers who were fatally injured on the job

Workers’ compensation also provides coverage for occupational diseases. If you develop a disease due to exposure to a harmful substance at work or due to your work duties, you may be eligible for benefits.

When Should I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

It is important to file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible after you are injured. In New Jersey, you must file a claim within 90 days of the date of your accident or the date you discovered your work-related illness. If you fail to file a claim within this time frame, you may be barred from recovering benefits.

While you have 90 days to report your injury, it’s a good idea to do so as soon as possible. The longer you wait to report your injury, the more likely it is that your employer and their insurance company will try to deny your claim. They may argue that your injury or illness is not work-related if you do not report it right away.

What is the Workers’ Compensation Claim Process in Rockaway?

After you report your injury to your employer, they should provide you with the necessary forms to file a claim. If they do not provide you with these forms, you can download them from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website.

When you file a workers’ compensation claim, your employer’s insurance company will review it. They may request that you see a doctor of their choosing for an independent medical examination (IME). This doctor will evaluate your condition and determine the extent of your injuries. They will then provide a report to the insurance company that the company can use to determine your benefits.

If the insurance company approves your claim, they will send you a check for your benefits. If they deny your claim or you do not agree with the benefits amount, you can request a hearing with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. The judge will review your case and make a decision on your behalf. The insurance company or your employer can appeal this decision if they do not agree with it.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?

While you are not required to hire a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim, it is often in your best interest to do so. An experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate the complex claims process. They will also be able to help you gather the evidence you need to support your case and ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

If your claim is denied, a lawyer can help you fight back. They can represent you at your appeals hearing and argue your case in front of the judge. They may also be able to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Why Choose Levinson Axelrod, P.A.?

At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., we have been representing injured workers for decades. Our Rockaway workers’ compensation attorneys have a deep understanding of the law, and we know what it takes to win. We have the resources to handle even the most complex cases, and we are not afraid to take on large corporations and insurance companies. When you choose us for your workers’ compensation case, you can trust that you are getting a team that truly cares about you and your future.

Contact us at (862) 288-8382 to find out how we can help you with your workers’ compensation case. We offer free initial consultations.