Did you know that injuries on the job are not always reported right away? In cases where illnesses, diseases or injuries appear gradually over a long period of time, employees may not realize they have sustained an injury at first. In some instances, it is only after pain persists and treatment becomes necessary that employees understand the gravity of their condition. If you or a loved one have suffered from a workplace injury and are searching for information about what options are available to you, the workers’ comp New Jersey attorneys at Thomas More Holland Law have the answers you need.
Investigating Your Options
How does workers compensation work in NJ? According to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, all New Jersey employers are legally required to provide benefits to employees that have suffered from a job-related injury or illness. As a “no-fault” New Jersey workers comp insurance program, employers cannot discriminate against their employees for their injury claims, must notify their insurance carrier immediately, and are able to select physicians for an employee’s initial medical evaluation.
It is possible that an employer’s New Jersey workers compensation insurance provider will deny or dispute the claim. Workers’ comp laws are complex, and in situations like this, it helps to have an experienced attorney advocate for your rights. The claim will be assessed by insurers to determine whether it is compensable under workers’ comp laws. Typically, factors that will be scrutinized include whether the injury or illness was considered work-related, the type and extent of medical care, and payment amounts for one’s temporary disability benefits. It is important to seek the workers’ comp New Jersey benefits you may be entitled to, and a lawyer who specializes in workers’ rights will be able to navigate the legal process on your behalf. It you are evaluating whether this is the right option for you, stop to ask yourself whether you can afford not to pursue legal counsel regarding the compensation you may need for your recovery.
Where Injuries from Misuse or Overuse Fit In
Employees that have experienced the gradual development of a work injury or illness must file their claim within two years from the date of injury according to the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation statute of limitations. Injury or illnesses that stem from workplace misuse or overuse have an adjusted and lengthened claim petition time limit. In cases of occupational illnesses, such as asbestosis, lead poisoning or hearing loss, the claim may be filed within two years from the date the worker became aware of the condition and its occupational relationship. The skilled workers’ comp New Jersey lawyers at TMH encourage you to seek legal representation during this period of vulnerability and recovery. We want to meet with you to clarify the terms of your claim, to determine what legal outcomes you may expect, and to help get you the compensation you deserve.
A note about NJ workers compensation settlements: Tom Holland is experienced in evaluating lump sum offers. Early lump sum settlement offers may be encouraging, but Tom Holland will be able to help not leave anything on the table. If the disability continues to be treated without a definitive diagnosis and/or prognosis, prompt settlement may not be prudent. When and if to settle is your decision to make, but BEWARE. What’s the hurry?
Please be cautious of an early settlement offer from a claims adjustor who suggests you do not need a lawyer. Our law office specializes in representing injured employees, and we know worker’s compensation law inside and out. You are allowed to represent yourself in worker’s compensation proceedings, but remember that the litigation is complex and your employer will be represented by an experienced attorney. Don’t walk into court, unprepared and outnumbered.
For more information, call us at (215) 592-8080.
Workers Comp New Jersey | New Jersey Workers Comp