New Jersey Corrections Officer Injury Attorneys

In New Jersey, there are 11 Residential Community Release Programs, 9 correctional facilities, and 1 Assessment Center. New Jersey State Correctional Police Officers (CPO) are authorized to exercise police officer powers statewide and are authorized to carry the Heckler & Koch USP in .40 S&W. Since the Department of Corrections was established, 24 officers have died doing their jobs. 

New Jersey correctional police officers may encounter wildly diverse scenarios in incarceration settings – everything from beatings and stabbings to transportation incidents. Regardless of the situation, as a New Jersey correctional police officer, you have legal rights and may be able to pursue a personal injury and workers’ compensation claim.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we deal with complaints like this frequently. We know the issues you face, and our New Jersey correctional police officer injury attorneys are here to assist you in obtaining the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.

We have proudly supported the Morris County 200 Club for many years, an organization that knows how important it is to give back to the community and supports and honors Morris County First Aid Squad members, Firefighters, the New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Correctional Police Officers. As an injured correctional police officer, we take that personally and work with you to obtain the fair compensation you deserve for injuries sustained while on the job.

Types of On-the-Job Risks New Jersey Correctional Officers May Face

New Jersey correctional officers face significant hazards on the job. Some include:

• Car crashes
• Training injuries
• Heart attacks or strokes
• Prison lockdown incidents
• Being shot by friendly fire 
• Being assaulted, such as getting beaten, ambushed, or choked
• Prisoner transport issues
• Slips, trips, and falls at a facility
• Upper body sprain and strains
• Sharps Injuries; e.g., stab wound from a sharp object, such as a piece of glass
• Infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19)

Common Injuries Sustained by New Jersey Correctional Officers

While working inside a correctional facility, New Jersey correctional police officers may be injured. Injuries may include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Ligament sprains/tears
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Overexertion injuries
• Amputations
• PTSD
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Tendon strains/tears
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Facial injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Paralysis
• Burn & Inhalation injuries
• Electrocution injury
• Broken & Fractured bones
• Eye injuries

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits for New Jersey Correctional Police Officers

• Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) – Receive 70% of their average weekly wages.
• Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD) – Payments for a permanent impairment of bodily function, but the correctional officer can still work. Benefits are granted according to the type and degree of impairment or disability.
• Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD) – If the claimant is determined to be permanently totally disabled, they continue receiving 70% of their average weekly wage. 
• Medical Expenses – For all necessary reasonable treatment and rehabilitation.

Third-Party Claims for Correctional Officers Injured at Work

Many New Jersey Correctional Police Officers are not aware if they are injured on the job, that they may file a workers’ compensation claim and, depending on the circumstances of their work injury, file a third-party personal injury claim.

As a correctional police officer, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and may also be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. It is a fact that New Jersey correctional police officers have the same rights as other New Jersey citizens to file a personal injury claim seeking damages for injuries caused by the careless conduct of others. 

Injured New Jersey correctional police officers are entitled to other benefits, including workers’ compensation, through their employer. There are several situations where an injured officer may claim compensation against a third party.

Some of these include:

• Correctional Police Transport Vehicle Accident – while transporting a prisoner, a corrections officer can be involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by DUI/DWI, negligent drivers.

An injured New Jersey correctional police officer can file a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim. This may mean greater benefits available for recovery. It’s best to talk with an experienced attorney at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to discuss the next best steps. 

Speak with a New Jersey Correctional Police Officer Injury Attorney 

Contact the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to speak with one of our New Jersey Correctional Police Officer Injury lawyers who will ensure your rights are protected. Todd J. Leonard is a Platinum Sponsor, Member, and Trustee of The 200 Club of Morris County, an organization that supports and honors police officers, correctional police officers, first aid squad members, firefighters, the New Jersey State Police, and other first responders and their families. We also support many local Police Benevolent Associations (PBA), and Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) throughout the area. If you or someone you know has been injured on the job as a New Jersey correctional police officer, call our office at (973) 920-7900 for a FREE and confidential consultation. We also provide Spanish-bilingual services.

We aggressively represent every client we serve, ensuring they recover the benefits they need to move on with their lives after a serious accident while on the job. Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.