Denville Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

For many people, a job represents more than a reliable paycheck; it’s a way of life. You take pride in your work and go the extra mile to do a good job. However, what happens if you are injured in a Denville workplace accident? Do you have enough savings to take work off while you recover? If not, are your injuries going to get worse over time? Will you then be forced to take even more time off down the road? These are all normal questions, and a Denville workers’ compensation claim may be the answer.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, our knowledgeable team of Denville workers’ compensation lawyers has more than 35 years of experience helping injured workers get back on their feet. We command an impressive understanding of workers’ comp laws and the process that our clients must go through to obtain benefits. We also offer a free, confidential case evaluation where we can answer your questions and help you understand the process. And because we handle workers’ compensation cases on a contingency basis, that means that you will never pay us for any of our services unless we can get you the benefits you deserve, and a settlement award on your behalf.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

In fact, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, there were over 147,000 workplace injuries in 2018. Of those injured workers, nearly 35,000 filed claim petitions with the Division of Workers’ Compensation of the State of New Jersey.

Whatever the reason why, if you’ve been injured on the job, you may qualify for Denville workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ compensation is a statewide program that provides medical and income replacement benefits to injured workers. Unlike a civil lawsuit, there is no need to prove that your employer was negligent or contributed in any way to your injuries. If you were hurt on the job or suffered a work-related illness, you may qualify. Tens of thousands of people across the state file for and obtain workers’ compensation benefits each year.

Common Workplace Injuries in Denville

Workplace injuries can occur in any industry. While some occupations present greater risks than others, the reality is that any job can pose safety risks. In fact, some of the most common workplace accidents do not result in catastrophic injuries; however, they can still have a serious effect on your ability to work, earn an income, and live your life the way you want to live it.

Some of the most common reasons why workplace accidents occur are:

• Slip and falls;
• Car accidents;
• Truck accidents;
• Construction site accidents;
• Repetitive Use / movement;
• Exposure to toxic chemicals;
• Machinery-related accidents;
• Motor vehicle accidents;
• Falling objects;
• Exposure to flames, steam, or high heat;
• Lifting accidents;
• Forklift or pallet jack accidents;
• Falls from ladder;
• Dog bite attacks; and
• Overexertion

Of course, every type of accident can cause a variety of injuries. Injuries in Denville workplace accidents range in seriousness from relatively minor to life-changing. A few of the most common injuries in Denville workplace accidents include:

• Repetitive use injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, or tendonitis;
• Neck and back injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs;
• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and concussions;
• Rotator cuff injuries;
• Knee / ankle / foot injuries
• Broken bones and other internal injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries, potentially involving paralysis;
• Punctures, cuts, and lacerations;
• Burn-related injuries;
• Eye injuries, including permanent blindness.

Regardless of the nature of your injuries, it is important that you reach out to a Denville workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss bringing a workers’ compensation claim. The accident, and the injuries it caused, has already impacted your life enough; it doesn’t need to take a financial toll on you as well.

Denville Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Broadly speaking, the New Jersey workers’ compensation system provides two types of benefits: medical benefits and loss-of-wages benefits.

Medical benefits cover all “necessary and reasonable medical treatment, prescriptions and hospitalization services related to the work injury.” The general rule is that your employer gets to choose where you receive authorized treatment. However, if your employer refuses to provide medical care or you need emergency medical treatment, you can choose your own provider.

There are three types of loss-of-wages benefits available through a Denville workers’ compensation claim:

Temporary Total Disability Benefits

If your injury or illness causes you to miss more than seven days of work, you may obtain Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. TTD benefits equal 70 percent of your average weekly wage. However, they are subject to a maximum of 75 percent of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage. TTD benefits continue until you are able to go back to work or once you reach your Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). MMI is a term referring to the point at which you will no longer benefit from additional treatment. If you exhaust your TTD benefits by reaching your MMI, you may then be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits.

Permanent Partial Disability benefits

If you suffered a workplace injury affecting a certain part or parts of your body, you can obtain Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. The amount of PPD benefits depends on the part of the body affected.

Permanent Total Disability Benefits

If you cannot return to work due to a work-related injury or disability, you may be eligible for Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits. Like TTD benefits, PTD benefits equal 70 percent of your average weekly wage and are subject to a maximum of 75 percent of the Statewide Average Weekly Wage. Initially, you can obtain PTD benefits for up to 450 weeks; however, if you can show you cannot work at the end of that period, you may continue to receive benefits.

What to Do After a Denville Workplace Accident

If you’ve recently been injured in a workplace accident, you may have questions about what you are entitled to and how to protect your rights. That’s completely normal. Below is an overview of the most important things to keep in mind when pursuing a Denville workers’ compensation claim.

Notify Your Employer

Workers’ compensation laws require that you provide timely notice of your injuries to your employer. If you wait too long to follow up with your employer, you may forfeit any right to benefits, so alert your supervisor immediately after a work injury.

Obtain Medical Attention

Your employer is required to provide you with medical treatment after an on-the-job accident. However, sometimes employers drop the ball or refuse to get you the treatment you need. In these cases, it is imperative that you seek out medical attention on your own. Similarly, if you disagree with the employer’s doctor’s assessment of your injuries, you should get another doctor’s opinion. This is another example of why it is highly recommended you work with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer who will ensure your rights are protected, and you get the benefits you deserve.

Work Out a Compensation Package

In some cases, employers will not contest a Denville workers’ compensation claim. If your employer and their insurance carrier agree to provide you with fair workers’ compensation benefits, that’s the end of the process; you will receive the agreed-upon benefits. However, frequently, employers and insurance companies contest the cause or extent of a worker’s injuries.

Contact a Denville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If your employer or their workers’ comp insurance carrier denies your claim or offers you less in benefits than you think you deserve, contact a dedicated Denville workers’ comp attorney for immediate assistance. An attorney can help you gather all the necessary evidence to prove your eligibility and negotiate with the insurance company to get you the benefits you need, and a settlement award on your behalf.

What Is a Third-Party Work Injury Claim?

One often overlooked aspect of a workplace injury is the possibility of a third-party personal injury claim. Under New Jersey workers’ compensation laws, you cannot generally sue an employer after an accident because a workers’ compensation claim is seen as your sole remedy against your employer.

However, some workplace accidents are the result of another third party’s negligence. Workers’ comp laws do not prohibit you from pursuing a personal injury claim against these third parties.

For example, if you were injured in a car accident while working, you may be able to bring a workers’ compensation claim, as well as a personal injury claim against the negligent driver that caused the accident. Doing so may allow you to recover additional compensation for your injuries, including non-economic damages for your pain and suffering.

Fatal Denville Workplace Accidents

Families of workers who are killed in an on-the-job accident can obtain workers’ compensation death benefits to help them pay for some of the costs associated with the tragic loss of their loved one. Death benefits are available only to those family members who were dependent on the deceased worker for financial support. Death benefits are 70 percent of the deceased worker’s weekly wages, subject to a maximum. Families are also eligible for up to $3,500 in funeral expenses.

Contact a Dedicated Denville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Immediate Assistance

If you were recently injured in a workplace accident, this is undoubtedly a difficult time for you and your family. The Denville workers’ compensation lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm understand the challenges you face and want to help. We aggressively represent every client we serve, ensuring that they recover the benefits they need to move on with their lives after a serious accident.

Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim or a third-party personal injury case, our Denville worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will work with you to help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered more than $100 million on behalf of our clients and look forward to helping you in whatever way we can. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, call the Leonard Law Firm at 973-920-7900. You can also reach us through our online form.