Workers Comp Lawyer New Jersey

Workers Comp Lawyer New Jersey 

Workers Comp Lawyer New Jersey

Our New Jersey workers’ comp lawyers from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. can help victims who have suffered accidents on the job pursue their cases. Anyone who is injured as a result of someone else’s actions will naturally desire to be compensated by the person who caused the injury. If this injury happens while you are working, you still have the right to compensation, but things are a little more complicated.

Under normal circumstances, you would file a personal injury lawsuit against whoever caused your injury, but is this still an option for workplace injuries? While in most cases, you will be required to file for workers’ comp, specific situations may allow for you to file a lawsuit for your damages.

Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. are a team of workers’ comp lawyers who can assist you by reviewing and representing you in your case.

Workplace Injuries

If you are injured while doing work-related activities, then the correct course of action is to file a workers’ comp claim. Workers’ comp is a system in the US that compensates any employee who is injured while working. Our workers’ comp lawyers find that many accident victims are surprised to learn that if your injury qualifies for workers’ comp, then you are not able to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is expected that you will go through the workers’ comp system to be compensated instead.

Generally, you will be unable to go through your insurance policy as well. Most insurance companies do not want to pay out for a workplace injury when workers’ comp benefits are available. Luckily, workers’ comp is a full-coverage system that should compensate you for expenses that were related to your injury.

Exceptions

Our workers’ comp lawyers share that it’s important that you are aware of the exceptions to this rule. If your injury falls into any of these situations, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit, rather than making a workers’ comp claim:

  • A third party caused the injury – If someone other than you, a coworker, or your employer causes the injury, then your workers’ comp lawyer may be able to help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the person who caused the injury. This type of injury does not qualify for workers’ comp, which is why a lawsuit may be the appropriate action.
  • The injury was caused maliciously – If someone intentionally harmed you, then criminal charges need to be filed. You may or may not be able to file a civil lawsuit in addition to the criminal one, depending on the laws in your home state. You should speak with our workers’ comp lawyer in New Jersey to learn more.
  • The injury does not qualify for workers’ comp – If the injury does not qualify for workers’ comp for any reason, such as it not being due to work-related activities, then filing a personal injury lawsuit is the only course of action you have. This may also apply if your employer fails to file a workers’ comp claim due to negligence or malicious intent. 

To learn if your case allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit or for help with your workers’ comp claim, you should speak with a lawyer for NJ workers’ comp at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. immediately.

My Employer Says I Need To Use My Own Health Insurance for Medical Treatment. Is That True?

No. You’re never required to turn to your health care for workplace injuries, and you shouldn’t do so. It’s illegal for your boss to offer you an incentive or threaten you so you use your own health insurance. Your employer can’t harass you or fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

If you’re in this situation, contact a workers comp lawyer in New Jersey right away. At Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., we can let you know all of your legal rights and help you protect your interests. You deserve to receive the full compensation you’re legally entitled to.

What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide?

Workers’ compensation can cover the cost of health care and medical treatment related to your injury. These expenses can include the cost of medications, needed physical therapy, surgery and other prescribed treatments depending on the extent of your injuries.

You can also receive compensation for time you have to spend recovering without being able to work. In the case of life-changing injuries, you may qualify for temporary or permanent disability payments to make up for lost income.

Filing the right claim and providing evidence of your injuries are essential for getting the compensation you need. A workers comp lawyer in New Jersey can help you know what steps to take and what options are available in your case.

Can I Reject a Workers’ Comp Settlement?

Contrary to what your employer or the insurance company tell you, you’re within your rights to reject any settlement. This can be necessary if the insurer isn’t calculating your wages correctly or refuses to cover necessary treatments you’re legally entitled to. When this happens, your workers comp lawyer in New Jersey can appeal the case and negotiate a new, better settlement.

Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for Pre-Existing Injuries?

Workers’ compensation doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions that simply flare up; however, if hazardous conditions or an accident at work make your pre-existing injuries worse, then you can file a workers’ comp claim.

For example, if you already had back problems before getting the job, you wouldn’t qualify for workers’ comp if your back hurts. What if lifting heavy boxes irritated your back and caused the pain to get worse? You would be able to file for workers’ comp.

At Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., we can help you analyze your injuries. We also recommend independent doctors (not ones on your employer’s payroll) that give you an honest medical evaluation.

4 Worker’s Compensation Myths

Myth #1 You Must Be Doing Your Job to Receive Worker’s Comp

While you do have to be employed and usually on the clock, you do not have to actively be doing your job to qualify for worker’s comp. Accidents can happen at any time, after all. Here’s an example: you are walking to the break room and slip and fall on wet tile, resulting in a broken wrist. While you were not actively fulfilling your job description at the moment of injury, you are still eligible for a worker’s comp claim. Another example could be a car accident if you drive on company time, like to different job sites.

Sometimes, injuries that do not qualify for worker’s comp are still eligible for a personal injury claim. Your workers comp lawyer in New Jersey can help you understand what type of claim will get you the most benefits. 

Myth #2 Filing a Claim Affects Your Employment

You may hesitate to file a worker’s comp claim because of how it may affect your current job. However, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against an employee seeking worker’s compensation. You also cannot be discriminated against in your employment based on disability. These laws offer protection from an employer retaliating against you for filing a worker’s comp claim. Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. lawyers can help you understand the laws relevant to your claim.

Myth #3 Few Injuries Qualify for Worker’s Comp

Many people think the only injury that is covered by worker’s comp is a fall or other clear accident. Several other types of injury can qualify for a worker’s comp claim nonetheless. Overuse injuries can also be covered by worker’s comp. They are injuries that develop over a long period, usually from repetitive motions. Muscle strains like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic pain stemming from a job can be eligible for worker’s comp benefits. Lawyers like Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. can help you prove a repetitive stress or strain injury, as they are not as clear-cut as an accident. You can also receive worker’s comp benefits for some illnesses that stem from your employment. 

Myth #4 Your Employer Will Pay You Directly

You may believe it is up to your employer to process and pay out worker’s comp benefits. In fact, your employer usually has minimal involvement in your worker’s comp claim after you initially file it. In most cases, your employer’s insurance will handle your claim and determine how much you are owed. A workers comp lawyer in New Jersey can work with the insurance company to maximize your benefits so you can focus on recovery. 

Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

When consulting with you about your case, we may go over what not to do so that you can get the most out of your workers’ compensation claim. When an accident happens that causes injury or illness, a worker may feel disoriented or embarrassed, and may not be thinking clearly. There are certain steps that should be done moments after the accident, and the first is remaining calm. If you need to get medical attention, do so right away and notify your manager on duty promptly. Your health should be the top priority.

Here are easy mistakes that people sometimes make, that could have a negative impact on your case:

  • Not acting quickly enough at the accident scene. As soon as you can, document what you remember about the accident and how it happened. Take pictures of the area, specifically what had caused your injuries, before anyone has a chance to clean it up. 
  • Failing to notify your doctor of the entirety of your workplace injury. When visiting the doctor, it is important that you express every symptom, ache, pain, regardless of whether you think it’s related to the accident or not. Symptoms help your doctor understand the type and severity of the injury, which will be a factor in how much you receive in workers’ compensation benefits. 
  • Not selecting your own doctor. You may have to visit the work-assigned doctor after the accident, but you may have the option to choose your own physician thereafter. 
  • Failing to abide by the doctor’s order or care plan. If you do not follow the doctor’s recommendations, you are risking your claim being diminished or denied. Always attend follow-up visits, physical therapy, and any other medical appointments required of you (even if you are feeling better). 
  • Not returning to work on light duty when your doctor permits you to. Your doctor may say that you can go back to work but with fewer responsibilities than you normally have. Even if the job feels beneath you, not returning to work to do less may make it easier for your employer to dispute your injury claim. 
  • Performing job tasks that go beyond your doctor’s recommendations and restrictions. When going back to work, you may feel pressure to do more than your doctor has suggested that you do when recovering. It can be tempting to give in, especially in a world when it’s easier to jump back in quickly than advocate for ourselves. So if your employer is pushing you to do more, we can intervene and make sure the pressure is taken off of you. 
  • Assuming that your workers’ comp adjuster has correctly calculated your average weekly wage (AWW). It isn’t uncommon for adjusters to not include overtime hours, vacation pay, or incentives when adding up your average weekly wages. As your legal representative, we can double-check the adjuster’s calculations so that you are receiving the full and fair benefits.
  • Not hiring an experienced attorney, or at all. Not every attorney has the same experience as others. Not every attorney is knowledgeable on workers’ compensation law, which is why we advise being selective in who you choose. 

3 Things You Should Know About the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Process

1. You Need To Pay Attention to the Reason You Were Denied

How you or your workers comp lawyer in New Jersey approaches your appeal will depend in part on the reason the insurance company denied your claim. There are several common reasons claims are denied:

  • Your injury did not occur at work
  • Your injury was less severe than you claimed
  • Your injury was caused by a pre-existing condition
  • You are claiming medical expenses not caused by your work-related injury

If you believe the insurance company is not justified in denying your claim for the stated reason, an attorney at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. may be able to help you win your appeal.

2. You Must File an Application for an Informal Hearing or a Formal Claim Petition

You have the option of either filing an application for an informal hearing or a formal claim petition. Your workers comp lawyer in New Jersey can help you decide which option is better for you. Informal hearings resemble mediation. The goal of an informal hearing is to resolve the dispute between you and the insurance company. 

During an informal hearing, a workers’ compensation judge will review the evidence, ask questions and then make a non-binding recommendation for resolving your case. If you are able to reach an agreement with the insurance company, this option may result in a quicker resolution of your case.

If you don’t agree with the judge’s recommendation, then you can file a formal claim petition. This form must be filed no later than two years after the date of your injury or of your final workers’ compensation payment, whichever is later. 

Formal hearings work more like trials. You and the insurance company will present evidence to back your claims and may cross-examine witnesses and challenge other types of evidence. Formal hearings are more complex than informal ones and it may be a good idea to hire a workers comp lawyer in New Jersey to help you present your case. The judge’s decision in a formal hearing is binding.

3. A Workers’ Compensation Judge Isn’t the Last Word

If your claim has been denied by a workers’ compensation judge, you have the right to appeal the judge’s decision to the New Jersey Appellate Division of the Superior Court. These cases can be technical and involve complex legal issues. An attorney from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. may be able to help.

Workers’ Comp and Commuting Injuries

The workers’ comp system protects most employees by compensating all expenses that result from any injuries that happen while working. The qualifications are a little more complicated than that, but that is basically how it works. Many people have a lot of questions about what counts as a work-related injury. For instance, does an injury that happens in a car crash while driving to or from work count? After all, you would not have been driving if it was not for your job. This guide will go over this example, as well as the qualifications for workers’ comp.

For immediate legal assistance, please speak with a workers’ comp lawyer New Jersey workers’ can count on at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.

The Qualifications

It will be easier to understand whether injuries that happen while commuting qualify for workers’ comp if you understand the overall qualification requirements. Workers’ comp is very generous with what kinds of injuries qualify. In fact, there are only two requirements that must be met:

  • The injury must have been the direct result of work-related activity.
  • The injured person must be an employee.

So what does “work-related activity” mean exactly? As a workers’ comp lawyer New Jersey trusts might tell you, essentially, any action that was taken for the benefit of the company counts. You do not necessarily need to be on the clock when you are injured, especially if you are injured by a coworker who is on the clock. The second requirement is much more objective. If a portion of your paycheck is withheld for tax reasons, then you are an employee. There are no limitations on the type of injury. It must be noted that special circumstances apply, and these can be further explained by a workers’ comp lawyer in New Jersey.

Injuries While Commuting

Let’s return to our original example. Now that you understand what the qualifications are, would an injury that occurs while commuting count? This is a case that is on the very edge of the qualifications, but courts have ruled that injuries while commuting generally do not qualify for workers’ comp. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however.

If you were doing work at your home prior to commuting to work, then the journey may be seen as a break in the middle of your shift, rather than happening before your shift started. In these cases, the injury would qualify for workers’ comp.

Additionally, if you were somehow working while driving, then your injury would also most likely qualify. For instance, if you were making deliveries on your way to work, transporting work-related resources with you, or even picking up your boss and carpooling to work, that may be enough to make your injury qualify.

Commuting and Workers’ Compensation Injuries

If you would like to learn more about your eligibility for workers’ compensation while commuting, look no further. Workers’ compensation and commuting to or from work can be especially difficult. As noted above, while there are exceptions to this, most insurances and courts will rule against extending compensation to the injured person if the injury happened during their commute. Remember, workers’ compensation is in place to hold employers responsible for injuries their employees got at work or while on the job. So, even if an employee is responsible for their injury at work, they will likely still be able to receive compensation. If you get into a car accident on your way to work, this is likely not considered an on-the-job injury. 

Exceptions to Commuting Injuries

Below, you will find a few exceptions that allow you to receive workers’ compensation benefits when you are commuting to or from work. 

  • You were asked to drive. If your employer asked you to run a special task or errand for them, this could be considered part of your job, even if it is not what you normally do. If you were asked to grab lunch for your team or run to an office to pick up paperwork, you could receive compensation for this. 
  • You drive for work. Simply put, if you need to travel for work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Whether you are a service technician, a delivery truck driver, or a police officer, you should be able to file for workers’ compensation benefits. 
  • You were traveling for work. In circumstances where you were traveling for work and were commuting to get around, you can file for workers’ comp benefits. Typically, even working for only part of the day allows you to get workers’ comp benefits if you were injured while commuting at any point of the day if you were traveling. 
  • You were on call. If you work in a job that requires you to work different hours or be on call for work, it is possible to get workers’ comp benefits for the time you were commuting. 

Getting workers’ compensation benefits can be difficult if you were injured while you were commuting. However, our workers’ comp lawyer in New York is here to answer any questions you may have and best direct you as to how you should file your claim. Call our office if you wish to discuss the details of your case. 

If you are unsure of whether your injury counts, it is a good idea to speak with a workers’ comp lawyer in NJ from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. today.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been injured or fallen ill on the job in the Garden State, you’ll be glad to know that Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can provide you with an excellent workers comp lawyer in New Jersey. 

It doesn’t matter what kind of injury or illness you’ve suffered, if it involves your job or your work, you’ll want to get the best advice so you can receive the maximum compensation possible if you qualify. For almost three decades we’ve been providing exactly the supportive legal help you need. 

Obviously the nature of the illness or injury will determine the impact it has on you. You’re likely concerned when you’ll be able to return to work or even if you ever will, which means financial pressures are uppermost in your mind. We also know how complex and opaque workers comp forms and processes seem to anyone who hasn’t worked in the system for a long time. 

When you talk with one of our professional workers comp attorney’s you’re likely to have a sense of huge relief. You’ll realize you aren’t facing this complex and confusing journey alone. Rather, you’ll have someone who can speak for you, who knows the rules and how to work with them so you are treated fairly by all concerned. You’ll be able to let your lawyer make sure you don’t miss any filing deadlines or otherwise inadvertently break a rule which will, at a minimum, lengthen the process and might even force you to start over. 

The workers comp lawyer from Rispoli & Borneo P.C. not only understands workers comp law and regulations, but knows exactly how they work in New Jersey. After all, they work in the Garden State on a daily basis. They know the people who represent workers comp and if you need to go to court they know the court system and its people well. You won’t feel on your own as with your attorney you work through the system. It’s also worth noting that working with an experienced lawyer may save you significant time in getting your case concluded as well. 

Attorneys who know workers comp also know exactly what sorts of injuries and illnesses may qualify you for compensation. Another good reason to get in touch with us as soon as possible. 

If you’re injured or ill by all means seek out medical attention. Be sure to tell your doctor in detail about how you became injured or ill so they have a complete picture and not only can advise you medically, but also meet the workers comp requirements with expertise. Next you’ll need to make a written report to your employer telling them about your injury or illness. I can help to have an attorney on hand when you’re writing this document. Your attorney can also help you file the needed documents with workers comp on time. Yes there are certain deadlines that must be met. 

Many people who have been injured or become ill on the job have reached out to the workers comp attorneys at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. and been glad they did. You can reach us through our website or by phone at 732-278-8220. We look forward to serving you.

Workers Comp Lawyer NJ Workers Comp Lawyer NJ

Our New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer knows that the last thing you probably expect after sustaining an injury in the workplace is that your employer would be uncooperative. Unfortunately, some employers will make filing a claim uncomfortable and challenging for their employees. However, know that you have rights and that any company participating in workers’ compensation programs is required to file accident reports by law. However, before discussing how to handle your workplace injury, it can be beneficial to understand why an employer might be difficult in these situations. If you find yourself getting nowhere, or unsure of how to proceed contact our workers’ comp lawyer in NJ at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. today.

Reasons an Employer Might be Hesitant

Two of the main reasons your employer might hesitate or be uncooperative after your injury is that they might be trying to avoid an increase in their insurance rates or they might be lacking coverage. However, refusing to report an incident is required by law, as is having insurance in most states. Therefore, while your employer might be dragging their feet, know your rights and if necessary contact a New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer. Also, regardless of your employer’s attitude, you are free to seek treatment and move on with the process of filing a claim for workers’ comp.

Report Your Injury

The first thing you should do, if possible, after a workplace injury is to report the incident and file an accident report. It is important to make sure that you notify your employer of the accident as soon as possible.

Don’t Wait for Permission

While it is necessary to notify your employer of the accident, our NJ workers’ comp lawyer wants you to know that you do not need to wait for permission to seek treatment. Go to a hospital and get checked out.

Inform Your Doctor

When you arrive at the hospital, make sure to inform those treating you that your injury occurred in the workplace. It is essential that any medical records document where the injury occurred.

Create a Written Statement

Next, our NJ workers’ comp lawyer recommends that you create a detailed written statement describing the accident and how the injury was sustained. This statement should be completed within 30 days of the incident, but sooner is better.

Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

It is crucial that you follow your doctor’s orders to the letter. If you fail to adhere to your treatment plan, then your workers’ compensation might be denied. It’s important that you follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Prepare for Paperwork and Keep Detailed Records

Once filed, your workers’ compensation claim will require significant amounts of paperwork. Our NJ workers’ comp lawyer can help you to review and complete all paperwork in a timely manner.

Should You Gather Evidence For Workers’ Compensation?

While it is true with workers’ compensation that you do not typically need to prove the accident was caused by another person’s negligence instead of your own, it can still benefit you to gather evidence or your workers’ compensation claim. If you were injured on the job, you may think it is almost a guarantee that your employer will cover you with workers’ compensation benefits. However, many people are disappointed to find out that their employer or the insurance is denying them benefits, leaving them out of luck when it comes to getting lost wages. Do not hesitate to see how our workers’ comp lawyer can help you during this time. 

Gathering Evidence For Your Claim

In the event that your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or you would like to have evidence on your side before you submit your claim, there are certain things that may help get you those benefits. 

  • Employment records. This may seem so obvious that it does not even occur to you. After all, why would you be asking for workers’ compensation if you did not work for the company? However, this allows there to be no question of your employment status. 
  • Medical records. Did you go to your doctor’s office immediately following the accident? If you saw a medical professional of any kind after the accident, it is important to gather those records as a part of your workers’ compensation benefits claim. 
  • Witness’ testimony. If anybody was around to see the accident occur, this can be extremely helpful to show that there was a third party who witnessed what happened and that you truly got hurt at work or while performing your duties. 
  • Medical bills. Different from your medical records, your medical bills will show that not only have you been injured, but that you are seeking treatment and are incurring bills as a result of the accident. 
  • Expert witnesses. Why would you need an expert witness? If you are not able to return to work in the same capacity or if your injury is so severe that you are unable to return to work at all, having an occupational expert can help to explain the detail of your injuries and why you would be unable to return to work. 

When you have been injured at work, do not hesitate to get the evidence you need for your side of the story. Your employer does not need to be cooperative to file a workers’ compensation claim. You have rights. However, if you are dealing with a difficult employer, then it might be best to hire our NJ workers’ comp lawyer at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. to guide you through the process of filing a claim.