Ocean County Workers Compensation Lawyer

Workers Compensation Attorney in Ocean County, NJ

Your workers’ compensation claim should prioritize your well-being, rather than making you stress over complex forms and rigid timelines. New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws were put into place to help you receive benefits after being injured on the job. However, the complex mix of laws and insurance company paperwork can be difficult to understand. An Ocean County workers’ compensation lawyer can help you in this process. 

About Weisberg & Klauber, LLC

Weisberg & Klauber, LLC is based in Ocean Township and New Brunswick, NJ. We are a dedicated law firm, proudly serving our community on the Jersey Shore. Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience and know what it’s like to practice on both sides of the issue. 

Adam Jon Weisberg is a former prosecutor, and Richard H. Klauber is a former insurance defense attorney. Weisberg & Klauber, LLC knows how to thoughtfully and intelligently handle your legal matters in Ocean County and throughout New Jersey.

Ocean County Workers Compensation Laws

Workers’ compensation benefits are considered a no-fault system. This means that an employee who is injured on the job is entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for causing the accident. There are, of course, exceptions to every rule, and it is important to speak with an Ocean County workers’ compensation attorney if you have been injured on the job.

In 2024, there were 2,488,400 non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses reported in the private sector. In that same year, there were 5,070 fatal work injuries. This was a 4% decrease from the previous year.

Employees injured on the job are eligible to receive benefits such as medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, or compensation for permanent injuries. These rights are established by the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act. Also, benefits for temporary and permanent disabilities are calculated under New Jersey law.

Every situation is different and depends on the specific injury sustained, your employer’s insurance company, and your doctor’s assessment of your injuries.

Common Work Injuries Needing Workers’ Compensation

Sometimes, workplace injuries aren’t caused by obvious hazards. Workplace injuries can sometimes creep up on you, unnoticed until they become a major issue. Workers in Ocean County have filed workers’ compensation claims for many different reasons, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Back injuries
• Slip and fall injuries
• Construction accidents
• Injuries from machinery
• Workers caught in the equipment
• Exposure to hazardous materials

No two situations are exactly alike, and an Ocean County workers’ compensation lawyer can assist you in filing a claim based on your specific circumstances.

Ocean County Workers Compensation Process

In New Jersey, certain timelines must be followed when filing for workers’ compensation benefits. For instance, an injury should be reported to the employer immediately. If you fail to follow the necessary time frames, you may jeopardize your right to recovery. 

The workers’ compensation process generally requires the following:

• Notify your employer that you were injured
• Seek medical treatment from an employer-approved doctor
• File a Claim Petition with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation if your employer does not want to pay benefits.

There may be disagreements as to the extent of your injuries, whether the medical treatment you are seeking is necessary, or whether your injury is work-related. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the claim may go to a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. 

For those in Ocean County, the hearings are typically held at the Ocean County Courthouse located at 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Some aspects of the claims process are more straightforward than others, similar to the terms of your insurance coverage. When an insurance company delays, denies, or reduces your benefits, it’s important to understand your options. 

If you have been hurt on the job, you may want to consider meeting with a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your rights. You may want to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in the following circumstances:

• Your employer or insurance company disputes your claim
• Your employer or insurance company denies you medical treatment
• You cannot return to your former position
• You are required to undergo a permanent disability evaluation

An attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case. When you’re facing both medical bills and lost wages, the nuances of your case can quickly become obscure.

FAQs About Ocean County, NJ Workers’ Compensation Laws

What Is the 26 Week Rule for Workers’ Comp in NJ?

The 26-week rule in New Jersey refers to how long an injured worker can collect temporary disability benefits. Injured employees can collect up to 400 weeks of disability benefits from workers’ comp. However, these payments are typically issued in blocks based on a doctor’s opinion as to whether you’re able to medically work.

What Are the Three Main Requirements to Obtain Workers’ Compensation?

Three basic elements must be met to obtain workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey. The injured person must be an employee at the time of the incident; the injury or illness must arise out of and in the course of employment. All three requirements must be met, which means that the employment has to meaningfully contribute to the injury or illness.

Is Plantar Fasciitis a Work-Related Injury?

Yes, plantar fasciitis can qualify as a work-related injury if it is suffered as the result of doing your job. This may include having to stand for long periods of time, walking frequently as part of your job duties, or wearing shoes provided by your employer that don’t properly support your feet. Plantar fasciitis, as with many work-comp-related conditions, would be considered a repetitive stress injury.

Which of the Following Situations Would Not Be Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation does not cover injuries that do not arise out of employment. A common example of this would be your normal commute to work. Injuries that are sustained while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will likely not be covered, similar to injuries that occur as a result of intentional misconduct or horseplay.

Contact an Ocean County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you were injured at work and are dealing with a complex claim, you do not have to figure it out on your own. Weisberg & Klauber, LLC can help. Contact us today for a consultation.