Practice Areas
Workplace
Injuries
When you're injured at work in New Jersey, you have rights beyond workers' compensation. We help you pursue all available compensation, including third-party claims that can provide full damages for your workplace injury.
Workers' Comp
Covers medical bills and partial wages — but not pain and suffering
Third-Party Claims
Full damages against negligent contractors, manufacturers, or property owners
No Fee
Contingency fee basis — we only get paid if we recover compensation
Time Limits
Workers' comp claims must be filed within 2 years of injury
New Jersey's workplace injury laws provide multiple avenues for compensation. While workers' compensation covers basic needs, third-party liability claims can provide full damages when negligent parties beyond your employer caused your injury.
New Jersey's Workers' Compensation Act (N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq.) provides no-fault coverage for workplace injuries, meaning you receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, when third parties — such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners — contribute to your injury, you may pursue additional claims under general negligence law (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1 et seq.). These third-party claims operate independently of workers' compensation and can provide significantly greater recovery.
Workers' compensation typically covers medical expenses and partial wage replacement (usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage), but excludes pain and suffering damages. Third-party claims, however, can provide full compensation including all medical costs, complete lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. In cases involving permanent disability or disfigurement, third-party recoveries often exceed workers' compensation benefits by substantial amounts.
The primary challenge in workplace injury cases is identifying all potentially liable parties beyond your employer. Insurance companies often dispute the extent of injuries or argue that workers' compensation is your exclusive remedy. Additionally, there are strict notice requirements — workers' compensation claims must be reported to your employer within 90 days, and formal claims filed within two years. Coordinating workers' compensation benefits with third-party recoveries requires careful legal strategy to maximize your total compensation while avoiding potential liens or offsets.
The Law
What you
need to know
01
Construction Site Accidents
Falls, equipment failures, or unsafe conditions caused by general contractors, subcontractors, or property owners. Third-party liability often applies beyond workers' compensation.
02
Defective Equipment Injuries
Machinery malfunctions, tool failures, or safety equipment defects that cause injury. Manufacturers and distributors may be liable for design or manufacturing defects.
03
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Injuries while driving for work, delivery accidents, or being struck by vehicles on job sites. Both workers' comp and auto liability claims may apply.
04
Slip and Fall
Injuries from unsafe walking surfaces, inadequate lighting, or poor maintenance at work sites. Property owners or maintenance companies may bear liability.
05
Chemical Exposure
Toxic substance exposure causing immediate injury or long-term illness. Chemical manufacturers or safety equipment providers may be liable for inadequate warnings.
06
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Carpal tunnel, back injuries, or other conditions from repetitive work activities. While covered by workers' comp, ergonomic equipment defects may create third-party claims.
Cases we handle
Common scenarios
What to expect
How the
process works
Immediate Medical Care & Reporting
Seek medical attention immediately and report the injury to your employer within 90 days as required by New Jersey law. Document everything — your injuries, the accident scene, and any equipment involved. This creates the foundation for both workers' compensation and potential third-party claims.
Workers' Compensation Filing
File your workers' compensation claim to secure immediate medical coverage and wage replacement benefits. This provides essential support while we investigate whether additional parties may be liable for your injuries. Workers' comp is no-fault, so you're entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
Third-Party Investigation
We thoroughly investigate whether contractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or other parties contributed to your injury. Many workplace accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties beyond your employer. Identifying these parties early is crucial for maximizing your recovery.
Claim Development & Negotiation
We build comprehensive claims against all liable parties, documenting your full damages including pain and suffering not covered by workers' comp. Most third-party cases resolve through negotiation, often for amounts significantly exceeding workers' compensation benefits.
Coordination & Resolution
We coordinate your workers' compensation benefits with any third-party recovery to maximize your total compensation while protecting you from liens or offsets. If fair settlements aren't offered, we're prepared to take your case to trial for full damages.
Questions
Frequently
asked
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Generally no — workers' compensation is your exclusive remedy against your employer in New Jersey. However, you may be able to sue third parties like contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners who contributed to your injury. These third-party claims can provide full damages including pain and suffering.
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You must report your injury to your employer within 90 days and file a formal workers' compensation claim within two years. Third-party personal injury claims also have a two-year statute of limitations. Acting quickly preserves your rights and helps secure evidence.
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Workers' compensation covers medical bills and partial wages but no pain and suffering. Third-party claims against negligent contractors, manufacturers, or others can provide full compensation including complete lost wages, pain and suffering, and future damages. You can pursue both simultaneously.
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New Jersey law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file workers' compensation claims. You have legal protections against firing, demotion, or other adverse actions. If retaliation occurs, you may have additional legal claims against your employer.
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Workers' compensation is no-fault, so your own negligence doesn't affect those benefits. For third-party claims, New Jersey's comparative negligence law allows recovery as long as you're less than 51% at fault, though your damages may be reduced proportionally.
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We work on a contingency fee basis for third-party claims — no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Workers' compensation attorneys' fees are regulated by statute and typically paid from your award. The initial consultation is always free with no obligation.
Free Consultation
Injured atwork?
Tell us what happened. We'll give you an honest assessment - no pressure, no obligation, and no fee unless we recover for you. We're available by phone or at our offices, and we're happy to meet you wherever is most convenient.
Call Us Directly
(973) 401-0064