If you’ve been injured while on the job in New Jersey, you have important legal rights. Most workers are covered under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system, which allows you to receive benefits for medical care, lost wages, and disability when an injury occurs at work. But not all workplace injuries are the same, and sometimes, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party claim. At Lee Law Firm, our Union County work injury lawyers help injured employees across New Jersey recover the compensation they deserve and need to heal. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Workers’ Compensation in New Jersey

Workers’ compensation covers injuries caused by your employer or a co-worker during the course of your job. This type of claim provides benefits regardless of fault, but it also limits your ability to sue your employer directly.

You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if your injury occurred:

While performing work-related duties
As a result of repetitive motion or overexertion
Because of exposure to harmful chemicals or substances
Workers’ compensation can provide coverage for:
Medical expenses related to your injury
Temporary or permanent disability benefits
Rehabilitation or vocational retraining
Death benefits for surviving family members

When You May Have a Third-Party Work Injury Claim

Not every work-related injury is caused by your employer or a co-worker. When someone outside of your company causes or contributes to your injury, you may be entitled to file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.

Examples of third-party claims include:

A slip and fall injury on property owned by someone other than your employer
A tool, machine, or equipment malfunction caused by a manufacturer defect
A motor vehicle accident while driving for work
An injury on a construction site where multiple contractors are involved

These cases can allow you to recover additional damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium, types of compensation that are not available under workers’ compensation alone.

Common Workplace Injuries We Handle

Our firm has decades of experience representing clients with all types of work-related injuries, including the following:

Back and neck injuries
Herniated disks and spinal cord damage
Head injuries and concussions
Broken bones and fractures
Shoulder and knee injuries
Torn rotator cuffs and ligament damage
Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Occupational diseases, including cancers caused by toxic exposure
Asbestos-related illness
Work-related car accidents
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

No matter how your injury occurred, we are here to guide you through every stage of your claim and ensure your rights are protected.

Why Choose Lee Law Firm

With offices in Springfield and Newark, Lee Law Firm, LLC has been advocating for injured workers across New Jersey for more than 35 years. Attorney Lee is a New Jersey Supreme Court-Certified Civil Trial Attorney and has earned numerous distinctions, including:

Recognition as a New Jersey Super Lawyer
An “Excellent” rating from Avvo
Inclusion among the nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Our firm is known for aggressive advocacy and personalized service. We prepare every case with meticulous attention to detail, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and, when necessary, taking your case to trial to secure fair compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Work Injury Lawsuit?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the following:

Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Unpaid or future medical expenses
Physical pain and emotional suffering
Loss of companionship or consortium
Disability or disfigurement
Wrongful death damages (for fatal accidents)

We take all work injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.

Get Help from Our Springfield Work Injury Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured at work, whether through a workplace accident, repetitive stress injury, or exposure to harmful conditions, don’t face the process alone. The experienced legal team at Lee Law Firm can help you pursue the benefits and compensation you deserve. Contact our Springfield work injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights after a workplace injury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Work Injuries in NJ

What are my rights under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws?

Under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws, employees have the right to medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, and permanent disability benefits if they are injured on the job. Additionally, you are entitled to receive compensation for lost wages due to your injury. Consulting a workplace injury attorney can provide a clear understanding of your rights and help you navigate the claim process effectively.

Can I receive compensation for pain and suffering from a workplace injury?

In New Jersey, workers’ compensation typically covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages but does not usually include compensation for pain and suffering. However, if your injury was due to the negligence of a third party, you might be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit to seek additional damages. Our work injury lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.

When should I consider filing a third-party personal injury claim instead of just workers’ compensation?

If a third party—such as an equipment manufacturer, contractor, or visitor—contributed to your workplace injury, you may have grounds for a third-party liability claim in addition to workers’ comp. Workers’ compensation covers your employer-related medical costs and wage losses but typically doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering or full damages. A third-party claim can pursue broader compensation, including punitive damages when negligence is severe. It’s important to act quickly because separate statutes of limitations apply. Your attorney can help identify all responsible parties and coordinate both claims effectively. This dual approach can significantly enhance your overall recovery.

Can I receive compensation for mental and emotional distress after a serious workplace injury?

Yes, while workers’ compensation primarily addresses physical injuries, a third-party personal injury claim can seek damages for psychological harm. This includes anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or sleep disturbances arising from the incident. Documentation from mental health professionals, therapy records, and testimony about your emotional state supports these claims. Courts recognize that the impact of workplace trauma extends beyond instant injuries. Your attorney can integrate this dimension into demand letters and negotiations. Pursuing emotional distress compensation ensures full acknowledgment of your suffering and recovery needs.

What if my employer retaliates or fires me after filing a workplace injury claim?

Employment laws protect workers from retaliation, including wrongful termination, for filing legitimate workers’ comp or injury claims. If your employer takes adverse action—like demotion, harassment, or termination—because of your claim, you may be entitled to additional legal remedies. Your attorney may pursue a wrongful retaliation claim under state labor laws or civil rights statutes. Evidence such as emails, performance reviews, or witness statements can support your case. It’s essential to act promptly, as retaliation claims have their own time limits. Addressing retaliation early preserves your rights and discourages unfair employer tactics.

Why is it important to hire a workplace injury attorney after an accident?

Hiring a team of work injury lawyers is crucial because they have the expertise to navigate the legal complexities of workers’ compensation claims. They can ensure that all paperwork is correctly filed, deadlines are met, and your rights are fully protected. Additionally, an attorney can represent you in disputes with employers or insurance companies, significantly improving your chances of a favorable outcome. To get the legal support you need, reach out to Lee Law Firm, LLC.

Additional Information & Resources

New Jersey Department of Labor – Injured Worker Protections: Outlines the protections available to injured workers under New Jersey law, including information on workers’ compensation benefits, anti-retaliation protections, and how to report violations. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding your rights and ensuring they are upheld after a workplace injury.
OSHA Regional News Release – Improving Workplace Safety in New Jersey: This news release from OSHA’s Region 2 office highlights the agency’s enforcement actions and initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace safety and health standards in New Jersey. It provides details on inspections, violations, and penalties to ensure compliance and protect workers from hazardous conditions.
NIOSH – Falls in the Workplace: Provides detailed information about fall prevention in various work environments. It includes statistics, research findings, and guidelines to help employers and employees mitigate the risks associated with workplace falls.

Union County Work Injury Lawyers