When you suffer injuries at work through no fault of your own, you may be facing an uncertain future. If you are unable to work because of the injuries, leaving you without income at the same time you have mounting medical bills, it can be a frightening time.
If you believe your right to compensation is being violated, consider contacting a Fair Lawn workers’ compensation lawyer. We will stand up for you, working hard to help you receive the fairest possible settlement.
How Workers’ Compensation Benefits Work
According to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in New Jersey, workers’ compensation laws provide a number of benefits for someone who suffered an injury at work. Some of the benefits an injured worker could receive include:
- Medical: An injured worker is entitled to receive treatment from a doctor, prescription drugs, and physical therapy (among other medical benefits) to help the worker heal.
- Temporary disability: A worker who misses work for more than seven days because of injuries will be entitled to receive a percentage of the wages he or she would have earned without the injury.
- Permanent disability: If a worker suffers some sort of disability that will not heal and prevents them from returning to the same level of work for many months or years, he or she could receive disability payments going forward.
If the employee suffered a fatality while on the job, his or her family has the right to seek death benefits. This may include a percentage of weekly wages normally earned by the victim, as well as compensation for other losses.
We hired Chris DiGirolamo as our attorney after Mike suffered a life changing injury at work. From the time we met Chris we felt we can trust him to work in the best interest for Mike’s needs. Chris is very down to earth and we felt comfortable whenever we met with him. He spoke to us so we always understood what was going on. He never threw around legal jargon that we would not be able to understand. He was always willing to ensure we knew exactly how our case was proceeding. Chris showed humanity in dealing with Mike’s Injuries and understanding of Mike’s unwillingness to accept some of the changes in his life.
Chris’s high level of energy and desire to bring a case to the best possible results were evident from day one. Our case was settled but of court with the help of a mediator and Chris was by our side explaining what was going on every step of the way. His preparation throughout the case was evident as he spoke before the mediator. It was a pleasure to watch. Chris at work and know he was working for us. He is tough and stubborn when necessary. We were also impressed by the respect shown to Chris by the retired judge we worked with as well as other lawyers. Chris was only happy with this case when he knew we had a settlement that we were very impressed with.
I am delighted to provide this testimonial for Mr. DiGirolamo. His representation of me during my case was unflagging over its four-year duration. He kept me informed, and prepared for every eventuality as the case progressed.
He understood my fears and pain, and saw to it that Workmans Comp provided support for me until my civil case was settled. He prepared me substantially whenever necessary. I was very grateful for his understanding of the disastrous effect my accident had on every aspect of my life.
He was always supportive and kind personally, and totally professional. He reminded me to be realistic about the eventual outcome, and advised me as to the importance of my demeanor and attitude.
Everyone I came in contact with at the office was polite and helpful, in particular Marisol Suarez, Mr. DiGirolamo’s paralegal assistant. I will always be grateful for the way my case was handled.
Consider Hiring Representation
Occasionally, after someone suffers an injury while on the job, the employer may dispute the victim’s side of the story. The employer may refuse to submit the case to the state’s workers’ compensation insurance. Some employers may even attempt to fire the employee because he or she is unable to work after the injury.
If you believe that you are not receiving fair treatment from your employer after the injury, hiring a Fair Lawn workers’ compensation lawyer can be a beneficial choice. Call the team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. for a free review of your situation at (201) 585-9111.
Frequency of Workplace Injuries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers in the state of New Jersey reported 74,400 injuries and illnesses in the workplace in 2018. Of those, 42,400 injuries were severe enough that the injured employee missed at least one day of work or other job restrictions.
Physical injuries accounted for nearly 97% of incidents. Work-related illnesses included loss of hearing, respiratory problems, and poisoning, among other conditions.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries
Although some people may think of workers’ compensation cases as primarily happening in places like construction sites or factories, the truth is that workers’ compensation cases can involve any type of worker and any workplace situation.
Injuries can occur because of a sudden accident that is unexpected, or they can happen over time as the body is repeatedly exposed to job tasks. Some of the ways employees may suffer injuries on the job include:
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Broken bones from falls or crushing
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dislocated joints, such as shoulders or hips
- Torn ligaments
- Severed fingers or limbs
- Burns from flames
- Burns from chemicals
- Traumatic brain injuries or concussions
- Facial trauma or disfigurement
- Spinal cord, back, and neck injuries
Verdicts and Settlements
$346,000 - Workers Compensation Claims and Hostile Work Environment
Settlement was obtained for a 34 year old schoolteacher who claimed work related injury to her neck, back, shoulders, knees and head suffered during two separate work related accidents.
$2,325,000 - Work Site Accident
To an HVAC worker who fell through an opening in a roof. The defense argued the opening was obvious and he should have watched where he was going. We proved that the unprotected opening was an OSHA violation and the worker was entitled to a reasonable cover to protect him from an inadvertent slip and fall as required by Federal regulations.
$2,600,000 - Construction Accident
To widow and child of a deceased dock builder injured during a pile driving operation. Defendant Developer and General Contractor placed blame on employer of deceased worker who could not be sued because of the Worker Compensation Statute that says you can not sue your employer. We proved that even though the employer was negligence, the Developer and GC had to primary duty of safety on the…
Reasons an Employer May Try to Deny Your Claim
If your workers’ compensation claim is not accepted, your attorney can help you try to prove exactly what happened. Some of the ways you may have difficulty receiving the benefits you believe you deserve include:
- Non-work-related injury: Your employer may say that your injuries were related to something that happened when you were not on the clock, meaning that the employer is not liable.
- Negligence on your part: Your employer may try to prove that your own negligence caused your injury at the workplace, such as showing up to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Less severe injuries: The employer may try to show that your injuries are not as severe as you claim they are, meaning you should be able to return to work sooner than you think you can.
Some types of workers’ compensation claims are extremely complex, making it difficult for the injured worker to represent himself or herself. Some employers may try to use this complexity to their advantage, confusing the employee and drawing out the case to the point where he or she gives up.
Resolving a Dispute
Rather than giving up, you could hire an attorney to help with your case. Your lawyer may be able to help you navigate the dispute process, whether the dispute lies with the employer or the insurance carrier.
When presenting your case, you and your attorney will be able to use things like your medical reports to show what kind of health outlook you have going forward, showing an inability to work as you did previously.
Finding the Right Attorney to Help with Your Case
A Fair Lawn workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fight to protect your rights after a workplace accident. While your case may be more straightforward, there are some cases that may leave you feeling as though you are not receiving fair treatment. Having an attorney on your side will give you an advocate to fight for your rights and to give you a better chance of receiving compensation.
The team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi P.C. is ready to stand by your side throughout the entire case. Call us today at (201) 585-9111 for a free review of your case. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you do not have to pay us anything ahead of time to secure our representation.
