When your job makes you sick, the path forward can feel uncertain. A Fort Lee occupational disease lawyer at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. is here to listen, learn your story, and help you pursue the benefits and compensation you deserve.
For decades, we have stood beside workers across Bergen County, from those commuting over the George Washington Bridge to longtime residents along Main Street, who developed serious illnesses because of harmful conditions on the job. We understand how frightening it is to face a diagnosis tied to your work, and we are ready to fight for you.
Occupational diseases are illnesses caused or worsened by exposures at work. These conditions often develop slowly, sometimes appearing years after the exposure first began.
Whether you breathed in toxic dust, handled dangerous chemicals, performed repetitive motions, or worked around loud machinery, you may have rights under both New Jersey workers’ compensation law and personal injury law.
Call us today at 201-585-9111 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Fort Lee Occupational Disease Lawyers?
Choosing the right legal team can shape the outcome of your case and the rest of your recovery. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we bring more than 100 years of combined courtroom experience to every claim we accept.
We are a rare personal injury firm because we handle both third-party injury claims and workers’ compensation claims under one roof, which often produces a stronger overall result for injured workers and their families.
Here is what sets our Fort Lee occupational disease lawyers apart:
- Dual capability. We pursue workers’ compensation benefits and third-party negligence claims together when both apply, so nothing gets left on the table.
- A team of 30 dedicated professionals. You are not getting one attorney. You are getting a full team focused on your case.
- Contingency fees. You owe us nothing unless we recover money for you. No hourly bills. No upfront costs.
- Multi-million dollar results. Our verdicts and settlements include a $1,067,000 recovery in a fibromyalgia case tied to a workplace incident and significant results for workers facing total disability.
- Recognition from peers and judges. Our attorneys hold the highest Martindale-Hubbell ratings for professional skill and ethical standards.
Our office serves Fort Lee residents and workers throughout Bergen County, including those who travel through Hudson County, Manhattan, and the Bronx for their jobs. We listen first, then build the strongest case the facts allow.
Call 201-585-9111 today to speak with our team about your occupational disease claim.
In my Book Chris gets 10+ stars. An Incredibly Talented Attorney. I cannot begin to express my sincere appreciation for all that Chris DiGirolamo has done for me. He took on a most challenging Title59 Immunity Case, against all odds. He always leveled with me as to the complex nature of the case, but with a positive and professional attitude. He was aided in this case, by a fantastic Paralegal, Marisol Suarez. Marisol made a difficult time much easier with her courtesy, humor, and always being responsive. Chris made you feel at all times that he was fighting for you as he would fight for a member of his family. It would not be a trite statement to say that watching him prepare my case was like watching a Maestro conduct a Philharmonic Orchestra. He always kept you informed as to the latest developments in a case that took 3 1/2 years to settle. Chris was able to achieve a settlement that both of us were happy with especially considering the very complex set of circumstances. Simply put, Chris is an Incredible Attorney who is empathetic yet tough and most important ” A Good Guy.”
Choosing Michael Maggiano and his firm was the best decision my husband and I made at a most horrific time in our lives. Multiple doctors, with whom we had trusting relationships, were confidently telling me that nothing was wrong when, in fact, that was not the case; allowing a cancer to grow over several years to an advanced stage.
Michael Maggiano and his incredible colleagues took our case, even though extremely complex. They patiently answered our endless questions, diligently pursued every aspect of our case, handled our anxieties; especially during trial preparation and settlement discussions. Due to their experience and skill, the final outcome was a sizable settlement.
We hope that this message helps you make the right decision during what is probably a difficult and trying time by speaking with Mike Maggiano.
After thirteen surgeries, multiple procedures and over two months in the ICU, all due to the negligence of one of my doctors, I was referred to Michael Maggiano to pursue a medical malpractice case. I had never been involved in a lawsuit in my life and from the moment I met Michael and his team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi I knew I was in extremely competent hands. Michael is the best lawyer you could imagine – he is intelligent, detail oriented, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his work and his clients. Michael is a consummate professional and I will forever be impressed by, and indebted to, both him and his team. The entire staff at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi is friendly, welcoming and do everything to make their clients comfortable. I would like to specifically thank Linda Reid and Bernadette Elbert who both went above and beyond to make my experience as comfortable as possible, from including me in all detailed correspondence to sending encouraging texts and even giving hugs when needed. Thank you so much to everyone at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi – I highly recommend this law firm to anyone looking for a compassionate team to handle a personal injury claim.
What Is an Occupational Disease Under New Jersey Law?
An occupational disease is any illness or condition that arises out of and during the course of your employment. Unlike a sudden workplace injury, an occupational disease usually develops over time because of repeated exposure to a harmful substance, environment, or activity.
Under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act, N.J.S.A. 34:15-31, a compensable occupational disease is one produced by causes and conditions characteristic of or peculiar to a particular trade, occupation, process, or place of employment.
This definition covers a broad range of illnesses. Some develop within months. Others may not appear for ten, twenty, or even thirty years after the harmful exposure. New Jersey law accounts for this delay, which is one reason it is so important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as you suspect your work made you sick.
Federal protections also play a role. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards meant to protect workers from many of the hazards that cause occupational disease, and violations of those standards can become powerful evidence in your case.
Common Occupational Diseases We Handle
Workers in Fort Lee and the surrounding communities face many different on-the-job hazards. The high-rise construction projects along the Hudson, the busy warehouses near Route 4, the hospitals, restaurants, and office towers all carry their own risks. We help workers pursue claims for a wide range of work-related illnesses, including:
- Respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, occupational asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease tied to dust, fumes, or chemical exposure
- Cancers linked to asbestos, benzene, diesel exhaust, formaldehyde, and other carcinogens
- Repetitive stress injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff disorders
- Fibromyalgia triggered or worsened by physical trauma, prolonged repetitive activity, or a workplace accident
- Hearing loss and tinnitus from prolonged exposure to loud machinery, construction equipment, or industrial environments
- Skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, chemical burns, and latex allergies
- Toxic exposure illnesses caused by lead, mercury, solvents, pesticides, or mold
- Post-traumatic stress and other psychological conditions tied to a traumatic work event
If your illness is not on this list but you believe your job caused it, please still reach out. Many cases turn on facts that only come to light during a careful investigation.
Fibromyalgia and Work-Related Causes
Fibromyalgia deserves a closer look because it is so often misunderstood. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disruption, memory issues, and tenderness throughout the body.
While its exact cause is still being studied, medical research has long recognized that physical trauma and repetitive workplace stress can trigger or worsen fibromyalgia symptoms.
Workers who develop fibromyalgia after an on-the-job accident or sustained physical strain often face skeptical insurance carriers. We have seen claims handlers dismiss this condition as too vague to take seriously, even when the medical evidence is strong. We do not accept that approach.
We have recovered substantial compensation for clients living with work-related fibromyalgia, including a $1,067,000 settlement for a truck driver who developed the condition after a multi-vehicle crash on the job.
If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and believe your work contributed to it, we want to hear from you. Our team works with respected medical experts who understand how to connect this condition to your specific job duties or workplace incident.
How Occupational Disease Claims Work in New Jersey
Workers harmed by occupational disease in New Jersey generally have two possible paths for recovery. Many cases involve both, and pursuing them together is often the key to full financial recovery.
- Workers’ compensation benefits. New Jersey workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You do not need to prove your employer did anything wrong. You only need to show your illness arose from your work. Benefits may include:
- Medical treatment paid by the employer’s insurance carrier
- Temporary disability payments while you cannot work
- Permanent partial or total disability awards based on the severity of your condition
- Death benefits for surviving family members in fatal cases
- Third-party liability claims. If a company other than your employer caused or contributed to your exposure, you may also bring a personal injury lawsuit against that party. Examples include manufacturers of toxic chemicals, owners of unsafe job sites, and contractors whose negligence created hazardous conditions. These claims allow you to pursue damages workers’ compensation does not provide, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and full lost earnings.
After this introduction to the two paths, the most important takeaway is simple: pursuing both at the same time often produces the strongest result, and we know how to coordinate them.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing an Occupational Disease Claim?
New Jersey law places strict deadlines on occupational disease claims. Generally, a workers’ compensation claim petition must be filed within two years of the date you knew, or should have known, that your condition is related to your work. For third-party lawsuits, the personal injury statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of discovery as well.
These deadlines can be tricky because occupational diseases often develop slowly. The clock usually starts ticking when a doctor connects your illness to your job, not when the exposure first happened. Still, waiting can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses move, and memories fade. The sooner you call us, the more we can do.
Our Results in Occupational and Workplace Cases
Our record speaks for itself. While every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our team has secured meaningful recoveries for workers across many industries:
- $101,000,000 verdict for 20 injured workers and the families of four killed in a parking garage collapse
- $2,325,000 for an HVAC worker who fell through a roof opening
- $1,067,000 for a truck driver who developed fibromyalgia after a workplace crash
- $817,500 for a delivery driver with total disability
- $346,000 for a teacher with multiple work-related injuries
These outcomes reflect what is possible when an experienced legal team treats your case as the unique story it is. We treat every client the same way, whether the claim is a quiet repetitive stress case or a complex toxic exposure matter.
Ready to learn what your case may be worth? Call 201-585-9111 today.
Proving an Occupational Disease Claim
Proving the link between your illness and your job is the heart of every occupational disease case. The insurance company will look for any reason to deny your claim or argue your condition came from something else. We build the evidence carefully and methodically.
Strong occupational disease cases typically include:
- Detailed medical records connecting your diagnosis to specific workplace exposures or activities
- Employment history showing the duration and nature of your exposure
- Industrial hygiene reports, OSHA citations, or safety inspection findings
- Expert testimony from physicians, toxicologists, and occupational medicine specialists
- Coworker statements describing the working conditions
- Material safety data sheets and product labels for chemicals you handled
We coordinate with treating physicians, retain qualified experts, and gather workplace records before insurance carriers can lock in their version of events. Every step is designed to tell the full story of what happened to you.
Industries We Serve in Fort Lee and Beyond
Fort Lee sits at a crossroads of industries, from the construction sites surrounding the Hudson Lights complex to the medical facilities along Englewood and the warehouses dotting the Meadowlands. Workers in nearly every field can develop occupational diseases. Our attorneys regularly represent:
- Construction workers, ironworkers, and laborers
- Truck drivers, dock workers, and warehouse staff
- Healthcare workers including nurses and aides
- Restaurant and hospitality employees
- Office workers with repetitive stress injuries
- Maintenance workers, custodians, and groundskeepers
- Public employees and first responders
No matter your job, if your work made you sick, you deserve a real conversation about your options. We will give you one.
FAQs Answered by Our Fort Lee Occupational Disease Lawyer
Below are answers to some of the most common questions our Fort Lee occupational disease lawyers receive from injured and ill workers.
Can I file an occupational disease claim if my exposure happened years ago?
Yes, in many cases you can. New Jersey law generally starts the clock when you knew or reasonably should have known your illness was connected to your job, not when the exposure first occurred.
Because diseases like asbestosis or certain cancers can take decades to develop, the law gives you a fair chance to pursue a claim once the link becomes clear. Speaking with an attorney quickly after diagnosis is still the best way to protect your rights.
What if I already retired before my illness was diagnosed?
Retirement does not automatically end your right to file a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party lawsuit. Many occupational diseases are diagnosed long after a worker leaves the job.
As long as the medical evidence connects your condition to your former employment, you may still be eligible for benefits and compensation. We can review your work history and medical timeline to help you understand your options.
Will my employer retaliate if I file a claim?
New Jersey law strictly prohibits retaliation against workers who file workers’ compensation claims. If your employer fires, demotes, harasses, or punishes you for asserting your rights, you may have an additional legal claim against them. We take retaliation seriously and will help you respond if it happens.
Do I have to use the company doctor for my treatment?
For workers’ compensation purposes in New Jersey, your employer or its insurance carrier generally has the right to direct your medical care. However, you can request a second opinion in certain situations, and we can help you challenge inadequate treatment. For third-party claims, you have full freedom to choose your own physicians.
What is the difference between workers' compensation and a third-party lawsuit?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that pays medical bills, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits regardless of who caused your illness.
A third-party lawsuit is filed against a company other than your employer, such as a chemical manufacturer, and can recover full lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that workers’ compensation does not provide. Many cases involve both, and pursuing them together often leads to the best outcome.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing upfront. We handle occupational disease cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you. There are no hourly bills and no out-of-pocket costs to begin. Your free consultation gives you a clear picture of your case without any financial commitment.
What if my family member died from an occupational disease?
Surviving family members may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits and, in some cases, a wrongful death lawsuit against a responsible third party. These claims can cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. We approach these cases with compassion and care while pursuing every dollar your family deserves.
Talk to a Fort Lee Occupational Disease Lawyer Today
Your health and your livelihood are too important to face alone. If your job made you sick, the team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. is ready to listen, explain your rights, and fight for the recovery you deserve.
We have spent decades standing up for workers across Fort Lee, Bergen County, and the surrounding region, and we are ready to stand up for you.
Call us today at 201-585-9111 for a free, confidential consultation with a Fort Lee occupational disease lawyer. There is no fee unless we win your case. We are in it together.
