If you are dealing with daily pain from years of typing, lifting, twisting, or reaching at work, you do not have to face it alone. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our Fort Lee repetitive stress injury lawyer team helps workers across Bergen County recover the medical care and wage benefits they have earned.
Repetitive stress injuries, sometimes called RSIs or cumulative trauma injuries, build up slowly. They rarely come from one bad moment. Instead, they come from doing the same motion thousands of times until your body simply cannot take any more.
Whether you work in a warehouse near Route 4, a construction site along the Hudson, an office tower in Bergen County, or a kitchen in downtown Fort Lee, your work has value, and so does your health.
Our firm believes you deserve real answers and real support. We see you. We hear you. And we are ready to stand with you through every step of your workers’ compensation claim. Call us today at 201-585-9111 for a free, no-pressure conversation about your case.
Why Choose Our Fort Lee Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyer Team
We are not a high-volume settlement mill. We are a close-knit firm of about 30 people who treat every client like a neighbor, because in Fort Lee and Bergen County, many of them are. When you call us about an RSI claim, you get a team that has spent decades fighting for workers in New Jersey courts.
Here is what sets our firm apart:
- More than 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury and workers’ compensation cases across New Jersey and New York.
- Recognition by Best Lawyers in America and top peer ratings from Martindale-Hubbell for skill and ethics.
- A rare practice that handles both workers’ compensation and third-party injury claims, which often means a larger total recovery for you.
- No fee unless we win your case. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing up front.
- A bilingual, family-style team that returns your calls, explains every step in plain English, and treats your time with respect.
We know how scary it feels to wonder how you will pay your medical bills or feed your family while you heal. That is why we move quickly to get your benefits started and keep you informed. Reach out to our Fort Lee office today at 201-585-9111 to talk with a member of our team.
The Office of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi have been so helpful in my case that I just wanted to stress to anyone needing an attorney who has been in an accident that this office is the best. From the beginning of my case I was treated as number one. Mr. Maggiano and staff always kept me informed of the entire process of my case. I even had a driver, Juan, from their office, take me to my medical appointments because I no longer have an automobile. It just made me feel so much more relaxed. This is a law firm makes you feel right at home as soon as you come in. There were many times that I had questions and I would speak to Mariel, Mr. Maggianos’s paralegal and she would always be there to help
Mr. Michael Maggiano is an outstanding attorney who uses his many years of experience and wisdom to put forth a solid representation of his client. In my particular case, Mr. Maggiano showed compassion, caring, and commitment in order to bring about a successful resolution involving a local municipality. My case seemed to be unique in that it’s not often that there is a successful pursuit of justice when a municipality is involved. I was lucky to find Mr. Maggiano through the recommendation of other outstanding attorneys, and he certainly measured up to every expectation. Mr. Maggiano’s thoroughness and drive to seek a justifiable agreement in my favor cannot be under-stated; he met with me and my husband day or night, weekend or weekday; he always gladly returned calls and emails promptly. The devotion Mr. Maggiano and his staff displayed to us made us feel that we were his sole priority; simply stated he makes you feel special. While being reassuring and kind, Mr. Maggiano leaves no stone unturned in his research, preparation, and presentation. His vast knowledge works to his client’s advantage, and he is revered by fellow attorneys and judges in New Jersey and New York.
In addition, the staff at Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi always represented the highest caliber of professionalism. Office staff, legal assistants, and the firm’s attorneys were always diligent while being respectful, polite, and caring. It is without hesitation that I give Mr. Maggiano my highest praise and recommendation.
Michael Maggiano is one of the hardest working, ethical attorneys that you can have represent you. When I was going through my injury, emotional pain and suffering, the last thing I wanted to think about was who would be the right lawyer who is caring and understanding of my situation. Well Michael was there every step of the way. Through his guidance, support and legal advice, somehow he got me through this ordeal. If I have to rate Michael between 0 to 10, he is definitely a 12! Believe it or not, if you call Michael on his telephone, he will call you back the same day or night to try to help you with your concerns and questions. Why? BECAUSE HE CARES
What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
A repetitive stress injury happens when small, repeated movements wear down the muscles, tendons, nerves, or joints in your body. Think of bending a paperclip back and forth. It feels fine at first, but eventually it snaps. Your body works the same way when forced to repeat the same motion day after day, often without enough rest.
These injuries are also called repetitive motion injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, or occupational overuse syndromes. Under New Jersey law, they are treated as occupational diseases when the cause is tied to the conditions of your job. That means you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits even though you cannot point to a single accident.
Common RSIs we see in Fort Lee workers include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from typing, scanning, or assembly work.
- Tendonitis in the elbow, shoulder, wrist, or knee.
- Rotator cuff tears from overhead lifting or reaching.
- Bursitis in the shoulders, hips, or knees.
- Trigger finger and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
- Chronic back and neck strain from lifting or long hours at a workstation.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome from leaning on the elbows.
- Fibromyalgia, which can be triggered or worsened by repeated physical stress at work.
These injuries are real, even when they do not show up clearly on an X-ray. Our team works with trusted medical professionals who understand how to document and explain your condition.
Who Is at Risk for RSIs in Fort Lee and Bergen County?
Fort Lee sits at the gateway of the George Washington Bridge, where commerce, construction, and commuters never stop moving. The working people who keep this community running are often the ones most at risk for repetitive stress injuries. From the high-rise residential buildings along the Palisades to the busy retail along Main Street, the demands on your body add up.
Workers we often help with RSI claims include:
- Office and remote workers who spend long hours typing or using a mouse.
- Warehouse workers, packers, and delivery drivers.
- Nurses, home health aides, and certified nursing assistants.
- Construction workers, electricians, and plumbers.
- Hairdressers, cooks, and food service workers.
- Auto mechanics and assembly line workers.
- Cashiers and supermarket employees.
- Cleaners, hotel housekeepers, and janitorial staff.
If your job involves doing the same movement again and again, you may be at risk. The good news is that New Jersey law protects you, and our firm is here to help you use that protection.
New Jersey Workers’ Compensation and Repetitive Stress Injuries
Workers’ compensation in New Jersey is a no-fault system. That means you do not have to prove your employer did something wrong. You only need to show that your injury came from your work duties. The system is governed by Title 34, Chapter 15 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes, which is enforced by the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.
For a repetitive stress injury, the law requires you to show that the conditions of your job were a material cause of your condition. In plain English, that means your work duties had to play a real role in causing the injury. Aging alone does not count, but if your job sped up the damage to your body, you may have a valid claim.
Benefits available through a workers’ compensation claim may include:
- Medical treatment, including doctor visits, physical therapy, surgery, and medication.
- Temporary disability payments if you cannot work while you heal.
- Permanent partial or total disability benefits if your injury limits your future ability to work.
- Vocational retraining in some cases.
- Death benefits for surviving family members in tragic cases.
The benefits exist for a reason. They are meant to keep your household stable while you focus on healing. Our team makes sure the insurance company does not shortchange you on what you have earned.
Verdicts and Settlements
$780,000 - Work Reconditioning Injury
New York medical malpractice settlement of $700,000 plus an additional reduction of $80,000 in a worker’s compensation lien (total $780,000). Recovery was obtained for a 29 year old man who suffered a back injury and subsequent fusion surgery while engaging in a box lifting exercise undertaken as part of a work conditioning program at a New York physical therapy facility.
$1,100,000 - Construction Site Injury
35-year-old architect injured while working on a Mall Construction site. Plaintiff slipped and fell down an outdoor wooden staircase attached to her work office trailer and sustained serious knee injury that required two surgeries. Although she was able to return to work full time as an architect, her knee injury made it difficult for her to do field work.
$1,067,000 - Fibromyalgia Caused by Truck Accident
A female truck driver suffered fibromyalgia following a multi-vehicle accident.
How Insurance Companies Fight RSI Claims
Insurance carriers know that repetitive stress injuries can be expensive to treat, so they often look for reasons to deny or limit your claim. They may argue that your condition is from aging, from a hobby, or from a prior injury. They may even claim you waited too long to report it.
Some of the most common tactics we see include:
- Pointing to your age and claiming the damage is simply wear and tear.
- Hiring a doctor who downplays the seriousness of your condition.
- Arguing you did not give proper notice to your employer.
- Saying your work duties were not strenuous enough to cause your injury.
- Offering a quick, low settlement before you understand the full impact on your life.
When we step in, the conversation changes. We gather your medical records, document your job duties in detail, and bring in qualified medical professionals when needed. We push back on every weak argument so your voice is heard.
Our Track Record in Workers’ Compensation and Injury Cases
When you hire our firm, you are hiring trial-tested attorneys who have recovered millions for injured workers. While every case is different, and prior results do not predict future ones, our history shows the depth of our work in this area.
A few examples include:
- $3,600,000 for a 75-year-old man working as a caddy at a charity event who suffered serious injuries on the job.
- $817,500 for a 63-year-old delivery driver who suffered total disability during the course of his employment.
- $346,000 for a 34-year-old schoolteacher who claimed work-related injuries to her neck, back, shoulders, and knees.
- $1,067,000 for a worker who developed fibromyalgia after a truck crash.
These outcomes did not happen by chance. They happened because we listened to our clients, did the legwork, and refused to let the insurance company write the story.
How to Report a Repetitive Stress Injury in New Jersey
Reporting your injury the right way protects your claim. Because RSIs build up over time, the rules around notice and deadlines work a little differently than for sudden accidents. Under New Jersey law, you generally have two years from the date you knew or should have known that your condition was tied to work to file a formal claim.
Steps that can strengthen your claim include:
- Tell your supervisor or HR department about your symptoms in writing as soon as you connect them to your job.
- Ask for the name of the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
- See a doctor and explain how your job duties may have caused the pain.
- Keep a written log of your symptoms, work tasks, and any changes in your duties.
- Save copies of medical records, prescriptions, and any communication with your employer.
- Call a workers’ compensation lawyer before signing any forms or settlement offers.
Even if you have already missed a step, do not assume your case is lost. Call us, and we will look at the full picture to see what can still be done.
Third-Party Claims Beyond Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is often only part of the story. If a person or company outside your employer played a role in your injury, you may also have a third-party personal injury claim. This is especially important for RSIs caused or worsened by faulty equipment, unsafe job sites, or accidents on the road during work.
For example, a delivery driver who suffers nerve damage after years of driving a poorly designed truck route may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate personal injury claim. Our firm is one of the few in the area that handles both kinds of cases together, which often means a better total result for the worker.
Federal agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set standards for ergonomics and workplace safety. When those standards are ignored, our team uses that as part of the evidence for your case.
How Our Fort Lee Office Supports You
When you walk into our office near the foot of the George Washington Bridge, you are met by people who genuinely care. We know how heavy this season of life can feel. You may be missing work, missing sleep, and missing the active life you once had. Our job is to lift the legal weight off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
We provide:
- Free initial consultations with no pressure to hire us.
- Home and hospital visits when you cannot come to us.
- Spanish-speaking team members and access to interpreters for other languages.
- Clear, plain-English updates on your case.
- Direct access to your attorney, not just a paralegal.
Our community ties run deep across Fort Lee, Hackensack, and the Bronx. We treat your case as if you were family, because to us, you are.
Questions Answered by Our Fort Lee Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyers
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from workers across Bergen County who are dealing with repetitive stress injuries. If you do not see your question, please reach out to our team for a free consultation.
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim for a repetitive stress injury in New Jersey?
In most repetitive stress and occupational disease cases, you have two years from the date you knew or reasonably should have known that your condition was tied to your job. Because the start date is not always obvious, it is wise to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you suspect a work connection so you do not miss your window.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim in New Jersey?
New Jersey law protects workers from retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim or for testifying in a related proceeding. If your employer demotes you, cuts your hours, or fires you in response to your claim, you may have an additional legal claim against them. A lawyer can review the timing and the facts to see what your options are.
Do I need to see my employer's doctor for a repetitive stress injury?
Under New Jersey workers’ compensation rules, your employer or its insurance carrier generally has the right to choose the treating physician for your work-related injury. You can still ask for a second opinion in many cases, and if treatment is denied or delayed, your lawyer can fight to get you the care you need.
What if my pain started years ago but only now feels disabling?
Many repetitive stress injuries follow this pattern. The key question is when you knew or should have known that your work was the cause. Even if symptoms began long ago, your right to file may not start until the link to your job becomes clear. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand the timing in your situation.
Can I receive workers' compensation if I have a pre-existing condition?
Yes, in many cases. New Jersey law allows benefits when your job aggravates, accelerates, or worsens a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies often try to blame everything on the prior issue, but a careful medical and legal review can show how work made things worse.
What if my employer says I am not really an employee?
Some employers misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying workers’ compensation insurance. The truth is decided by the facts of your job, not the label on your paycheck. If you control little about how, where, and when you work, you may still qualify as an employee under the law.
Will my immigration status affect my workers' compensation claim?
New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits are generally available to injured workers regardless of immigration status. You should not let fear keep you from seeking the medical care and wage benefits you have earned. Our firm handles these questions with care and complete privacy.
Contact Our Fort Lee Repetitive Stress Injury Lawyer Today
You have worked hard for your family. Now it is time to let someone work hard for you. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we are ready to listen to your story, review your options, and stand with you against the insurance company. There is no fee unless we win your case, and your first call is always free.
Call our Fort Lee office today at 201-585-9111. You can also reach out through our website to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you seek healing and justice through a workers’ comp or third-party claim.
