Amazon has announced a partnership with the National Safety Council to find ways to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – a common injury among its workers that has led to countless workers’ compensation claims in New Jersey and throughout the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines MSDs as “injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerve, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.” It notes that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) occur when “the work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the condition” and/or “the condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions.”

Examples of MSDs include sprains, strains, pinched nerves, herniated discs, meniscus tears, hernia, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Warehouse workers and musculoskeletal disorders

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that risk factors for MSDs include “lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures, and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively.”

All of these activities are part of the job for Amazon warehouse workers and not surprisingly, many of these workers have suffered MSDs at the workplace. A new study has found that Amazon warehouse workers are injured at higher rates than workers at other companies.

Amazon has 14 facilities in New Jersey, including a warehouse in Robbinsville.

The Strategic Organizing Center found that in 2020, there were 5.9 serious injuries for every 100 Amazon warehouse workers. That’s nearly 80% higher than the rate of serious injury at warehouses of rival companies.

OSHA notes that job-related MSDs “are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time.” Amazon says its 5-year partnership with the NSC will directly address the problem.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our employees, and this partnership will allow us to dive deep into the best way to reduce MSDs,” said Heather MacDougall, the company’s vice president of worldwide workplace health and safety.

The components of the partnership involve setting up an advisory council, conducting research, providing small business and university grants, setting up innovation competitions, and sharing solutions with other companies.

Injured workers can seek workers’ compensation benefits

An injury puts workers in a tough situation. They need medical treatment, which can be expensive. They may not be able to work for some time, resulting in a loss of income.

The state’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to help injured workers by covering the cost of medical treatment and paying them partial wages while they are out. But in reality, the process can be complicated and overwhelming.

Insurance companies try to pay injured workers as little as possible. They may question the seriousness of an MSD or try to argue that it was not work-related. Injured workers may be pressured into going back to work even if though they are still experiencing pain and have not fully recovered.

If you’ve been hurt while on the job in New Jersey, you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer who will fight for all the benefits you’re entitled to receive. Our law firm knows how to build strong cases based on evidence and guide workers through every step of the claims process.

Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today. Our offices are in Shrewsbury and Freehold, New Jersey.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released preliminary data for its top 10 most cited violations for 2020. The list remained unchanged from 2019, with one exception — ladder violations rose from No. 6 to No. 5.

It should be of no surprise that these violations are also the leading causes of workplace injuries and deaths. The New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at Shebell & Shebell, LLC often help injured workers who have sustained head injuries, back injuries, occupational illnesses, burns, broken bones and soft tissue injuries. If you’ve been hurt on the job, our legal team can help make you whole again.

Below, you’ll find the list of the most cited OSHA violations and how these violations endanger workers. OSHA compiled the data for the list from the 2020 fiscal year.

OSHA’s top 10 violations list

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501) – 5,424 violations. Employers must provide protection systems and implement safety guidelines to prevent workplace falls.
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200) – 3,199 violations. Employers must classify stored hazardous chemicals and communicate classifications, storage information and hazards to employees.
3. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) – 2,649 violations. Employers must take measures to control toxic fumes, dusts, mists, gases, smokes, sprays and vapors. Workers who often breathe in toxic substances develop serious and fatal lung diseases.
4. Scaffolding (1926.451) – 2,538 violations. Employers must ensure that scaffolds are capable of supporting their own weight and at least 4 times the maximum load applied. Failure to do so often leads to serious and fatal falls from heights.
5. Ladders (1926.1053) – 2,129 violations. Under this standard, ladders used on worksites must be able to support at least 4 times the maximum intended load. Extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders must be able to support at least 3.3 times the maximum intended load.
6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) – 2,065 violations. Machines and heavy equipment must be powered off, locked out and tagged out when not in use. When machines aren’t properly secured, workers often sustain serious injuries, such as amputations, burns and electric injuries.
7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) – 1,932 violations. Under this standard, employers must use powered industrial trucks and vehicles that meet specific design and construction requirements, and are properly maintained and inspected.
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 1,621 violations. This standard requires employers to provide fall protection training to workers who are susceptible to falls. Employees should be able to recognize fall hazards and address them quickly.
9. Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 1,369 violations. Employers must provide eye and face protection to workers who are at risk of contact with flying particles and hazardous substances. Failure to do so can result in serious eye injuries and even permanent blindness.
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212) – 1,313 violations. Machine guards help protect workers from getting body parts or clothing stuck in machinery. They also prevent parts, chips and sparks from hitting employees.

Contact our New Jersey workers’ compensation and construction site accident attorneys

No matter who was at fault for your workplace injury, workers’ compensation in New Jersey is a no-fault system. That means you must only prove that your injury occurred on the job to be eligible for benefits. Getting workers’ compensation benefits won’t be easy, however. There are several steps you should follow in order to build a strong case. Here’s what we recommend doing:

• Notify your employer in writing as soon as possible, before evidence disappears. Make sure you keep a copy of the incident report.
• Get to a doctor as soon as possible. Mention that you sustained an injury at work. You will also need proof of your medical diagnosis, doctor recommendations and treatment. Be sure to get a copy of your medical record, and save medical bills and receipts.
• Speak to our experienced workers’ compensation and construction site accident attorneys before filing a claim. Filing a claim is often a confusing process, especially for first-time filers. We’ll work with you every step of the way and ensure that your application is error-free.

With law offices in Shrewsbury and Freehold, New Jersey, our legal team is dedicated to helping injured workers get the benefits they deserve. Our consultations are confidential and free of charge. Contact us online or call us to pursue your claim.

There are many workers who spend hours in noisy environments in order to earn a living. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 22 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels on the job each year. In addition, occupational hearing loss has been deemed “one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States.”

Regular exposure to loud noises can cause wear and tear on the cochlea, which is a receptor organ in the inner ear that is responsible for sending sound signals to the brain. In addition, sudden, loud blasts of noise can rupture the ear drum.

Who is at risk of suffering work-related hearing loss?

The Environmental Protection Agency created a chart of “safe range” and “risk range” decibels (dB). Noise levels at 85 dB or higher fall under the risk range and can be emitted by:

• Heavy city traffic
• Motorcycles
• Snowmobiles
• Chain saws
• Jackhammers
• Rock concerts and symphonies
• Sandblasting
• Ambulance sirens
• Thunder
• Firecrackers
• Firearms

A lot of equipment and machinery that people use at work create noise levels that fall well within the risk range. These are often found on construction sites, in manufacturing plants and warehouses, and in the presence of large commercial trucks. A recent study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that workers in the following service sub-sectors were at a disproportionate risk of hearing loss:

• Administration of urban planning
• Community and rural development
• Workers in the solid waste combustors and incinerators industry

OSHA limits on workplace noise levels

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has established maximum noise levels (under standard 1910.95) in dB and duration limits on exposure to workers. Here is what’s allowed by law:

• 90 dB – 8 hours
• 92 dB – 6 hours
• 95 dB – 4 hours
• 97 dB – 3 hours
• 100 dB – 2 hours
• 102 dB – 1.5 hours
• 105 dB – 1 hour
• 110 dB – 30 minutes
• 115 dB – 15 minutes or less

The NIOSH ‘Hierarchy of Controls’

Employers can protect their workers from occupational hearing loss by following the ‘Hierarchy of Controls’ established by the NIOSH. The most effective measure is eliminating unnecessary noises by physically removing the hazard. Employers can also consider these helpful, but less effective measures:

• Purchasing equipment and tools that emit less noise
• Isolating workers from hazardous noises
• Placing time limits on noise exposure
• Purchasing personal protective equipment for workers, such as earplugs and earmuffs.

Getting workers’ compensation benefits for occupational hearing loss

Occupational hearing loss often impacts a worker’s ability to perform their job and communicate with others. Workers may also experience prolonged ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which can affect their concentration and ability to sleep. For some workers, the impact is so severe that they can never perform the same job duties again.

If you sustained noise-induced hearing loss at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In New Jersey, workers’ compensation is a “no fault” system, so you don’t have to prove that negligence led to your condition. At the same time, you will need to prove that your work environment caused your hearing loss.

Insurance companies often try to downplay workers’ compensation claims involving hearing loss. They may argue that your condition was linked to other causes and not related to your job. The New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at Shebell & Shebell, LLC can gather evidence to prove that your hearing loss was work-related. We can also advocate for a fair settlement to cover your current and future medical expenses and lost wages.

Our law firm has been fighting for the injured since 1927. With offices in Shrewsbury and Freehold, New Jersey, we offer free and confidential legal consultations to hurt workers in Monmouth and Ocean counties. To get started, contact us online or call us.

Injuries from lifting heavy objects usually take place under a pair of circumstances. First, you may be asked to lift a particularly heavy object that causes an injury – a one-time task. Second, you may regularly lift heavy objects – ongoing work that becomes injurious through wear and tear.

In either case, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the exertion associated with lifting heavy objects “is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace.” OSHA reports slightly more than one-third of all work-related injuries – about 36% – involves shoulder and/or back trauma from heavy lifting.

The agency also notes injuries, which can cause temporary or permanent issues for workers, are not limited to the back or spine. Pulled muscles are a major problem. Other body parts susceptible to injury include wrists, shoulders and elbows.

How workers can protect themselves

OSHA says workers can reduce risk by using the proper equipment, including forklifts, duct lifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, stands or jigs, and suction devices that serve as temporary handles. The agency also recommends employing ramps or lift gates, and encouraging employers to order supplies and other materials in quantities weighing less than 50 pounds.

Workers can prevent injuries through smart lifting practices, OSHA says, such as:

• Placing materials where they are easier to lift (the “power zone” height, from about mid-thigh to mid-chest);
• Maintaining a straight spine;
• Moving items as close as possible to their body;
• Not twisting when lifting an object;
• Working in teams; and
• Taking regular rest breaks.

Let an attorney do some heavy lifting for you

You could face several issues after sustaining a workplace injury linked to heavy lifting. This includes medical treatment for your injury – doctor appointments, physical therapy, medication, and possibly surgery. You could be out of work for weeks or months, unable to support your family or pay your rising medical bills.

Getting the full amount of workers’ compensation you need for a lifting injury can be a challenging process. The insurance company, in an effort to protect their bottom line, will hide behind their lawyers and their own doctors. They may dispute the extent of your injury or question whether the treatment your doctor recommends is reasonable or necessary. You need an advocate who knows the system to help you fight back.

The New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers at Shebell & Shebell, LLC, have been handling cases like yours for decades in Freehold, Shrewsbury and throughout the state. We have secured justice and fair financial compensation for thousands of clients. We are not afraid to take on workers’ compensation insurance companies and their attorneys. Let us handle the legalities while you focus on your health. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Many workplace injuries and deaths are linked to exposure to flammable chemicals, fires and explosions. We often hear about explosions that happen due to improper storage of flammable materials.

One particular incident that made international headlines was the August 4 explosion that happened in Beirut. Roughly 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate was improperly stored at the port for six years. Approximately 135 people were killed and 5,000 injured in the explosion — all of which could have been prevented.

Common mistakes when storing flammable chemicals

According to an article in Occupational Health & Safety Magazine, ignorance and complacency are the cause of most flammable chemical accidents. The article sites a study conducted by the National Fire and Protection Association that linked 454 deaths and 3,910 injuries to flammable and combustible liquid fires. All of these injuries and deaths could have been avoided if flammable chemicals had been properly stored and secured.

According to the OH&S article, these are the most common errors made when storing flammable chemicals:

• Not using the right container. While storing unused chemicals in their original packaging can save money, it can be dangerous in the long-term. This is only OK when flammable chemicals are stored in small amounts for a short period of time. When storing these chemicals for long periods of time, only the right containers designed for long-term storage should be used.
• Not properly labeling the containers. It’s very important that the containers being used to store flammable chemicals are properly labeled. Since some flammable chemicals are clear and odorless, they can easily be mistaken for nonhazardous chemicals. A standard label should include the name of the chemical, the date of storage and Material Safety Data Sheets information.
• Failing to have a fire prevention plan in place. In the event that an accident involving flammable chemicals occurs, it’s critical that a fire prevention plan is put in place to prevent fire from spreading throughout a facility. This can be done by having proper barriers and drainage systems put in place to prevent the liquids from spreading or remaining on floor surfaces. In addition, fire-resistant storage units should be installed.

Contact a New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer if you were hurt on the job

If you were injured on the job due to a fire, explosion or exposure to hazardous chemicals, your injuries may be severe enough to leave you out of work for a significant amount of time. Fortunately, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that pay for your medical expenses and lost wages while you recover.

Pursuing workers’ compensation benefits can be a complicated process. That’s why it’s important that you speak to an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney at Shebell & Shebell, LLC. We’ll help you filing the claim, obtaining benefits you are entitled to, and preparing your case for trial. We’ll also advocate with insurance companies for the best possible financial settlement based upon the permanent impact of the injuries you have sustained. To learn more, contact us by phone or online and schedule your free legal consultation. Our law offices are located in Shrewsbury and Freehold, and we are offering phone appointments at this time for your convenience.

New Jersey lawmakers recently introduced legislation that would remove limitations on lawsuit costs and attorneys’ fees relating to third-party workplace injury claims. Senate Bill 2721 was introduced by Democratic Senator Nicholas Scutari on July 28, 2020.

Currently, there is a $750 cap on reductions of workers’ compensation liens related to costs required in third-party liability claim lawsuits, and a limit of one-third of the award paid in attorneys’ fees.

S.B. 2721 has been referred to the Senate Labor Committee. If it is signed into law, it will take effect immediately. Injured workers are often impacted by the current law, because more money comes out of their portion of the settlement obtained in third party negligence claims associated with their worker’s comp injury. Instead the insurance company gets the benefit by having this cap on litigation expenses.

The proposed law from Senator Scutari would remove the limitations on the credit for these necessary costs and attorneys fees. Instead of this arbitrary number of $750, this law aims for a credit for costs and legal expenses that are deemed “reasonable.”

What is a third-party workplace injury claim?

When a worker is hurt on the job, he or she is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses relating to a worker’s injury, as well as wage reimbursement for lost time from work during recovery time.

In New Jersey, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. That means workers can be compensated regardless of whether an injury was caused by an error they made, the actions of a coworker or the negligence of a third party. In some cases, injured workers can pursue additional damages for an injury that is linked to the negligence of a third party through a lawsuit alleging that third person was negligent, and caused the injury because of that negligence.

This only applies when a worker’s injury is caused by someone other than their employer or a coworker. Some examples of third parties include:

• The driver of a car or truck that strikes a roadside worker or causes an accident while a worker was driving.
• A worker from another company working on the same worksite
• The manufacturer of defective machinery or equipment that causes an injury
• The owner a business or property that a worker visits during the scope of his or her employment

New law pertains to increases in workers’ comp for loss of a hand or foot

In addition to S.B. 2721, Senator Scutari introduced S.B. 2722, which would clarify the effective date of the Legislature’s recent enactment of a statute that increased the amount of money for injuries in workers’ compensation payouts for workers who injured a hand or foot on the job. This legislation applies to:

• Workers’ compensation cases that are pending but have not yet been settled
• Workers’ compensation claims filed on or after January 21, 2020

S.B. 2722 does not apply to workers’ compensation cases that have been reopened for the purpose of modifying a formal award. Like S.B. 2721, this legislation has been sent to the Senate’s Labor Committee.

Many cases have been handled since the Legislature’s passage of a bill that increased the amount of money that would be paid for hand or foot injuries, but throughout the State different Judges and insurance companies have handled the increase differently. Many Judges and Insurance companies have argued that the Legislature did not apply those increases to cases that were already pending in the system. This has led to inconsistent approaches throughout the State. This bill would clarify what cases the increase in value would apply to.

A loss of a body part could result in a permanent partial or total disability. Workers who sustain either are eligible for the following benefits:

• Permanent partial benefits: Disability benefits that are based on loss of a function.
• Permanent total benefits: Disability benefits equal to 70 percent of a worker’s average weekly pay for up to 450 per week. Workers must prove that they are still disabled to continue receiving benefits.

Contact our New Jersey law firm if you were injured on the job

If you sustained an injury on the job, the New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at Shebell & Shebell, LLC can help you explore your legal options. We can help ensure that all paperwork is properly filled out before filing your claim and prepare documents for trial.

If your workplace injury was caused by a negligent third party, we can investigate the incident and help you build a strong legal claim against the responsible party, as well as his or her insurance company.

To get started, contact us online. Our legal consultations are confidential and free of charge.

There has recently been a lot of publicity about the way Amazon has approached the treatment and safety of its workers. According to Occupational Health & Safety Magazine, several workers have expressed dissatisfaction for how the retail giant accommodated them after sustaining injuries or illnesses on the job.

Additional criticisms were raised during the COVID-19 pandemic, when several complaints were made about poor safety measures and a lack of safeguards.

Allegations that Amazon fails to provide injury data

Allegations have been made that Amazon was attempting to keep the amount of injuries which occurred in its warehouses a secret. A non-profit agency, the Center for Investigative Reporting, has addressed the reporting of injuries, and the availability of that information to the public.

That entity even went so far as to file an action against the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) related to OSHA’s decision to lower or delay the standards for how injuries are reported. This was after OSHA tried to claim that injury data was confidential, in an attempt to avoid providing in part Amazon’s workplace safety records. The Center for Investigative Reporting indicates that in documents it was able to obtain, the injury rate at Amazon warehouses was “sky-high” compared to others.

Following the lawsuit, OSHA only released statements made by employees, as well as redacted Form 300As and workplace injury and illness logs. The withholding of injury data was reportedly intended to protect confidential information pertaining to Amazon and other companies. In addition, OSHA’s attorney cited an exemption in the Freedom of Information Act that allows sensitive business information to remain confidential.

Injury reporting rules require employers to provide injury logs to current and former employees upon request. These logs should also be made available to employees for up to three months, but according to Amazon’s attorney, they must remain confidential.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim said that the law requires these documents to be disclosed. Amazon’s attorney said that the data is to be used for company health and safety purposes and not public disclosure.

The attorney representing the Center for Investigative Reporting asserted that no ban on public disclosure of injury data exists. The lawyer said there are no penalties for employees who disclose the information.

In 2019, the Labor Department rescinded requirements of companies to submit annual workplace injury and illness reports. That decision was challenged by public health advocacy groups in six states, including New Jersey. Both lawsuits are still pending.

The importance of transparency

When it comes to safety and a history of workplace incidents, transparency is important. Previous incidents can serve as a learning tool to prevent future injuries, identify risk patterns and optimize safety training. Employers who fail to put adequate safety measures in place to prevent injuries and illnesses may endanger workers.

If you were hurt or became ill on the job, know your legal rights. The cost of medical care and lost wages can be financially overwhelming. An experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney at Shebell & Shebell, LLC can help you file a claim and get the compensation you need while you recover.

We serve clients in Shrewsbury and Freehold, New Jersey. Contact us to schedule your free legal consultation.

While some jobs are more stressful than others, all workers can experience stress at the workplace. Over time, that stress can take its toll and lead to burnout.

What is workplace burnout?

Verywell Mind says “burnout can leave people feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with the demands of life.” It notes the common signs of burnout include:

• Alienation from work-related activities: Individuals experiencing burnout view their jobs as increasingly stressful and frustrating. They may grow cynical about their working conditions and the people they work with. They may also emotionally distance themselves and begin to feel numb about their work.
• Physical symptoms: Chronic stress may lead to physical symptoms, like headaches and stomachaches or intestinal issues.
• Emotional exhaustion: Burnout causes people to feel drained, unable to cope, and tired. They often lack the energy to get their work done.
• Reduced performance: Burnout mainly affects everyday tasks at work—or in the home when someone’s main job involves caring for family members. Individuals with burnout feel negative about tasks. They have difficulty concentrating and often lack creativity.

Burnout can make it difficult for people to function at work and even in their own lives. It may even pose a risk to their safety, as decreased job performance can lead to mistakes that cause workplace accidents.

How does workplace burnout happen?

It has a lot to do with working conditions and how employers treat their workers. A 2018 Gallup study identified five main causes of employee burnout:

• Unfair treatment. Employees are much more likely to experience burnout if they feel they are treated unfairly at work (favoritism, unfair compensation, and mistreatment).
• Unmanageable workload. When an employee feels it’s not possible to keep up with a workload, burnout is much more likely to occur.
• Lack of role clarity. Employees can feel exhausted and burnt out when they aren’t sure what is expected of them.
• Lack of communication and support from a manager. Employees are less likely to experienced burnout if they feel that their manager supports them.
• Unreasonable time pressure. Employees who say they don’t have enough time to do their work are more likely to experience burnout.

Burnout is something that has been happening to workers for a long time, but official recognition of the condition has been slow. In 2019, the World Health Organization recognized burnout as an “occupational phenomenon.” It noted that burnout is marked by “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.”

What can be done about workplace burnout?

There are currently no OSHA standards or regulations concerning burnout, but it’s clear that burnout is real and poses a threat to workers’ health. So what can you do if you experience burnout at work? Verywell Mind offers these suggestions:

• Approach the human resource department about problems in the workplace or talk to a supervisor about the issues
• Take care of yourself – eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, and get enough sleep
• Take regularly scheduled breaks from work
• Consider changing your position or even getting a new job if you don’t think things will improve where you are

Shebell & Shebell, LLC fights for the rights of injured workers in Freehold, Shrewsbury and throughout New Jersey. If you’ve been hurt at the workplace, contact us for a free consultation.

In March 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statewide stay-at-home order in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a result, residents were urged to stay at home unless travel was essential. Many businesses have temporarily closed their doors.

While some workers have the luxury of working from home, others must risk their lives to serve the public and make a living. Our police officers and first responders are among those on the front line of this pandemic.

First responders risk their lives ensuring the safety of the public

Our police officers are responsible for ensuring the safety of the public. They provide assistance to those who need it and ensure that all New Jersey residents are complying with the statewide stay-at-home order. Even with fewer people out, police still have a difficult and dangerous job that can put them in harm’s way.

Police often deal with:

• Violent criminals
• People under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Rescue situations
• Traffic enforcement

During these trying times, emergency medical service personnel (ambulance workers) are working harder than ever. They come in close contact with people who may have COVID-19, putting them at risk of being infected. Not only that, but they must also move quickly to transport patients to the nearest hospital. This involves a great deal of lifting and quick, repetitive movements.

What are the dangers first responders face during COVID-19?

Since first responders often come in such close contact with patients with COVID-19, they are at a great risk of becoming ill. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these are the signs of COVID-19 to watch out for:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Headache and/or body aches
• Chest pain or pressure

Due to the nature of their job, first responders are also at risk of sustaining:

• Back injuries
• Knee injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Severe injuries caused by violence

Can I collect workers’ compensation at this time?

If you’re a first responder who was hurt on the job, you are still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits despite the stay-at-home order and business closures. The New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys at Shebell & Shebell, LLC are offering free, remote consultations through Skype, Zoom, and Facetime.

We can also obtain paperwork and receive court signatures electronically, so your claim can be started from the safety of your home.

Our law offices are based in Freehold and Shrewsbury, New Jersey. To get started on your workers’ compensation claim, contact us online or call (732) 663-1122.