A workplace injury can greatly disrupt your ability to earn an income, strain your family life, and create uncertainty about the future. Whether you suffered an injury in a sudden accident or developed a serious condition over time, the process of securing workers’ compensation can be overwhelming and frustrating.
At Shebell & Shebell, we’ve spent decades standing up for injured workers across New Jersey, including those in Shrewsbury. Our firm is built on a legacy of protecting workers’ rights and helping families secure the full workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. From initial claim filings to appeals and disputed cases, we will handle your claim with the care and diligence it requires. When your livelihood is on the line, let a Shrewsbury workers’ compensation lawyer help protect what matters most.
Table of Contents
- Why Work With Us For Your Workers’ Comp Case?
- Types of Injuries Covered By Workers’ Compensation
- How Much Is My Shrewsbury Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
- What to Do After a Work-Related Injury/Accident
- Call Our Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Why Work With Us For Your Workers’ Comp Case?
A workplace injury or illness leaves you with the duty to prove your injury was related to work to secure benefits. However, handling New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system requires a compassionate legal team to work with you. At Shebell & Shebell, we are committed to your well-being and can stand up for your rights until you successfully secure your rightful workers’ compensation benefits.
Our attorneys thoroughly understand the state’s workers’ compensation statutes, regulations, and judicial precedents. We stay updated with the legislative changes and court rulings to ensure your case is built on current legal foundations. It allows us to anticipate challenges and craft strategies that maximize your benefits.
Also, we understand that every injury and workplace situation is distinct. We do not rely on generic approaches when handling claims related to workers’ compensation. Our team will review your injury case, employment history, and medical needs to develop a customized legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. It ensures you can enjoy personalized attention for your specific circumstances throughout the claims process.
Importantly, our firm has a long-standing record of obtaining substantial settlements and awards for injured workers across New Jersey. Our meticulous preparation and assertive advocacy in negotiations and hearings consistently yield results that support our clients’ recovery and financial stability. You can be sure we will deliver an outcome that reflects the full extent of your losses and future needs.
Beyond legal advocacy, we have a network of medical, rehabilitation services, and financial planning professionals whose input can greatly support your recovery. Our comprehensive approach ensures that your compensation can rebuild your life and help you return to your normal routine. Visit our Shrewsbury office today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you confidently proceed with your claim.
Types of Injuries Covered By Workers’ Compensation
New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured employees in pursuing recovery without undue hardship. At Shebell & Shebell, we help clients understand the full scope of compensable injuries and seek the benefits they are entitled to under state law. Here are the key categories of injuries covered by workers’ compensation in New Jersey:
Physical Injuries
Physical injuries are the most prevalent type of workers’ compensation claim, involving harm to the body caused by a single workplace incident. New Jersey law requires that such injuries arise out of and in the course of employment to be compensable, meaning they must occur while performing job duties. Common examples include:
- Fractures and broken bones from falls, equipment malfunctions, or falling objects.
- Lacerations and deep cuts caused by tools, machinery, or sharp surfaces.
- Crush injuries resulting from being caught in or between heavy machinery or vehicles.
- Head and brain injuries from slips, falls, or being struck by an object.
- Spinal cord injuries or other back injuries caused by lifting heavy items or falling from heights.
These injuries may develop into temporary or permanent disability, affecting a worker’s ability to earn a living. Prompt reporting and documentation are vital to secure medical treatment and income replacement benefits. Shrewsbury workers’ compensation at Shebell & Shebell can assist in gathering evidence to establish the work-related nature of these injuries.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries happen slowly over time due to repeated motions or prolonged physical strain in the workplace. Common examples include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, frequently seen in employees who perform repetitive hand or wrist movements.
- Tendinitis or bursitis, common among workers who lift, push, or pull frequently.
- Chronic back pain or disc injuries caused by ongoing physical labor or improper ergonomic conditions.
These injuries are compensable under New Jersey law, provided a clear link to workplace activities can be demonstrated. However, proving causation can be challenging, as employers or insurers may argue that the condition did not come from work activities. We can use medical evaluations and work history documentation to substantiate these claims.
Occupational Illnesses
Occupational illnesses arise from exposure to hazardous workplace conditions, such as toxic chemicals, asbestos, or loud noise. Examples include:
- Respiratory conditions, such as occupational asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), caused by inhaling fumes, dust, or chemicals.
- Skin conditions, including rashes, dermatitis, or chemical burns from contact with irritants or toxic substances.
- Cancers or long-term diseases, such as mesothelioma, which may result from prolonged asbestos exposure.
Workers’ compensation covers these illnesses when they are directly attributable to workplace hazards. As such, these cases often involve complex medical and scientific evidence to link the illness to specific workplace exposures. Sometimes, delays in symptom onset can complicate claims. However, the legal team at Shebell & Shebell can collaborate with medical experts to substantiate your claim so you can secure coverage for treatment and lost income.
Psychological Injuries
Psychological injuries may be covered if they result from a traumatic workplace event or chronic job-related stress. For example, a worker witnessing a violent incident or enduring prolonged harassment may develop compensable mental health conditions. These may include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic workplace incident.
- Severe anxiety or depression directly linked to a specific event, such as workplace violence or a catastrophic accident.
New Jersey law requires a direct connection to a work-related incident and, for stress claims, evidence that the stress was objectively severe and beyond typical workplace pressures. Insurers often challenge the legitimacy or cause of the psychological conditions. A thorough psychiatric evaluation and corroborating evidence are necessary to meet the legal threshold. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can guide you through this process and advocate for your right to benefits for mental health recovery.
Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions
Workers’ compensation in New Jersey also covers cases where a workplace incident worsens a pre-existing medical condition. For instance, a worker with a prior back injury may suffer aggravated pain after lifting heavy equipment, or an employee with asthma may experience worsened symptoms due to workplace fumes. Coverage for these injuries applies when the workplace incident materially contributes to the condition’s deterioration.
It is not uncommon for insurers to argue that these conditions predate employment. Therefore, precise medical documentation is essential to preserve your right to benefits. Our approach to such issues involves clarifying how work activities exacerbated your condition. We have the resources to use medical specialists to distinguish between pre-existing and work-aggravated injuries.
How Much Is My Shrewsbury Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
Determining the amount of your workers’ compensation case in Shrewsbury involves analyzing several factors specific to your injury. While New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to cover costs related to your work injury, the amount you obtain is based on the unique circumstances of your case. At Shebell & Shebell, our Shrewsbury-based attorneys meticulously evaluate these factors to seek the full range of benefits you are entitled to under state law. Here are the elements that influence the value of your workers’ compensation claim:
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical costs related to a workplace injury. These include hospital visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices like braces. Both current and projected future medical costs contribute significantly to your case’s value.
It is vital to document all treatments to justify these expenses accurately. The Shebell & Shebell legal team can work with medical professionals to ensure all relevant costs are included in your claim.
Income Replacement Benefits
If your workplace injury makes you unable to work, you can obtain income replacement benefits, which include temporary total disability (TTD) or permanent disability payments. TTD benefits usually provide 70 percent of your average weekly earnings, subject to state maximums, while permanent disability benefits depend on the scope of your impairment and its effect on your earning capacity.
Calculating these benefits requires precise documentation of your pre-injury earnings and the duration of your disability. While disputes over income calculations or disability ratings can threaten to reduce your benefits, our firm ensures accurate assessments to protect your financial recovery.
Severity and Permanency of the Injury
The nature and extent of your injury play a significant role in determining your case’s value, particularly for permanent impairments. New Jersey uses a schedule of injuries to assign disability ratings, which translate into monetary awards for permanent partial disabilities, such as loss of limb function or chronic pain. A Shrewsbury delivery driver with a severe knee injury affecting mobility may receive higher compensation than a retail worker with a minor sprain due to the long-term impact on work capacity.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Retraining Costs
If your injury limits your ability to work in your previous job, workers’ compensation may cover vocational rehabilitation, including retraining programs or job placement services. For example, a Shrewsbury manufacturing worker with a hand injury may need training for a less physically demanding role, incurring costs for education or career counseling. These benefits aim to restore your earning potential and are factored into your case’s overall value.
What to Do After a Work-Related Injury/Accident
Following a work-related injury in Shrewsbury, taking the right steps can safeguard your health and secure your deserved workers’ compensation benefits. Your actions in the hours and days following an incident are key to building a strong claim. At Shebell & Shebell, we will guide you through the process to ensure your rights are protected. Here is what to do after a workplace injury:
- Report the Injury: Inform your manager or employer of the injury within 90 days, as required by New Jersey law. You can do this verbally or in writing, but having a record is best. Delays in reporting may lead to complications or a complete denial of your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: The insurance carrier or employer selects the doctor who treats your injury. Unless it’s an emergency, make sure to see the provider they approve. The insurance company may refuse to cover the costs if you seek unauthorized treatment.
- Document Everything: Keep records of the incident, including how it happened, when and where it occurred, and who witnessed it. Save copies of medical records, correspondence with your employer, and any documentation related to your injury or missed workdays.
- Follow Medical Advice: Following your doctor’s treatment plan is essential for your recovery and claim. If you miss appointments, have inconsistent reporting of symptoms, or fail to follow prescribed restrictions, it can be used against you by the insurance company.
- File a Formal Claim Petition if Necessary: If your benefits are denied or you disagree with the type or amount of benefits provided, you have the right to file a Claim Petition or apply for a hearing with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.
- Consult Your Attorney: The workers’ compensation system can be challenging to manage alone, especially if the employer or their insurer denies your claim. A Shrewsbury workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm can ensure you meet all deadlines, present your medical evidence, and pursue your claim to its full potential. You typically have two years from the time of the injury, under state statute of limitations, to file a lawsuit, so don’t delay.
At Shebell & Shebell, we help injured workers take the right steps from day one. If you’ve suffered an injury on the job in Shrewsbury, our team is ready to guide you through the process and advocate for the financial benefits as provided by New Jersey law.
Call Our Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Injured on the job? You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of a workplace injury. If you’re facing lost income, mounting medical bills, or delays from the insurance company, it’s time to get help. The workers’ compensation attorneys at Shebell & Shebell are ready to safeguard your rights and fight for the full benefits you deserve under New Jersey law. Don’t let a workplace injury define your future. Call our Shrewsbury office today at (732) 663-1122 to schedule a free consultation.