Helping Workers Secure Medical Care, Lost Wages & Workers' Compensation Benefits After a Workplace Accident
When a workplace injury or occupational illness sidelines you, medical bills pile up and paychecks stop. New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system guarantees injured workers medical treatment and wage replacement, but navigating claims, appeals, and benefit denials can be overwhelming.
133,726 work-related accidents were reported in New Jersey in 2023
The maximum weekly benefit for new Workers’ Comp claims rose to $1,099 for 2023
Over 50,000 workers’ comp claims filed annually, spanning everything from minor injuries to permanent total disability
The Law Offices of Craig A. Altman represents South Jersey’s tradespeople, warehouse staff, healthcare workers, and more, ensuring you receive every entitled benefit and, when third-party negligence is involved, pursuing additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
From our Vineland office, we fight for injured South Jersey residents across Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Salem Counties.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Craig A. Altman After a Workplace Accident
As leading New Jersey workers’ comp attorneys, we guide injured workers through every step, filing claims, negotiating with the insurance company, and appealing denials so that you can focus on recovery. At the same time, we ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve.
Deep knowledge of NJ’s Workers’ Compensation Act. We guide you through medical reporting, benefit calculations, and appeals under N.J.S.A. 34:15‑1 et seq.
Experienced in complex and denied workers’ compensation claims. Whether it’s a permanent partial disability valuation or a temporary total disability fight, we challenge unfair denials by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
Integrated third‑party recovery strategy. If a negligent contractor, driver, or equipment manufacturer is found to have contributed, we would pursue a third-party personal injury claim in conjunction with your workers’ compensation benefits.
Contingency‑fee representation. You pay nothing unless we secure New Jersey workers’ comp benefits or compensation in a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Our law firm coordinates directly with the insurance company on your behalf, handling negotiations and documentation so you don’t have to. While insurers often focus on minimizing payouts, we focus on maximizing the benefits and compensation you are entitled to under New Jersey law.
New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Laws
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development oversees the workers’ compensation system, administering benefits and ensuring employers comply with statutory obligations. As experienced workers’ compensation lawyers, we use this framework to help injured employees understand their rights, navigate administrative hearings, and secure the full range of statutory benefits.
Statute / Rule | What It Means |
Workers’ Compensation Act (N.J.S.A. 34:15‑1 et seq.) | No‑fault coverage of medical care and wage replacement for work‑related injuries/illnesses. |
Permanent Partial Disability (N.J.S.A. 34:15‑12.2) | Compensation for lasting impairment of a body part or function. |
Permanent Total Disability (N.J.S.A. 34:15‑12.1) | Benefits for total, permanent inability to return to any work. |
Third‑Party Lawsuits (N.J.S.A. 34:15‑8; Case law: Boyle v. Bock) | Right to sue negligent third parties, including drivers, manufacturers, and contractors, while receiving workers’ compensation. |
Statute of Limitations (N.J.S.A. 34:15‑51) | File a comp petition within 2 years of the last benefit payment or incident. |
In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, many injured workers may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, which provide monthly payments when a serious workplace injury prevents long‑term employment.
Navigating SSDI requires detailed medical documentation and adherence to federal criteria. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will review your medical records, coordinate with medical experts, and guide you through both the SSDI application and your workers’ comp claim, ensuring you pursue every possible avenue of compensation under New Jersey law.
Common Workplace Injuries We Handle
Injury Type | Typical Cause | Why You Need an Experienced Workers’ Comp Lawyer |
Musculoskeletal Strains | Repetitive motions, heavy lifting | Accurate work‑duty records ensure proper treatment and rehab benefits |
Slip & Fall Injuries | Wet floors, uneven surfaces | Documentation of hazards strengthens workers’ compensation claims |
Crush & Amputation Injuries | Machinery malfunctions, falling objects | Critical to establish third-party liability for defective equipment |
Traumatic Brain Injuries | Falls, struck‑by incidents | Long‑term cognitive care costs require detailed medical records |
Occupational Disease or Illness | Chemical exposure, respiratory disease | Proving work‑related causation under NJ’s strict rules can be complex |
New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available
Workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey ensure injured workers receive the support they need, covering everything from essential medical expenses to wage replacement. Understanding these benefits helps you navigate your recovery and secure the compensation to which you are entitled under state law for your workplace injury. Below is an overview of the primary benefits for which you may qualify.
Medical Benefits
All reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work-related injury or illness. This includes emergency room services, diagnostic testing (such as X-rays and MRIs), surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and follow-up doctor’s visits. Under NJ law, you may select an authorized treating physician, specialist referrals, and even alternative therapies if prescribed, without any out-of-pocket cost.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Temporary Total Disability benefits provide 70% of the workers’ average weekly wage (subject to the statutory cap) while you are completely unable to work. After a 7-day waiting period, you can receive benefits retroactively if your disability extends beyond 21 days and continues until you reach maximum medical improvement or return to light-duty work.
Temporary Partial Disability benefits offer 70% of the difference between your pre-injury wage and the reduced earning capacity when you return to work at restricted job duties or fewer hours. TPD benefits help bridge the gap while you regain strength, ensuring continued income during recovery.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Permanent Partial Disability benefits apply when you sustain a permanent loss of function in a body part, such as loss of a foot or impairment rating for a hand. NJ’s scheduled rating system assigns compensation values; you may also receive additional awards for functional loss that exceeds scheduled limitations and requires vocational rehabilitation support.
Permanent Total Disability benefits cover workers who are permanently unable to perform any gainful employment due to severe injuries or illnesses. PTD benefits provide ongoing income at the same rate as TTD, subject to the cap, plus potential cost-of-living adjustments, and depend on medical evidence of total impairment.
Death Benefits & Funeral Expenses
In fatal workplace accidents, NJ law pays for reasonable funeral and burial costs up to statutory limits. Additionally, surviving spouses, children, and other dependents receive weekly benefits, calculated as a percentage of the deceased’s average weekly wage, to replace lost financial support and cover household services that the worker would have provided.
Steps to Maximize Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
Report your injury to your employer within 14 days; request a Claim for Compensation form.
Seek prompt medical attention from an authorized provider and follow all prescriptions and further medical treatment.
Document lost wages and any out‑of‑pocket expenses (transportation, prescriptions).
File a Workers’ Comp Petition if benefits are delayed or denied.
Contact a New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer before deadlines expire and to explore third-party personal injury cases.
New Jersey Car Accident FAQs
What is the 26‑week rule in NJ comp?
If you've received temporary disability for 26 weeks, your claim may be re-evaluated to determine whether you've reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This does not end your benefits, but it may signal a transition from temporary benefits to consideration of permanent disability benefits.
What are typical fees for a New Jersey workers' compensation lawyer?
NJ workers' compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis, up to a percentage of the awarded benefits, plus reimbursement of advance costs, as per NJ court rules.
Can I sue my employer for workplace injuries?
You cannot sue your direct employer for workplace injuries, but you may pursue third-party liability if another party’s negligence contributed.
How long does the workers' comp process take?
Each case varies. Our team works diligently to expedite your workers' compensation claim while ensuring all your rights are protected.
Contact The Law Offices of Craig A. Altman For a Free Consultation To Discuss Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you’ve suffered a work‑related injury or illness, don’t navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. Contact the Law Offices of Craig A. Altman for a free consultation and get skilled legal representation from a South Jersey workers’ compensation attorney to secure the benefits and maximum compensation you deserve.
$20 Million
Wrongful Death in New Jersey
$2 Million
Longshoreman Injury in New Jersey
$1.3 Million
Workplace Injury in New Jersey
$1 Million
Workplace Accident in New Jersey
$825,000
Workplace Injury in New Jersey
$750,000
Individual Harmed by an Exploding Thermos
$550,000
Neck & Back Injuries
$440,000
Workplace Injury in New Jersey
$400,000
Motor Vehicle Accident
$300,000
Minor with a Broken Leg
$300,000
Injuries Resulting From a Trip & Fall
$250,000
Pedestrian Accident
Injured? Tell Us Your Story. We’ll Handle the Rest.
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Cases We Handle in New Jersey
Injured at work, in an accident, or in a slip-and-fall in New Jersey?
From comparative-fault rules to the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Altman Team knows New Jersey law inside out. Whether your claim arises in Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Cumberland, Salem, or Cape May County, we will protect your legal rights and help you get every dollar you deserve.
You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.