Serving South Jersey
Help with a New Jersey work injury claim
A work injury can leave you trying to arrange treatment while missing income. The Law Offices of Craig A. Altman represents injured workers in South Jersey, including people hurt in a single accident and those with work-related conditions that develop over time.
Our attorneys can review a denied claim, a delay in treatment or a dispute about wage benefits. We also examine whether someone other than your employer contributed to the injury. That may create a separate New Jersey personal injury claim that needs to be coordinated with your workers’ compensation case.
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
Many injured workers face delays, denied claims, and complex procedural hurdles when dealing with insurance companies. Having an experienced legal team familiar with South Jersey administrative courts can make all the difference in securing benefits and protecting your rights.
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, ensuring you receive the benefits the law provides.
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.
Local experience across South Jersey, including Burlington County, Camden County, and Atlantic City courts and administrative judges.
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 compensation on your behalf.
Personal attention for every client. We prioritize clear communication throughout the legal process so you always understand your case status and next steps.
Our law firm coordinates directly with the workers’ compensation carrier on your behalf, handling negotiations and documentation so you don’t have to. While insurance adjusters often focus on minimizing payouts, we focus on protecting your benefits and ensuring nothing is left on the table under New Jersey law.
How New Jersey workers’ compensation claims work
New Jersey workers’ compensation is a no-fault system for qualifying work-related injuries and illnesses. A claim can involve medical treatment, temporary wage benefits, permanent disability benefits or benefits for eligible dependents after a work-related death. Eligibility and the amount payable depend on the facts and medical evidence.
Report an injury to your employer promptly and request any needed treatment. Reporting an injury is not the same as filing a formal claim petition.
For an accident claim, a formal petition generally must be filed within two years of the injury or the last payment of compensation, whichever is later. Employer-authorized medical treatment counts as compensation for this purpose. Occupational illness claims have a different timing analysis. An informal hearing application does not stop the two-year deadline from running.
Our attorneys can review the dates, benefits already provided and available records to identify the next step in your case. Do not assume that ongoing discussions with an insurer protect a filing deadline.
Common Workplace Injuries We Handle
These work accidents range from a sudden, specific accident to injuries caused by repetitive stress over time, including back injuries, herniated discs, and other conditions that develop gradually.
These injuries caused by workplace conditions can range from minor strains to serious conditions requiring long-term care.
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’ comp cases |
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 | Chemical exposure, respiratory disease | Proving work‑related causation under NJ’s strict rules can be complex |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Repetitive hand and wrist motions, prolonged computer use, or assembly-line work | These types of occupational disease cases can be harder to prove than a specific accident, requiring detailed medical evidence to connect repetitive stress to workplace duties |
Benefits after a New Jersey work injury
Medical treatment
Workers’ compensation covers necessary and reasonable care for a compensable work injury. The employer or insurer generally selects the authorized treating provider. Emergency care and an employer’s improper refusal to provide treatment can involve exceptions. Tell your employer promptly about an emergency and keep records of your treatment requests.
Temporary total disability benefits
If a work injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you may qualify for temporary total disability benefits. The payment is generally 70% of your average weekly wage, subject to the applicable state minimum and maximum. Once the qualifying disability lasts beyond seven days, the waiting period is included in the payable period.
For injuries in 2026, the state lists a temporary disability maximum of $1,199 and minimum of $320 per week. The applicable rate depends on the relevant injury date, not simply the year a check is issued.
Temporary benefits usually end when you are released to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement. A release to restricted work needs closer review if your employer has no suitable job available.
Permanent disability benefits
A lasting impairment may support a permanent partial disability award. The assessment considers the type and extent of the impairment. Permanent total disability benefits may apply when a qualifying work injury or illness prevents a return to gainful employment. These benefits differ from temporary wage replacement and are not automatic after treatment ends.
Benefits after a work-related death
Eligible dependents may receive death benefits when a worker dies from a compensable injury or illness. Funeral expenses may also be payable within the statutory limit. Dependency, benefit amounts, and payment periods require an individual review.
Steps to Maximize Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
Report your work injury to your employer immediately after you are injured on the job and request an accident report documenting the incident. Your employer must notify their insurance carrier, which is required to file a First Report of Injury with the Division of Workers’ Compensation within three weeks.
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.
These steps are not just procedural, they directly impact whether your claim is approved, delayed, or denied.
Delays in reporting work accidents can lead to disputes with insurance companies over whether the injury occurred at work, which is one of the most common reasons claims are challenged or denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey workers’ compensation end after 26 weeks?
There is no automatic 26-week end date for every claim. One statutory 26-week provision concerns when permanent disability may be determined after final active treatment or a return to work, with exceptions. It is not a rule that temporary benefits automatically become permanent benefits after 26 weeks. Your medical status, work capacity and the benefit involved matter.
How are workers’ compensation attorney fees decided?
A Judge of Compensation must approve the attorney fee. Under New Jersey’s current statute, a reasonable fee may be awarded up to 25% of the judgment. That is a statutory ceiling, not an automatic charge in every case. Ask how a proposed fee and any case expenses would apply to your claim. Our firm offers a free initial consultation.
What if I am released to light duty but no suitable work is available?
A restricted-work release does not always end temporary disability benefits. New Jersey’s guidance says benefits should continue when you have not returned to work, remain under authorized medical care and your employer has no light-duty work available, up to maximum medical improvement. Keep the written restrictions and your employer’s response so an attorney can review any payment dispute.
What can I do if treatment or temporary benefits are denied?
Disputes can be brought before the Division of Workers’ Compensation. Depending on the issue, options may include an informal hearing, a formal claim petition or a motion seeking medical and temporary benefits. An informal application does not pause the filing deadline. Save denial letters, medical records and payment information, and request a free consultation to discuss the appropriate next step.
Can a work injury also lead to a personal injury case?
Sometimes. Workers’ compensation generally replaces an ordinary negligence lawsuit against an employer, subject to narrow exceptions. A claim against a separate negligent party may still be possible. If there is a third-party recovery, the workers’ compensation insurer may have reimbursement or credit rights, so the claims should be evaluated together.
Contact The Law Offices of Craig A. Altman For a Free Evaluation
Many claims are challenged by insurance companies questioning whether the injury occurred at work or whether the worker is truly unable to work, issues that often require experienced legal guidance to overcome.
If you’ve been injured on the job due to work accidents or occupational illness, don’t try to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone.
Contact the Law Offices of Craig A. Altman for a free consultation and get personal attention from a South Jersey workers’ compensation attorney who will fight to secure your benefits, protect your rights, and pursue every available path to full compensation.
The sooner you act, the better positioned you are to protect your claim and avoid delays.
$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.