Many of New Jersey’s employees who suffer from WEAR and TEAR injuries assume – incorrectly – that they are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits because their injuries developed gradually as opposed to suddenly. Unfortunately, this misconception prevents many employees from reporting their WEAR and TEAR injuries to their employers because they see no reason to do so – even though their injuries may very well be work related.
As a result, these employees often sell themselves short because the reality is that employees who suffer from WEAR and TEAR injuries may, in fact, be eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits.
Wear and Tear Injuries: Painful & Debilitating
Many employees perform job duties that require continuous, repetitive, physical motions day in and day out. Over time, these seemingly harmless motions lead to very painful and debilitating injuries and conditions.
For example, long hours of typing and data entry may eventually lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Continually bending at the knees and lifting heavy boxes into delivery trucks (or patients into hospital beds) may lead to WEAR and TEAR injuries to the lower back, knees, and hips, including osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
In these instances, and so many more, employees may be able to pursue successful workers’ comp claims when doing their job causes a breakdown of their physical condition.
Many Types of Wear and Tear Injuries are Compensable Under New Jersey’s Workers’ Comp System
Work-related WEAR and TEAR injuries may include one or more of many different syndromes and conditions, including but not limited to certain back and spinal injuries, epicondylitis, neck injuries, torn rotator cuffs, nerve damage, tendon and muscle strains, and of course, carpal tunnel syndrome.
Establishing that a Wear and Tear Injury Occurred On The Job
New Jersey’s workers’ comp system provides that employees who suffer injuries while performing job-related duties may be eligible for benefits.
Sometimes, however, connecting the injury to the job is not always easy; and an employee may have difficulty sufficiently demonstrating that his or injury was in fact, caused by the job. While this is relatively easy to do in the cases of acute or sudden injuries, it is oftentimes more difficult to establish that a WEAR and TEAR injury is, in fact, work-related, because of the time it takes to develop.
It is important to note that the challenges of establishing causation between WEAR and TEAR injuries to a particular job can be overcome with the help of competent and experienced legal counsel.
Contact Us Today
If you are considering pursuing a workers’ comp claim for your work-related WEAR and TEAR injury, you may receive very little, if any, guidance from your employer and/or the workers’ comp insurance company. Or, you may be hesitant to bring a claim because you feel it will be too difficult to prove. We can help you overcome your hesitations and provide you the guidance and legal representation you need!
At Petro Cohen, P.C., we specialize in helping employees suffering from WEAR and TEAR injuries receive the workers’ comp benefits they deserve. Call or e-mail us for a free consultation. Talk to an experienced lawyer who can help you sort out your rights. We can be reached by phone at 888-675-7607, or you can complete our online form. We look forward to discussing your situation with you.
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