You were injured in an accident at work in New Jersey. Are you entitled to workers’ compensation benefits? While many people believe that the type of accident in which they were injured matters, in most circumstances, this is not the case. If you were injured at work and you are an eligible employee, then you are entitled to benefits, regardless of how you got hurt. Common exceptions to this broad rule are if you were drunk or high, or if you hurt yourself intentionally. However, these exceptions do not apply in the vast majority of cases.
With this in mind, the following are all examples of common workplace accidents for which workers’ compensation benefits are available under New Jersey law:
1. Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are the most common cause of work-related injuries and fatalities. This includes accidents occurring on job sites, as well as accidents that occur on highways and other public roads. If you were injured in an auto accident while you were on the clock, then there is a good chance that you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
2. Electrocutions
Electrocutions are common causes of workplace injuries as well, particularly on construction sites. Failure to control hazardous energy sources (e.g., failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures), faulty wiring, and various other issues can all create extremely hazardous circumstances for workers in the vicinity.
3. Falls
Falls are another leading cause of workplace injuries and deaths. This includes falls from heights (e.g., falling from a roof or higher floor), as well as falls caused by slips and trips on the ground level. Since workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in New Jersey, you can file a claim even if your fall was the result of snow, ice, or any other fact that was not within your employer’s control.
4. Flying and Falling Objects
Flying and falling objects are also common injury risks on construction sites throughout New Jersey. Building materials, debris, and other objects can cause serious injuries ranging from severe lacerations and bone fractures to concussions and other types of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
5. Hand and Power Tool Accidents
Hand and power tool accidents can occur under a variety of circumstances and for a variety of different reasons. If you accidentally injured yourself, or if a co-worker accidentally injured you, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
6. Heavy Machinery Accidents
Accidents involving forklifts and other types of heavy machinery are also common.. From malfunctions and improper maintenance to operator error and horseplay, all types of issues can support claims for workers’ compensation benefits under New Jersey law.
7. Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents
Unsafe ladders and scaffolding are to blame for numerous job-related injuries and deaths in New Jersey every year. If you were forced to work in an unsafe environment or to use unsafe equipment, you can – and should – file a claim to collect the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
8. Lifting Accidents
Injuries from lifting, pulling, twisting, and other similar types of movements are among the most common causes of job-related injuries for workers in numerous occupations. You do not have to perform these movements as part of your normal job duties in order to file a claim for benefits. For example, if you work in an office and you injure your back bending over to lift something up, your injury is covered under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation statute.
9. Accidents Involving Inadequate Safety Equipment or Training
Job-related accidents involving inadequate safety equipment or training are far too common. While employers should provide their employees with the tools and knowledge they need in order to do their jobs safely, this very frequently does not happen.
10. Accidents Involving Co-Worker Negligence
If a co-worker made a mistake that causes your job-related injury, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits just as you could if anyone else was to blame for the accident. In fact, many workers’ compensation claims involve this exact scenario. Under New Jersey’s no-fault system, you do not need to prove that your co-worker was negligent in order to collect workers’ compensation benefits.
Speak with a Dedicated Compensation Lawyer for Free
Have you been injured in an accident on the job in New Jersey? If so, we encourage you to contact Petro Cohen promptly for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights.
Our work injury and accident attorneys will take the time to listen to the details on your incident, and can guide you to ensure you receive all of the compensation you may rightfully deserve.
Petro Cohen has been consistently recognized as one of New Jersey’s leading firms in the area of workers’ comp. The firm received the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell – the world’s foremost authority on law firm credentials – in Professional Excellence and Ethical Standards and Legal Ability.
The head of Petro Cohen’s Workers’ Compensation Department is Frank Petro, who is respected locally, regionally, and nationally as a leading attorney in this specialized field. He has been recognized as an outstanding attorney by Best Lawyers® every year since 1995 and by Super Lawyers® every year since 2005. Moreover, he has achieved a rating of “Superb” on the leading lawyer-review website, Avvo®, the highest achievable rating.
Along with our other NJ workers’ comp attorneys, Suzanne Holz Meola, Terri Hiles, and Daniel Rosenthal, the team has successfully handled thousands of litigated workers’ comp cases throughout New Jersey. This experience and winning track record means that you are going to have a skilled New Jersey work injury lawyer who will work for you.
In cases where your work accident may involve a third party, Petro Cohen’s respected personal injury attorneys have decades of experience. Susan Petro, who heads the Personal Injury department and is also the Managing Partner of the firm, along with Rich Gaeckle and Mike Veneziani, will handle your claim, fighting for full and fair compensation. They have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases for clients throughout Southern New Jersey
To speak with one of our experienced compensation or injury lawyers in confidence, call us directly at 888-675-7607 or request an appointment online now.
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