The Basics of New Jersey Workers’ Compensation
The average New Jersey worker spends nearly one-quarter of his or her life on the job. Plenty of work environments are inherently dangerous or at least somewhat risky. Jobs in the construction, transportation, agricultural, manufacturing, healthcare, landscaping and forestry fields tend to be particularly dangerous. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly one million workers in the country are injured each year to the extent that they cannot work for a period of time. Sadly, about 5,000 United States residents die every year while working. When a New Jersey worker is injured at work or dies while working, he or she (or surviving relatives) should receive workers’ compensation benefits. The purpose of these benefits is to facilitate the employee’s recovery while providing compensation for lost wages and loss of use of a body part.
New Jersey Workplace Injuries
The department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) keeps statistics on the number of deaths that occur while working. This group tabulates the number of fatal job accidents at worksites every single year. These statistics are kept for New Jersey as well as every other state in the union. OSH even goes as far as tracking the type of injury that caused workplace deaths. Common examples of the types of workplace injuries that lead to death include falls, the inhalation of toxic fumes, electrical shock, fire, explosion, getting caught between machinery and being struck or crushed by an object. The bottom line is if the human body endures sudden trauma through a fall, contact with an object or another method, it will likely be injured.
Orthopedic Injuries at Work
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) orthopedic injury is defined as damage to any component of the musculoskeletal system including muscle, surrounding tissue, joints, bones, ligaments and tendons. Also referred to as muscoloskeletal injuries, orthopedic injuries are best treated by rest and subsequent rehabilitative exercise if mild in nature. Casts will also be necessary in the event of broken bones and surgery performed to repair torn tendons or replace compromised joints. Sadly, the AAOS reports muscoloskeletal injuries typically result in workers missing several days of work that ultimately cost the nation approximately $850 billion each year.
A Look at What Happens After Workplace Falls and Sudden-impact Accidents
Those who endure a significant fall in the workplace or another sudden-impact accident are likely to suffer a spinal cord injury. This injury consists of spinal column damage or even damage to the spinal cord itself. It is possible for a spinal cord injury to lead to paralysis, the loss of limb functionality or loss of functionality in another part of the body.
Unfortunately, head and brain injuries including concussions, traumatic brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome have the potential to cause complications that last a lifetime or even lead to death. Others who endure a workplace fall or sudden-impact accident end up with fibromyalgia. This pain extends across the entirety of the body and lasts for years, decades or even the rest of the worker’s life. The pain and tenderness spreads across tendons, muscles, joints and soft tissues throughout the whole body.
Additional Threats to New Jersey Workers
Some workers are exposed to electrical shock, explosions, fire and worse. There is to potential for such exposure to cause immediate death. In some cases, workers suffer significant burns that lead to extensive tissue damage and lifelong pain. Those who inhale fumes or gas while working face a heightened risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to with the acronym of COPD. COPD gradually develops as time progresses. COPD includes chronic bronchitis that results in a lengthy cough characterized by excess mucous. COPD also includes emphysema, meaning the lungs gradually destruct as time progresses.
The bottom line is every New Jersey worker hurt on the job has the right to workers’ compensation benefits for rehabilitation and medical expenses, diminished productivity and lost wages. If a relative or another loved one has passed away as a result of a workplace accident or when performing any work-related duties, surviving family members should be appropriately compensated for the lost source of income.
Contact Our New Jersey Workplace Injury Lawyers Today
New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws are on the books to protect hardworking employees who have suffered an injury or contracted an illness that prevents them from returning to work temporarily or permanently. Though the prospect of filing a workers’ compensation claim is certainly intimidating, there is nothing to fear. Our workers’ compensation legal team is here to help all injured workers in the state of New Jersey.
Put your faith in Schibell Law, LLC to handle your workers’ compensation case and we will help you through every step of the process to ensure you are provided with the compensation you need and deserve. If you or a loved one are injured at work or if you lost a family member due to a workplace accident, reach out to us today to 732-774-1000 to schedule an initial consultation.
Hurt at work? Contact Schibell Law Today.
Richard N. Schibell, Esq.
is the founding partner at Schibell Law LLC concentrating in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation throughout New Jersey. Mr. Richard N Schibell graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts, concentrating in both Philosophy and History. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.
Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Schibell served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Richard W. English, J.S.C., in the Civil Division of the Monmouth County Superior Court.
Contact Schibell Law LLC Today!
HOWELL TOWNSHIP
3459 Route 9 North
Howell, New Jersey 07731
Telephone: 732-774-1000
Fax: 732-663-0133