Classes of New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Claims

Classes of Injuries that Qualify for Workers Compensation

In New Jersey, there are two different classes of workers’ compensation claims that are recognized as compensable: These classes include:

1)      Traumatic injury claims: Traumatic injury claims are claims involve a one-time trauma that is physical or psychological in nature.

and,

2)      Occupational disease claims: Occupational disease claims are claims that involve injuries caused by repetitive activity or exposures over a period of days, months, or years. Occupational diseases may include, but are not limited to:

• Mesothelioma – Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It can be one of the most devastating occupational diseases. Manufacturers have been required to establish trust funds to compensate Mesothelioma victims and their families.
• Repetitive stress injuries — Repetitive stress injuries are injuries caused by repetitive work activities that wear the body down over time. Bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative disc disease, rotator cuff syndrome, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are common examples of conditions caused by constantly performing the same movements.
• Asbestosis — Asbestosis is chronic irritation from breathing in asbestos fibers that can develop into this aggressive form of lung cancer.
• Asthma — Asthma is spasms in the bronchi that cause individuals who suffer from this respiratory condition to have difficulty breathing.
• Byssinosis — Byssinosis, also called brown lung, is disease caused by inhaling dusts from vegetable fibers such as cotton, flax, hemp and sisal.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) —COPD is a weakening of the lungs caused by chronic bronchitis or emphysema that degenerates or loses the ability to function.
• Hearing loss — Hearing loss affects a primary sense and is considered a catastrophic injury. In the last several years, industries have finally recognized the need for ear protection for workers in loud settings. Firefighters, EMTs and other employees who suffered hearing loss because they were exposed to sirens and other loud noises have recently been able to obtain compensation for their injuries.
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis —Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a chronic lung inflammation caused by molds, dusts and chemicals.
• Pneumonoconiosis — Pneumonoconiosis is a chronic lung disease caused by exposure to metallic or mineral particles in the air.
• Silicosis — Silicosis is an occupational lung disease marked by swelling of the lungs caused by inhaling bits of silica from sand and mineral ores like quartz.
• White lung — White lung is a debilitating lung condition caused by exposure to corrosive chemicals, such as ammonia and chlorine.

Benefits of Using Seigel Law

            Maximizing value: According to a study performed by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, unrepresented injured workers receive almost fifty percent less compensation for their injuries than those that retain a workers compensation attorney. Seigel Law will ensure that any worker injured on the job receives the maximum amount of compensation available.

Medical treatment: In the world of Workers’ Compensation, it is commonplace for insurance carriers and insurance adjusters to offer inadequate treatment, delayed treatment, or no treatment at all. Seigel Law will ensure that any worker injured on the job receives the adequate and timely medical treatment they deserve.

Medical bills: In a Workers Compensation case, insurance carriers for the employer often fail to pay medical bills in a timely fashion, or even pay them at all. Seigel Law will ensure that any outstanding medical bills are paid, and paid promptly.

            Experience:  Seigel Law has an experienced staff that has handled some of the largest and most complex workers’ compensation cases in the State. It has represented workers from all different occupations including: construction workers, doctors, nurses, nursing aids, orderlies, attendants, janitors, truck drivers, police officers, and firefighters, to name a few.

Since 1976, Seigel Law has also represented injured workers from various unions including: the Police Officers Union, Firefighters Union, Corrections Officers Union, Healthcare and Institutional Workers Union, Transportation Workers Union, Truckers Union, Meat Workers Union, Chemical Workers Union, Electricians Union, Iron Workers Union, Carpenters Union, Phone Company Workers Union, Laborers Union, and the Plumbers Union.

Litigation skills: Unlike most law firms, Seigel Law employs attorneys that are willing to litigate cases to ensure that any injured worker receives the best possible outcome for their case. This has the practical effect of producing larger settlements and recoveries on behalf of injured workers.

            Attorney’s Fees:  At Seigel Law, an injured worker will not pay any attorney’s fees unless they receive compensation for their injuries. Attorney’s fees are set by the judge of workers’ compensation and will not exceed 20% of any recovery.

Schedule Your Free Case Assessment

To schedule your free workers compensation case assessment, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online. If it is inconvenient to schedule an appointment to meet at our Ridgewood Office, one of our attorneys from Seigel Law can come to you.