If you were injured at work in Monmouth County, New Jersey, you may be entitled to authorized medical treatment, temporary disability benefits while you are unable to work, and compensation for a permanent injury.
For nearly 20 years, attorney Michael S. Williams has represented injured New Jersey workers and helped clients recover millions of dollars in workers’ compensation benefits.
Our firm regularly handles Monmouth County workers’ compensation cases in the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court and represents injured workers throughout Freehold, Red Bank, Middletown, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Neptune, Manalapan, Tinton Falls and the surrounding communities.
Injured at Work? We Can Help You Pursue:
- •100% covered authorized medical treatment
- •Temporary disability benefits equal to 70% of your gross weekly wages while out of work
- •Compensation for permanent injuries
- •Benefits for occupational injuries and illnesses
- •Additional compensation through a third-party personal injury claim when applicable
Call 732-351-2800 for a free consultation with a Monmouth County workers’ compensation lawyer.
Can’t make it to the office? Consultations are also available by telephone or virtually.
Why Injured Workers in Monmouth County Choose Us
Workers’ compensation insurance carriers control medical treatment and often dispute whether additional treatment is necessary, when an injured employee should return to work, whether temporary disability benefits should continue, and the extent of a worker’s permanent disability.
You do not have to handle those disputes alone.
Our firm helps injured workers:
- •Obtain authorization for necessary medical treatment
- •Challenge denied or delayed workers’ compensation claims
- •Pursue temporary disability benefits when an injury prevents them from working
- •Challenge an authorized doctor’s decision to prematurely end treatment
- •Seek additional treatment when an injured worker has not adequately recovered
- •File motions with the Workers’ Compensation Court when benefits or treatment are denied
- •Pursue compensation for permanent disability
- •Handle hearings, negotiations and court appearances
- •Investigate possible third-party personal injury claims for additional compensation
We regularly appear in the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court and understand the issues that arise when employers and insurance carriers delay treatment, stop benefits or dispute an injured worker’s claim.
Schedule a free consultation to learn about your rights and benefits that may be available.
Our Experience in the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court
Monmouth County workers’ compensation cases are heard at the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court, 2 Paragon Way, Freehold, New Jersey 07728.
Our firm regularly appears in the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court on behalf of injured employees.
That experience can be particularly important when a dispute develops concerning medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, an employee’s ability to return to work, or the extent of permanent disability.
What Happens After a Workers’ Compensation Claim Petition Is Filed?
After a formal Claim Petition is filed, the case is assigned to a workers’ compensation judge.
Many cases proceed while the injured worker continues receiving authorized medical treatment. Once treatment concludes, the parties may obtain medical evaluations addressing the nature and extent of permanent disability and attempt to resolve the claim.
Motions for Medical and Temporary Disability Benefits
When an employer or workers’ compensation carrier refuses to provide necessary medical treatment or temporary disability benefits, we can seek relief from the Workers’ Compensation Court.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include filing a Motion for Medical and Temporary Disability Benefits asking the court to address the denied treatment or benefits.
Our goal is not simply to obtain a settlement at the end of a workers’ compensation case. We also work to protect our clients’ rights to appropriate medical treatment and wage benefits while their cases are pending.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Injured Workers
New Jersey workers’ compensation provides several important benefits to employees who suffer compensable work-related injuries or occupational conditions.
Medical Treatment
An employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier must provide 100% of all reasonable medical treatment that is necessary to treat a compensable work injury.
This may include:
- •Emergency treatment
- •Physician visits
- •Diagnostic testing
- •Physical therapy
- •Injections
- •Surgery
- •Prescription medication
- •Other authorized treatment reasonably necessary for the work injury
In New Jersey, the employer or workers’ compensation carrier generally has the right to select the authorized treating physicians.
If authorized treatment is being denied, delayed or prematurely terminated, we seek to have the Workers’ Compensation Court order that all appropriate treatment be provided to cure or relieve the work-related injury or illness.
Temporary Disability Benefits
An injured employee who is unable to work because of a compensable work injury is entitled to temporary disability benefits equal to 70% of the employee’s gross average weekly wage, subject to New Jersey’s statutory minimum and maximum benefit rates.
Disputes frequently arise when an insurance carrier stops temporary benefits because an authorized doctor releases an employee to work or concludes that additional treatment is unnecessary.
We evaluate whether benefits were properly terminated and whether further medical or temporary disability benefits should be pursued.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If a workplace injury results in a permanent loss of function, an injured employee is entitled to a permanent partial disability award.
The amount of compensation depends on factors including the body part involved, the percentage of permanent disability and the applicable statutory rate.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
A worker whose injuries leave him or her permanently unable to return to gainful employment may potentially qualify for permanent total disability benefits.
These claims require careful evaluation of the worker’s medical condition, functional limitations, employment history and ability to work.
Dependency and Death Benefits
When a workplace injury or occupational condition results in death, qualifying dependents may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Recent Workers’ Compensation Results for Injured New Jersey Workers
The Law Offices of Michael S. Williams, LLC has obtained substantial workers’ compensation awards for injured employees, including:
$494,850 Initial Permanent Total Disability Award
Permanent total disability benefits obtained for a delivery driver who suffered a serious lower-back injury and was unable to return to gainful employment. The initial 450 weeks of benefits totaled $494,850, with benefits potentially continuing thereafter for as long as the worker remains totally disabled under New Jersey law.
$303,000 Workers’ Compensation Award
Eye and psychological injuries suffered by a construction worker.
$184,000 Workers’ Compensation Award
Bilateral shoulder injuries suffered in a workplace slip and fall.
$164,000 Workers’ Compensation Award
Back injury suffered by an automobile mechanic.
$136,000 Workers’ Compensation Award
Back injury suffered by a liquor store employee.
$123,000 Workers’ Compensation Award
Back and shoulder injuries in a workers’ compensation reopener.
$103,000 Workers’ Compensation Award
Back injury suffered while moving a desk.
$103,000 Workers’ Compensation Award
Back injury involving air-conditioning units.
Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Common Workplace Injuries We Handle
Our Monmouth County workers’ compensation practice includes claims involving:
- •Construction accidents
- •Falls injuries at work
- •Repetitive stress and overuse injuries
- •Motor vehicle accident while working
- •Herniated, bulging discs and other back, neck spinal injuries
- •Shoulder Injuries, knee and orthopedic injuries
- •Occupational illnesses and toxic exposures
- •Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- •Psychological and neuropsychological injuries
- •Pre-existing condition, illness or injury that is aggravated
A compensable injury does not always result from one sudden accident. Workers’ compensation claims can also involve injuries or medical conditions that develop over time because of repetitive work or occupational exposure.
Likewise, having a pre-existing medical condition does not automatically prevent an employee from receiving workers’ compensation benefits when work materially aggravates or accelerates that condition.
What Should I Do After a Work Injury in Monmouth County?
Taking the right steps after a workplace injury can help protect your claim.
Report the Injury
Notify your employer about the accident or work-related condition as soon as possible. Do not assume that a supervisor or coworker will report the accident for you.
Request Medical Treatment
If you need treatment, ask your employer where you should obtain authorized workers’ compensation medical care.
Document What Happened
Keep track of:
- •How the accident happened
- •When and where it occurred
- •Witnesses
- •Your symptoms and injuries
- •Communications with your employer
- •Medical appointments
- •Time missed from work
Follow the Authorized Doctor’s Treatment
Attend authorized appointments and follow reasonable treatment instructions. Missed appointments or gaps in treatment may become issues in a disputed claim.
Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer if Benefits Are Delayed or Denied
You do not have to wait until an insurance carrier formally denies your entire claim.
Problems can arise while a claim is otherwise accepted, including disputes concerning treatment, temporary disability benefits, return-to-work restrictions or whether additional medical care is necessary.
Call 732-351-2800 to discuss your workers’ compensation claim.
Third-Party Claims: After a Workplace Accident
Workers’ compensation benefits generally do not include compensation for pain and suffering.
However, when someone other than your employer or a coworker negligently causes your workplace accident, you may also have a separate personal injury claim against that third party.
Examples can include accidents caused by:
- •Negligent drivers
- •Contractors or subcontractor
- •Property owners
- •Manufacturers of defective products or equipment
- •Other negligent third parties
Serving Injured Workers Throughout Monmouth County
The Law Offices of Michael S. Williams represents injured workers throughout Monmouth County.
Freehold Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Injured at work in Freehold? We represent employees seeking medical treatment, temporary disability benefits and permanent disability compensation and regularly appear in the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court.
Red Bank Workers’ Compensation Attorney
We represent Red Bank employees injured in workplace accidents and those suffering from occupational and repetitive-work injuries..
Middletown Work Injury Lawyer
Our firm represents Middletown employees seeking medical treatment, wage replacement and permanent disability benefits after a workplace injury.
Long Branch Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
We represent injured Long Branch workers in claims involving construction accidents, orthopedic injuries, occupational conditions and other work-related injuries.
Asbury Park Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Our firm represents Asbury Park workers when treatment is delayed, temporary benefits are stopped or an insurance carrier disputes a workers’ compensation claim.
Neptune Workplace Lawyer
We represent Neptune employees suffering from serious or permanent workplace injuries and help pursue the medical and financial benefits provided under New Jersey workers’ compensation law.
Manalapan Work Injury Attorney
Our firm represents injured workers in Manalapan and challenges workers’ compensation carriers when necessary treatment or benefits are denied.
Tinton Falls Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
With our Monmouth County office conveniently located in Tinton Falls, we are available 24/7 to help injured workers secure their workers’ compensation benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monmouth County Workers’ Compensation
Can I be fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
An employer cannot lawfully retaliate against an employee because the employee claimed or attempted to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
If you believe you were fired, disciplined, harassed or otherwise retaliated against because you pursued workers’ compensation benefits, you should speak with an attorney about the circumstances.
A retaliation claim can involve rights and remedies separate from the underlying workers’ compensation case.
Do I Have to Prove My Employer Was at Fault?
No. New Jersey workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. An employee does not have to prove that an employer negligently caused a workplace accident in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
The important issues generally concern whether the injury arose out of and in the course of employment and the nature and extent of the resulting disability.
Can I Choose My Own Workers’ Compensation Doctor?
Generally, the employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier has the right to select the authorized treating medical providers.
However, that does not mean an injured worker has no options when the authorized doctor fails to provide appropriate treatment.
When treatment is inadequate, denied or prematurely terminated, we can evaluate whether additional treatment or court intervention should be pursued.
How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
There are no upfront attorney’s fees to file a workers’ compensation claim with our office. Attorney’s fees in New Jersey workers’ compensation cases are subject to approval by the Workers’ Compensation Court.
How Long Do I Have To File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
A formal New Jersey workers’ compensation Claim Petition generally must be filed within two years of the date of the injury or the last payment of compensation, whichever is later.
Authorized medical treatment can constitute payment of compensation for purposes of the statute.
Different rules can apply to occupational disease claims.
Because statutes of limitations can depend upon the particular facts of a case, an injured worker should not wait until the end of the filing period to obtain legal advice.
What if My Injury Gets Worse After My Case Is Settled?
Certain workers’ compensation awards can be reopened when an injured employee’s condition materially worsens, provided the application is filed within the applicable statutory period.
Whether a particular settlement can be reopened depends in part upon how the claim was resolved.
If your work-related condition has worsened after a prior workers’ compensation award, contact us to determine whether you may have the right to seek additional benefits.
What If My Employer Refuses to Report My Injury?
An employer’s failure or refusal to voluntarily report a workplace accident does not necessarily prevent an injured employee from pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.
We can investigate workers’ compensation insurance information, communicate with the carrier and file a Claim Petition when appropriate.
Where Is the Monmouth County Workers’ Compensation Court?
The New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation lists the court serving Monmouth County at:
Our firm regularly appears in the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court representing injured employees.
Personal Attention From Your Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Being injured at work can affect far more than your health.
You may be unable to work, concerned about how you will support your family, waiting for medical treatment, or being pressured to return to work before you believe you are physically ready.
Our firm provides direct, hands-on representation throughout the workers’ compensation process.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- •Direct communication with your attorney
- •Prompt responses to questions and developments in your case
- •Thorough review of your medical treatment and workers’ compensation benefits
- •Aggressive action when necessary treatment or benefits are denied
- •Representation at hearings and court proceedings
- •Evaluation of potential third-party personal injury claims
- •A local attorney familiar with the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court
We believe injured workers deserve to understand what is happening in their cases and why.
Speak With a Monmouth County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you were injured at work in Monmouth County, the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams can evaluate your claim and explain the medical, temporary disability and permanent disability benefits that may be available.
Attorney Michael S. Williams has represented injured New Jersey workers for nearly 20 years and regularly handles workers’ compensation matters in the Freehold Workers’ Compensation Court.
With offices in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey and we represent injured workers throughout Monmouth County and across New Jersey.
Call 732-351-2800 for a Free Consultation
You can also contact us online to schedule a telephone, virtual or in-office consultation.
There is no upfront attorney’s fee.
