Law Offices of Michael S. Williams – Brick Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Protecting Injured Workers
Brick is a township located on the Jersey Shore in Ocean County and since the year 2000, has been the safest “city” (population over 75,000) in New Jersey. In 2006 Brick Township was ranked the safest “city” (population over 75,000) in the United States.
Workplace accidents frequently injure Brick workers, leading to serious medical treatment, long recovery times, and lost wages. If you were hurt on the job, a skilled Brick workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights and help you obtain full benefits under New Jersey law.
Experienced Brick Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams, our experienced Brick workers’ compensation attorneys guide injured workers through every step of the claims process allowing them to focus on healing. We fight insurance companies to ensure you receive the best medical care and be fully compensated for your injuries.
The Law Offices of Michael S. Williams are skilled Brick workers’ compensation attorneys who are well respected and highly trained in handling work injury cases for our injured Brick clients.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Brick?
Workers’ compensation claims require detailed documentation of the accident and injuries. After a Brick workplace accident, you should do the following:
In an emergency seek medical attention: If your injuries need urgent care, visit a medical professional promptly. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms that could pose serious risks if left untreated. Under New Jersey law, employers or insurers may designate the physician(s) to treat the injury. Inform the doctor that your injuries are work-related to facilitate the completion of necessary forms and avoid claim denial.
Report the accident: Notify your supervisor or employer immediately or as soon as possible. If your injuries don’t require urgent care, inform your employer first. Provide clear details about the accident and your injuries. Make sure you mention everything that hurts. Employers must submit an accident report to their workers’ compensation insurer within a specific timeframe, and many have policies mandating prompt employee reporting of accidents and injuries. Request a copy of the accident report for your records.
Document the scene: If safe, photograph the accident scene. Capture evidence of defective equipment, slippery floors, or damaged railings and take images of your injuries. This documentation may support a potential personal injury case besides workers’ compensation.
Retain legal representation: Workers’ compensation law is complex, and insurance companies demand specific information and documentation for claim acceptance. Incomplete or erroneous information often leads to claim denials. It is advisable to seek assistance from an experienced Brick workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Types of Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Brick
Workers’ compensation covers injuries you sustain during employment. Injuries from Slip and/or trip and falls, lifting, bending or twisting, repetitive motions and injuries from a motor vehicle accident while driving for work are covered along with illnesses from occupational exposures. You’re covered for:
- •Muscle and ligament sprains, strains, and tears.
- •Broken bones and/or fractures.
- •Cervical, thoracic and lumbar disc bulges, herniations.
- •Shoulder Injuries.
- •Injuries due to repetitive stress or motion.
- •Cuts, burns, lacerations and/or punctures.
- •Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.
- •Amputations.
- •Inguinal hernias.
- •Psychological and/or neuropsychological injuries.
- •Heart attacks and/or stroke.
- •Eye and dental injuries.
- •Exposures including Covid-19 related illnesses.
- •Pre-existing condition, illness or injury that is aggravated.
- •Any other orthopedic injury and/or illnesses.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available in Brick
The New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act provides Brick residents injured at work with these benefits:
Medical Benefits – You pay no medical bills for authorized treatment. There are no co-pays, deductibles, and no balance billing.
Temporary Total Benefits – You receive 70% of your gross weekly wages if you cannot work beyond 7 days due to the work injury or illness.
Permanent Partial Benefits – You are entitled to disability compensation if your workplace injury or occupational disease results in permanent partial disability. This means you’re not totally unable to work but now suffer some loss of function due to a workplace accident.
Permanent Total Benefits – You are entitled to disability compensation for the rest of your life if you can’t work in any capacity due to the work injury or illness and no fundamental or marked improvement is reasonably expected. In other words, if you are totally disabled due to a work-related incident.
Death Benefits – Are provided to dependents of workers who have passed away due to a work-related accident or exposure.
A complete list of benefits provided to New Jersey sick and/or injured workers can be found at New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development website.
Deadlines for Reporting and Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Brick
Notify your employer within 14 days of the injury unless they already know. It does not have to be in writing, it can be given to anyone of authority, and you do not personally have to be the one to provide the notice.
If notice is given, or knowledge obtained within 30 days from the occurrence of the injury, compensation will be allowed unless the employer can show that they were prejudiced and if proved then compensation would only be barred to the extent of such prejudice.
If notice is given within 90 days after the accident, the employer can bar compensation by showing it was prejudiced by the lack of notice. No compensation is allowed if notice is not provided nor knowledge obtained by the employer within 90 days of the date of the accident.
You must file a workers’ compensation claim petition within two years of the injury or the last payment of compensation, whichever comes last.
In situations in which the injuries take longer to develop such as an occupational exposure which includes not only illnesses but also injuries due to repetitive motions, you have two years from the date that you first became aware that your condition was related to your job.
Does Fault Play a Role in Brick Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Workers’ Compensation is a “no fault” insurance program. You receive benefits regardless of fault.
Some exceptions are being under the influence of alcohol or drugs and that solely caused the injury, or you intentionally harmed yourself.
In some cases, you may be able to bring a separate claim for your injuries if someone else besides your employer or a co-worker was at fault.
If you drive for work and were involved in a car accident at the fault of another, slipped and fell at another’s property or suffered any other type of personal injury in the course of your employment due to a third party, our attorneys pursue separate claims in addition to the workers’ comp case.
Can My Employer Fire Me?
No, this absolutely should not happen, but unfortunately some employers regardless of it being illegal will still retaliate. Your employer cannot legally fire you for filing a claim.
The employer should not discriminate or retaliate in any way. If this does happen it’s illegal and the employee should file a separate lawsuit against the employer.
Can I Choose my own Doctor for Workers’ Compensation in Brick?
Generally, no. In New Jersey, the employer or their insurance carrier has the right to choose the treating doctor. However, if the authorized doctor is not providing proper care, we can challenge the treatment plan or seek a change of physician. Ultimately, we make sure you get the best treatment to get you back on your feet.
Can I Sue my Employer for a Work Injury in Brick?
Only in very limited circumstances can you sue. Workers’ comp is your exclusive remedy against your employer or co-worker. However, you can sue a third party such as a negligent driver, subcontractor, manufacturer, or property owner for additional compensation. These third-party cases can significantly increase your recovery and we handle both claims.
What if my Employer Refuses to Report my Work Injury?
If your employer will not report the injury contact us immediately. We can notify the insurance carrier directly and file the necessary documents to protect your claim.
What Happens when Treatment is Over?
Both sides schedule exams after treatment. The examining doctors will issue reports that will evidence the percentage of disability, and the parties will work towards a resolution.
Once the matter is resolved the insurance company is required to begin making payments no later than 60 days.
Benefits After Settlement
In cases resolved by way of an “Order Approving Settlement” or awarded a judgment at trial, you can re-open your case within two years from the date you receive your last payment if your injuries become worse. If re-opened, you may be entitled to:
- Additional Treatment if your injury becomes worse and you need more treatment;
- Additional Temporary Disability Benefits if the worsening of your injuries prevents you from working; and
- Additional Permanent Disability Benefits if your disability has increased.
Even if working for a different employer the case can be re-opened.
Can a Brick Workers’ Compensation Claim be Denied?
Insurance companies deny claims due to incomplete or inaccurate information or specific circumstances surrounding the accident or injures, including:
Unrelated accident: Your claim will be denied if the accident and injuries are not work-related.
Intentional: Injuries that are self-inflicted or were caused by intentional behavior are not covered.
Intoxication: Claims filed for injuries caused by drug or alcohol intoxication are not covered.
Improper reporting: Claims filed improperly or after the deadline will be denied.
Horseplay: Injuries incurred through an employee’s willful negligent conduct or during horseplay are not compensable. However, employees who do not participate in, but are innocent victims of, horseplay by fellow employees have compensable claims for any injuries.
The Law Offices of Michael S. Williams fights for you to overturn a denied claim. We do not shy away from claims which may require a little extra work.
How Much Does a Brick Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
The court awards attorneys 25% of the gross award or settlement, with the insurance company covering 60%.
If the claim is not successful there is no attorney fee.
Thus, for example: If the gross workers’ comp award or settlement was $20,000.00 the attorney fee would be $5,000.00 and the insurance company would pay $3,000.00.
The $2,000.00 share would simply be deducted from the settlement or award by the insurance company which will pay the injured worker directly.
Where is the Workers’ Compensation Court?
Brick, Ocean County residents’ workers’ comp case will be in Toms River located at:
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams?
We assist injured workers in every step of the workers’ compensation process, including:
- •Ensuring you receive all authorized medical treatment and not prematurely cut off
- •Securing Temporary Total Disability Benefits (lost wages)
- •Pursuing Permanent Partial or Total Disability awards
- •Filing Motions for Medical and Temporary Benefits when treatment is denied
- •Negotiating settlements and get the compensation you deserve
- •Handling disputes, appeal and complex cases
Our Brick workers’ compensation lawyers proudly represent injured workers throughout Ocean County, including Toms River, Manchester, Lakewood, Jackson, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant and Lacey Township. If you were injured on the job anywhere in Brick or surrounding towns, we are ready to help you pursue maximum workers’ compensation benefits available.
Accessible, Compassionate Representation for Injured Workers
At our firm, we believe that personal attention makes all the difference. We understand how stressful it is when you’re hurt, unable to work, and worried about supporting your family. We take pride in offering personalized, compassionate, legal support for every client. When you work with us, you can expect:
- •A compassionate, hands-on approach
- •Direct, fast and responsive communication with your attorney—not just case staff
- •A local advocate based in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick who knows the courts and doctors
- •A track record of protecting the injured workers from insurance company tactics
- •Thorough investigation and evidence gathering
- •Aggressive negotiations with insurance companies
- •Free consultations
- •No fees unless we win your case
A work-related injury can disrupt your life physically, financially, and emotionally. You deserve a skilled advocate who will protect your rights and secure the full workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to. When insurance delays treatment, disputes your injury, or pressures you into a low settlement, we step in and fight back.
Brick Injury Attorneys
If you were hurt at your job in Brick, injured in a car accident on Route 88 or Brick Blvd., or suffered an injury in any other way in Brick we got you covered. We fight for our clients and their families to get them back on their feet and the best possible outcome.
A Brick Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams will Help you Obtain Benefits
If you have been injured in an accident at your workplace, our Brick workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams fight for your benefits. Our offices are conveniently located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey and we serve clients not only in Monmouth and Middlesex County but throughout New Jersey. Call 732-351-2800 or contact us online to protect your rights after a work injury.
