Law Offices of Michael S. Williams – Freehold Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Proudly Serving Freehold New Jersey Residents
Freehold is one of the first 3 towns in Monmouth County to receive a charter in 1693 and as the site of the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. Established as the county seat in 1708, Freehold, also known as Monmouth Courthouse in the early days, became an early center of business and social activities. On April 15, 1919, Freehold Borough formally separated from Freehold Township.
A leading cause of injuries in Freehold are workplace accidents. Injuries sustained at work often result in long recovery periods, ongoing medical or rehabilitative treatment, and lost wages. Workers’ compensation insurance protects workers when accidents and injuries occur.
It is extremely important to have an experienced Freehold Workers’ Compensation attorney involved in your case early on to help navigate the workers’ comp claims process and ensure that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Our goal during the initial phases of your case is to make sure you get the best medical care and are compensated while you’re out of work. We deal with the headaches that come with all personal injury claims so you can focus on getting better and back on your feet.
Our skilled Freehold Workers’ Compensation attorneys are well respected and highly trained in handling work injury cases for our injured clients who live in Freehold. We take an aggressive yet compassionate approach in handling Freehold workers’ compensation matters which allow our clients to get the best medical care and be fully compensated for their injuries.
Consultations are always free for Freehold residents who need representation for their Freehold workers’ compensation matter. Call 732-351-2800 or contact us online.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt At Work In Freehold?
Workers’ compensation claims are complex and require documentation detailing the accident and injuries, so the more evidence you can gather at the time of the accident, the more beneficial it is to your claim.
After a Freehold workplace accident, you should do the following:
If an emergency seek immediate medical attention: If your injuries require urgent care, do not delay seeking medical help. Prioritize your health and ensure that a medical professional assesses all injuries, even seemingly minor ones. 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: Inform your supervisor or employer immediately after the accident or as soon as possible. If your injuries do not require immediate medical attention, report the incident to your employer first. Provide details about the accident’s circumstances and how you sustained your injuries. Employers typically must submit an accident report to their workers’ compensation insurance provider within a specified 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 possible, photograph the accident scene. Capture evidence of what caused the accident, such as defective equipment, slippery floors, or damaged railings, and images of your injuries. There could be 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 Freehold workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
What Type Of Injuries Are Covered In Freehold Workers’ Compensation Cases?
Any injury that arises out of the course of your employment is covered. Some common causes of injuries are slip and/or trip and fall, injuries due to lifting, bending or twisting and injuries from a motor vehicle accident while driving for work. Other injuries or illnesses may be caused from occupational exposures which include repetitive motions. Some commonly seen covered injuries are:
- •Muscle and ligament sprains, strains, and tears
- •Broken bones and/or fractures
- •Cervical, thoracic and lumbar disc bulges, herniations
- •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
- •Any other orthopedic injury and/or illnesses
What Benefits Are Available In Freehold Workers’ Compensation Cases?
The New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act covers Freehold residents injured at work by providing the following benefits:
Medical Benefits – You will not be responsible for any medical bills for authorized treatment. There are no co-pays, deductibles, and no balance billing.
Temporary Total Benefits – You are entitled to 70% of your gross weekly wages if your time out of work extends beyond 7 days. These payments are provided while you are unable to work and receiving medical treatment due to your work injuries.
Permanent Partial Benefits – You are entitled to disability compensation if your workplace injury or occupational disease results in permanent partial disability. This means that you are not totally unable to work, but now suffer from some partial disability due to a workplace accident.
Permanent Total Benefits – Permanent total disability is defined under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation system as a “physical or mental neuropsychiatric total permanent impairment caused by a compensable accident or compensable occupation disease, where no fundamental or marked improvement in such condition can be reasonably expected” In other words, if you are totally disabled due to a work-related accident you may qualify for benefits for the rest of your life.
Death Benefits – Are provided to dependents of workers who have passed away in a work related accident or due to a work-related injury.
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.
How Long Do I Have To File A Workers’ Compensation Claim In Freehold?
The deadline, which is called the statute of limitations, to file a workers’ compensation claim petition is within two years of the injury or the last payment of compensation, whichever comes last. In situations in which the injuries take longer to development 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.
Can My Freehold Workers’ Compensation Claim Be Denied?
Claims are typically denied for incomplete or inaccurate information or other specific circumstances of the accident or injuries, 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.
The Law Offices of Michael S. Williams will help you with a denied claim. We do not shy away from claims which may require a little extra work.
Where Is The Workers’ Compensation Court?
Freehold, Monmouth County residents’ workers’ comp case will be in Freehold located at:
Freehold Injury Attorneys
If you were hurt at your job in Freehold, injured in a car accident on Rt. 9 or in downtown Freehold on Main St., or suffered an injury in any other way in Freehold we got you covered. We fight for our clients and their families to get them back on their feet and the best possible outcome.
Freehold Workers’ Compensation Lawyers At The Law Offices Of Michael S. Williams Will Help You Obtain Benefits
If you have been injured in an accident at your workplace, an experienced, Freehold, Monmouth County New Jersey Workers’ Compensation lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams will help you obtain much-needed benefits. Call 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey we serve clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County and throughout the state.