Workers' Compensation in Paterson, NJ
Workplace injuries in Paterson can disrupt both personal and professional lives, leaving workers and their families facing serious challenges. New Jersey’s workers' compensation laws are designed to protect injured employees, but understanding the claims process can be overwhelming. For more than 25 years, Corradino and Papa, LLC has been helping injured workers in Paterson pursue the benefits they need to recover. As a committed Paterson workers compensation lawyer, the firm provides crucial support throughout the claims process. Work-related accidents can have significant, long-lasting effects, which is why experienced legal representation is vital in seeking fair compensation. The firm’s dedication to workers has made them a trusted choice for injury claims.
Understanding Workers' Compensation in Paterson, NJ
In a city like Paterson, where manufacturing and industrial jobs are common, workers face the risk of accidents that could lead to serious injuries. When these accidents occur, New Jersey’s workers' compensation system provides critical benefits such as medical care, wage replacement, and disability payments. Employees are covered, while independent contractors generally are not, and the benefits also include death benefits for families in cases of fatal workplace incidents. As a Paterson workers comp attorney, Corradino and Papa, LLC is dedicated to helping workers understand their rights under state law. In the following sections, we will walk you through the workers' compensation claims process in Paterson, NJ.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
After an accident at work in Paterson, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away, even if the injury appears minor. Medical care is not only critical for your health but also for protecting your workers' compensation claim. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 34:15-15) requires you to visit an employer-approved doctor for non-emergency care to qualify for benefits. If you need emergency treatment, go to the nearest hospital and inform your employer afterward. Keeping comprehensive records of your treatments and doctor visits will be important when proving the extent of your injury. As a Paterson workers compensation lawyer, Corradino and Papa, LLC helps clients navigate the workers' compensation system, starting with medical care.
Seeing a doctor immediately is crucial for both recovery and legal documentation. Common workplace injuries that are eligible for compensation in Paterson include:
- Construction accidents
- Hospital workplace injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Work-related car accidents
- Electrocution accidents
- Tunnel worker silicosis
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Utility worker asbestos exposure
- Machinery accidents
- Heavy lifting injuries
- Hearing and vision loss
- Psychological or emotional injuries
Only job-related injuries are covered under workers' compensation. A Paterson workers comp attorney can guide you in documenting your injury and pursuing your claim.
Step 2: Consult A Paterson Workers Compensation Lawyer
When a workplace injury occurs in Paterson, navigating the workers' compensation system can be challenging. Consulting with an attorney will help you understand your legal rights and the next steps to take in your claim. A workers' compensation attorney will handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injury. With an attorney's guidance, you can rest assured that your claim is being handled with care. A Paterson workers compensation lawyer can assist you by:
- Reviewing your case to determine which benefits apply to your situation
- Ensuring your claim is properly filed and all deadlines are met
- Negotiating with insurance companies to seek fair compensation
- Representing you in workers' compensation hearings, if needed
- Pursuing third-party claims if additional parties are responsible for your injury
At Corradino and Papa, LLC, we are dedicated to working hard for your physical and financial recovery. Our firm has significant experience representing injured workers, including union members and public employees, in a wide variety of workplace injury cases. We also handle third-party claims, which often involve more complex legal issues. If you’re a driver, trucker, or another worker who has been injured, contact a Paterson workers comp attorney today to discuss your case and determine your next steps.
Types of Compensation for Injured Workers Comp Victims in Paterson
In Paterson, workers injured on the job are entitled to several types of compensation under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 34:15-12). A Paterson workers compensation lawyer can help you pursue the following benefits:
- Medical Expenses: Payment for current and future medical treatments
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time lost from work due to your injury
- Pain and Suffering: Financial support for the physical and emotional impact of your injury
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal property damaged in the accident
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the ways your injury has affected your daily life
- Permanent Disability: Long-term compensation for victims who suffer from lifelong impairments or cannot return to work
Compensation for workers' compensation victims in Paterson is vital for supporting your recovery and maintaining financial stability. Contact a Paterson workers comp attorney today to ensure you’re accessing the compensation you deserve.
Step 3: Report the Injury
If you’ve been injured at work in Paterson, reporting the injury to your employer is one of the first and most crucial steps in the workers' compensation process. New Jersey law requires that you report the injury within 90 days of the incident or when you became aware of your illness. Failing to report within this timeframe may put your claim at risk. It’s also important to gather contact information from any witnesses and take photos of the accident scene, hazards, and any injuries you sustained to support your claim. While verbal notice is allowed, providing written notice is often more reliable. A Paterson workers compensation lawyer can help you properly report your injury and protect your rights throughout the process.
Legal Deadlines to File a Workers Comp Injury Claim in Paterson, NJ
According to New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 34:15-51), workers in Paterson have two years from the date of injury or the last date they received benefits to file a workers' compensation claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to seek compensation. Consulting a Paterson workers comp attorney can provide valuable insight into the claims process and help you meet the necessary deadlines for filing.
Step 4: File a Formal Workers' Compensation Claim
Filing a formal workers' compensation claim is another essential step after an injury at work in Paterson. The claim is submitted through Form WC-150 to the New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation. Generally, the injured worker files the claim, but in cases of fatal injuries, the employer or dependents may file instead. You must file the claim within two years from the date of injury or the last benefit received. Missing this deadline could lead to a loss of benefits. A Paterson workers compensation lawyer can help you navigate the filing process and keep track of important legal deadlines. Adhering to these timeframes is crucial to protecting your rights under New Jersey law.
What if My Workers Compensation Injury Claim is Denied?
If your workers' compensation claim is denied, it’s natural to feel discouraged, but it’s important to know you have options. Denials are often due to insufficient evidence, late reporting, or disputes with the employer. After a denial, you can request reconsideration or file an appeal with the New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation. The appeals process has strict timelines, so acting quickly is vital. With help from one of the over 30 dedicated Paterson workers comp attorneys from Corradino and Papa, you can take the necessary steps to appeal the decision and pursue your benefits.
Step 5: Respond to Employer’s Insurance Carrier
Once your workers' compensation claim is filed, the employer’s insurance carrier will review your case. In Paterson, the insurance company may approve your claim, deny it, or request further information to process it. Promptly responding to any inquiries from the insurance carrier is vital to ensure that your claim stays on track. It’s advisable to consult a Paterson workers compensation lawyer before engaging with the insurance company. Legal guidance will help you handle these interactions in a way that protects your rights and claim.
Contact Corradino and Papa’s Paterson Workers Comp Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Paterson, don’t delay in getting the legal help you need. Contact Corradino and Papa, LLC for a free consultation to discuss your workers' compensation claim. The sooner you act, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Speaking with a Paterson workers compensation lawyer will help you understand your rights and what steps to take next. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs—you only pay if compensation is recovered. With over six decades of experience, Corradino and Papa, LLC provides injured workers with reliability and peace of mind. Contact us today for a free consultation to take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.
