If you suffer an injury or contract an illness while at work performing work-related duties, you should generally be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. This coverage will take care of your medical care and treatment related to the incident. You may also be entitled to receive a portion of your lost wages and other benefits, depending on the details of your situation. Most employers have an obligation to purchase this insurance for their employees. With that said, there are a few exceptions to these general eligibility rules. It is partially for this reason that it is important to speak with an experienced Elizabeth, New Jersey work injury lawyer with Rispoli & Borneo P.C. as soon as you have been injured. Understanding your legal options and receiving necessary support are both key to ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of benefits possible under the law.
The Law Varies
As with many other employment regulations, workers’ compensation laws are different depending on the state in which you are working. The bottom line is that most employers in most U.S. state must have this coverage for all regular employees, whether they’re full-time, part-time, work-from-home or seasonal workers. In some places, any business that has at least one employee must have workers’ comp benefits. Other states require companies with at least three or five employees to have this insurance. If a company hires a consultant, independent contractor or freelancer, that worker is not generally eligible for coverage. However, if your work classification renders you ineligible for workers’ comp, it is still advisable to contact an Elizabeth, NJ work injury lawyer following your accident. You may be misclassified or you may be able to take advantage of compensation-related legal alternatives.
Self-Insured
Larger companies often have in-house workers’ compensation coverage and self-insure, while medium-sized and small companies will likely go through a third party to provide coverage. In either case, if you are injured on the job, your first responsibility is to notify your supervisor or human resource representative of the incident and to file an accident report. However, it is okay to connect with an Elizabeth, NJ work injury lawyer first if you are concerned that reporting your accident will place you at risk of wrongful termination or another form of retaliation.
No Fear of Retaliation
The law protects you from any retaliation from your employer if you file a workers’ compensation claim. You cannot be fired or harassed simply because you were hurt and filed a claim. Companies face steep fines for such actions. You even have the right to sue your company in these situations, especially if management refuses to file your claim or accept your accident report.
Steps You Can Take
If you were injured while at work, but you’re getting nowhere with your claim, don’t give up. You deserve financial compensation for your medical expenses, and your employer needs to be held accountable for refusing to help. Please schedule a consultation with an Elizabeth, NJ work injury lawyer if you believe you have been treated unfairly. A skilled lawyer will be your advocate for making sure you get coverage.
Work Injury Lawyer Elizabeth, NJ
Are you working in an office, but have recently suffered some kind of injury, and you believe it is work related? If so, Rispoli & Borneo, a work injury lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ would like to speak with you about your legal options.
Can Office Workers File a Workers’ Compensation Claims?
If you have been injured at work and your employment meets certain criteria, you are entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits as a result of the harm you have suffered. It does not matter what your occupation is or what industry you work in. If you are covered and the eligibility criteria are met, you are entitled to benefits. Many office workers are surprised to discover that they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, as this coverage is most often associated with construction accident and factory worker claims. However, most full-time office workers are indeed eligible for benefits when they suffer on-the-job injuries. With that said, office-related injuries can be harder to prove than injuries that result from significant accidents in injury-prone industries like construction, trucking, industrial fishing and farming. Therefore, if you are harmed while working in an office, consider speaking with an experienced Elizabeth, NJ work injury lawyer from Rispoli & Borneo in order to better ensure that your claim is both successful and handled in an efficient, timely manner.
When You’re Injured While Working in an Office
Office accidents and injuries occur more often than one might initially think. A surprising number of slip and fall accidents and incidents of workplace violence happen every day in America. In addition, office workers are among the most at-risk individuals for repetitive stress injuries. Typing and other repetitive motions required in office work often result in painful, chronic conditions that can make it difficult or even impossible to remain on the job. If you are injured in an accident or develop a chronic work-related condition, an experienced work injury lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ can help. If you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, an attorney can help you to gather the proof you need and help you to process your paperwork. Workers’ compensation insurance carriers tend to reject claims for injuries that can possibly be attributed to activities outside work; an attorney can help you prove that your injury is work-related. If your accident-related injury or chronic condition is not covered by workers’ compensation insurance, a work injury lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ can help you explore alternative legal options, including the possibility of filing a personal injury claim.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you have been injured or have developed a debilitating, chronic condition due to your work in an office, you are not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with work-related injuries and medical conditions sustained while working in an office environment. Thankfully, there are legal options available that can help to make your situation more manageable financially, especially if your medical situation is forcing you to miss work. Whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits or could benefit from filing personal injury action, an experienced work injury lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ can help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to and protect your rights in the process.
For a consultation with a leading work injury lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ, call Rispoli & Borneo today.