Legal Question in Workers Comp in New Jersey

Re: What should I do next.

Please contact me to discuss the filing of a worker's compensation petition for a permancy award as well as a possible third party recovery.

There is no fee for the initial consultation

Re: What should I do next.

I'm sorry for your terrible situation. Fortunately, there are several remedies available to help alleviate your situation. Depending upon how long you've been out of work, you may be eligible to apply for benefits from NJ Disability and the Social Security Administration (SSI or SSD). Additionally, on top of those programs, you have the right to file a Workers' Compensation Claim Petition. The claim petition will initiate your case against your employer and may result in a settlement or lump sum award based upon your level or percentage of disability as determined by the Judge after a trial or as agreed to between the parties in a settlement. From the date of filing of the claim petition, the case should take anywhere from 6 months to 1 1/2 years depending on how clearcut your injuries are and whether you have concluded treatment already. With regard to your immediate need for income, if you are presently out of work due to your work related injury, you may be entitled to temporary income and medical benefits. If your employer refuses to provide these benefits, your attorney can file a motion to compel them to. If you have any questions about this whatsoever or wish to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to call me or my partner, Dave Sternlieb at 732-432-8400 or 1-888-432-4529. By the way, your workers' comp lawyer is not allowed to charge you a legal fee. All legal fees will be awarded by the judge and cannot exceed 20% of your award. The fee is paid out of your award and by the employer as well. The judge decides how much comes out of the award and how much is paid by the employer.

Good luck to you and your family.