Toms River Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

All employers in New Jersey have a legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace and minimize hazards that could lead to serious accidents. Unfortunately, workplace injuries can occur in a wide range of environments—from construction sites and hospitals to warehouses and retail stores. These injuries can be severe, long-lasting, or even life-threatening. If you suffered a work-related injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a Workers’ Compensation claim.

The Toms River Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. can review your case, guide you through the claims process, and work to ensure you receive the maximum benefits available under the law.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Toms River?

Workplace accidents often result from hazards that employers fail to address. Common causes of injuries in Toms River and across New Jersey include:

Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and debris can all lead to serious injuries. Employers are responsible for addressing these hazards.
Falls From Heights: Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or other elevated surfaces are especially common in construction, but any employee can be affected.
Repetitive Tasks: Prolonged repetitive movements, such as typing, lifting, assembly line work, or operating machinery, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or bursitis.
Overexertion: Injuries from pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy loads.
Machinery Accidents: Injuries caused by malfunctioning or poorly maintained machinery, or improper training on equipment use.
Falling Objects: Common in construction and warehouse environments.
Electrocutions: Caused by faulty electrical equipment, exposed wires, or improper use of electrical tools.

Where Do Workplace Injuries Most Often Occur in Toms River?

Certain areas and industries in Toms River see higher rates of workplace accidents due to the nature of the work. Construction sites throughout Ocean County, including development projects in downtown Toms River and along Route 37, frequently report falls, machinery accidents, and heavy lifting injuries. Warehouses and distribution centers near the Garden State Parkway and commercial corridors often experience repetitive motion injuries, overexertion, and forklift or falling object accidents.

Healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes are prone to slips, back injuries from patient handling, and repetitive stress injuries among staff. Retail locations and restaurants along Hooper Avenue and Route 37 report slips, trips, and other frequent minor accidents.

Employees in these high-risk workplaces should be vigilant and ensure injuries are properly documented. The Toms River Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. have experience handling claims from these hyperlocal areas and can guide you through the process to secure the benefits you deserve.

How Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

To be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits in New Jersey, the following requirements generally apply:

Employer Coverage: Your employer must carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. Most employers are required to have it, though exceptions include certain federal employees, maritime workers, and independent contractors.
Work-Related Injury or Illness: Your injury must be directly related to your job. Common qualifying injuries and illnesses include:
- Accidents involving machinery, construction sites, warehouses, or factories.
- Repetitive stress injuries caused by performing the same tasks over time.
- Illnesses caused by exposure to toxic or harmful substances, including lung disease, skin conditions, gastrointestinal illnesses, or certain types of cancer, such as mesothelioma.
Documentation and Medical Treatment: It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and report your injury to your employer. Proper documentation increases the likelihood that your claim will be approved.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ Compensation benefits can cover a wide range of costs associated with your injury or illness, including:

Medical Expenses: Hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and follow-up care.
Temporary Disability Benefits: Typically, 70 percent of your weekly wages while recovering.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits: A portion of your weekly wages based on the body part affected.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits: For injuries that prevent you from returning to work or involve the loss of major body parts.
Death Benefits: For fatalities resulting from workplace injuries, including funeral expenses and 70 percent of the worker’s weekly wages for eligible dependents.

Can I Pursue a Third-Party Liability Personal Injury Claim?

In some workplace accidents, you may be entitled to compensation beyond Workers’ Compensation through a third-party liability personal injury (PI) claim. While Workers’ Compensation covers most workplace injuries, it generally only compensates for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. If a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver, contributed to your injury, you may have the right to file a separate lawsuit to recover additional damages.

Third-party claims can provide compensation for:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of earning capacity beyond temporary or permanent disability benefits
Additional medical costs not fully covered by Workers’ Compensation
Property damage caused by the accident

For example, if a delivery truck driver causes an accident while you are performing your job duties, you may pursue a claim against the driver or the trucking company. Similarly, if defective machinery causes your injury, the manufacturer or distributor could be held liable.

Navigating third-party claims can be complex, as they often involve proving negligence, liability, and damages. The Toms River Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. can evaluate your case, coordinate your Workers’ Compensation claim with a third-party claim, and pursue the maximum financial recovery available.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In New Jersey, workplace injuries must be reported to your employer within 90 days of the accident, though reporting as soon as possible is strongly recommended. The statute of limitations for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering benefits.

The Toms River Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. ensure your claim is filed promptly and work to protect your rights throughout the process.