tmallon logo
Free Consultations Available
En Español

Aggressively Fighting For Your Rights

New Jersey Attorneys for Back Injuries & Shoulder Injuries

Back, shoulder, and neck injuries are among the most common and most debilitating injuries that workers experience on the job. Whether caused by a single traumatic incident or the result of repetitive strain, these injuries can prevent you from returning to work, earning a paycheck, or performing even simple daily activities.

At Mallon and Tranger, we help injured workers across Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties pursue the workers’ compensation benefits they are entitled to. If you’ve suffered a serious injury to your lower back, upper back, shoulders, or neck due to a job-related task, our attorneys will fight to make sure you receive proper medical care and financial support while you recover.

How Do Most Back and Shoulder Injuries Occur?

Back, shoulder, and neck injuries can occur in virtually every type of work environment, whether you’re performing physically demanding labor or sitting at a desk for hours each day. These injuries may stem from a sudden, traumatic accident or may develop gradually over time due to repetitive strain or poor workplace ergonomics. Regardless of how the injury occurs, the consequences can be serious, often requiring extended medical care, rehabilitation, or time away from work.

Some of the most common workplace scenarios that lead to back, shoulder, and neck injuries include:

  • Lifting heavy objects improperly or without assistance: Lifting with your back instead of your legs or attempting to carry objects that exceed safe weight limits is one of the leading causes of lower back and shoulder injuries. This is especially common in construction, warehouse, and delivery jobs.
  • Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated surfaces: Falls can cause significant trauma to the spine, shoulders, and neck. Workers on construction sites or in maintenance roles in Freehold and Point Pleasant are particularly vulnerable to these types of accidents.
  • Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces: A simple slip-and-fall accident can result in a herniated disc, torn rotator cuff, or cervical strain. These types of incidents are frequent in healthcare, hospitality, and warehouse settings.
  • Repetitive motions such as bending, twisting, or overhead reaching: Over time, repetitive movements can lead to inflammation, joint instability, and chronic pain in the back, shoulders, and neck. Employees in manufacturing, food service, and retail often suffer from these injuries.
  • Prolonged sitting or standing with poor posture or inadequate support: Office workers and drivers who sit for long hours in poorly designed chairs or vehicles may develop stiffness, muscle strain, or disc problems in the lower back and neck.
  • Motor vehicle accidents involving company vehicles: Employees who drive for work, such as truck drivers, delivery personnel, or technicians, may suffer injuries in on-the-job vehicle crashes, including whiplash, spinal damage, or shoulder trauma.
  • Overexertion or vibration from heavy tools or machinery: Operating heavy equipment or vibrating tools for extended periods can place intense stress on the spine and shoulder joints, leading to nerve damage or chronic conditions.
  • Lack of proper safety equipment or lifting protocols: When employers fail to provide adequate training, ergonomic assessments, or lifting aids, the risk of injury increases dramatically.

Related: Shoulder injuries are common in the trucking industry


Workers in labor-intensive industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation face the highest risk of back, shoulder, and neck injuries. However, even workers in seemingly low-risk environments such as offices, schools, or hospitals are not immune. In Freehold and Point Pleasant, injuries from repetitive tasks or workstation misalignment are frequently reported and should not be overlooked.

What Injuries May Be Covered by Benefits?

Under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system, injured employees may be entitled to medical care, wage replacement, and other benefits, not only for sudden accidents but also for injuries that result from repetitive strain or cumulative trauma over time. The law recognizes that many legitimate injuries do not appear overnight, especially those affecting the spine, shoulders, and neck.

Workers’ compensation may cover a wide variety of conditions, including:

  • Lumbar strain or sprain: This common injury involves damage to the muscles or ligaments in the lower back, often caused by lifting, twisting, or sudden movements.
  • Lower back pain or disc herniation: Herniated or bulging discs can place pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or mobility issues. These injuries often arise from repeated strain or improper lifting.
  • Ruptured or bulging spinal discs: These more severe disc injuries may require surgery and can result in long-term disability or chronic pain if left untreated.
  • Cervical (neck) strain and whiplash: Sudden jolts, falls, or awkward movements can cause injury to the muscles and tendons in the neck, particularly among drivers and healthcare workers.
  • Pinched nerves or nerve impingement: When discs or bone structures compress surrounding nerves, it can lead to sharp pain, tingling, and weakness in the limbs.
  • Torn rotator cuff: Often seen in jobs that involve lifting or overhead work, this injury can severely limit shoulder mobility and strength.
  • Shoulder dislocation or instability: Trauma or repeated stress can cause the shoulder joint to dislocate or become unstable, sometimes requiring surgical repair.
  • Broken shoulder or collarbone: Falls or blunt-force impacts can result in fractures, particularly in labor-intensive roles or slip-and-fall scenarios.
  • Chronic neck stiffness and pain: Long-term poor posture, prolonged sitting, or ergonomic issues can lead to persistent neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
  • Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia): In catastrophic cases, severe trauma to the spinal cord can cause partial or full paralysis, permanently altering a worker’s life.

These injuries can affect every aspect of your life, your ability to work, care for your family, and maintain your independence. They often require extensive treatment such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or surgery. If you are suffering from one of these conditions and believe it was caused by your work duties, you may be eligible for compensation.

At Mallon and Tranger, we assist workers in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties in securing workers’ compensation benefits for both acute injuries and those that develop gradually. You do not need to suffer in silence or worry about how you’ll afford medical treatment. Let us help you get the care and support you need.

What compensation is available for back and shoulder injuries suffered on the job?

What Compensation Is Available for Back and Shoulder Injuries Suffered on the Job?

Back, neck, and shoulder injuries are among the most disruptive injuries an employee can face. These injuries often come with long recovery periods, ongoing medical treatment, and in some cases, permanent limitations. You may be unable to perform the physical tasks your job requires or even simple day-to-day activities like walking, driving, or sleeping comfortably. That’s why New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system is in place, to support workers who suffer injuries on the job, regardless of who was at fault.

If you’ve been hurt at work in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere in Monmouth or Ocean County, you may be entitled to a variety of benefits under state law.

Workers' compensation benefits may include:

  • Medical Treatment: You are entitled to coverage for all necessary medical care related to your injury. This can include visits to doctors, specialists, and surgeons; diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans; medications; physical therapy; chiropractic treatment; injections; and any assistive devices or surgeries required for your recovery. In more severe cases involving spinal or neurological damage, long-term care and rehabilitation may also be covered.
  • Temporary Disability Benefits: If your injury forces you to miss more than seven days of work, you may qualify for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These payments are designed to replace a portion of your lost income while you are unable to work due to your injury. The amount is typically based on a percentage of your average weekly wage, up to a state-defined cap.
  • Permanent Partial or Total Disability Benefits: If your back, neck, or shoulder injury results in permanent limitations, such as restricted mobility, chronic pain, or reduced strength, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) or, in severe cases, permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. These benefits help compensate for the long-term impact of your injury on your ability to earn a living.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: When a workplace injury prevents you from returning to your former job, vocational rehabilitation benefits may be available. This can include job retraining, education, placement services, or even career counseling to help you transition into a new position that accommodates your physical limitations.
  • Mileage Reimbursement: Workers’ compensation may also cover travel expenses to and from authorized medical appointments. This ensures you’re not paying out-of-pocket for the cost of treating an injury you suffered while doing your job.

Each case is unique, and the level of compensation you receive depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of your injury, the duration of your disability, your job duties, and whether your condition is expected to improve. Some workers recover fully, while others face ongoing complications like nerve damage, chronic pain, or surgical recovery.

At Mallon and Tranger, we understand the financial and emotional toll a work-related injury can take. Our attorneys will thoroughly review your case to ensure your claim reflects not only your current needs but also any long-term challenges you may face.

How Can Mallon and Tranger Help With Your Back Injury?

Navigating the workers’ compensation system in New Jersey can be overwhelming, especially when you’re injured, in pain, or worried about missing paychecks. Insurance companies and employers don’t always make the process easy. In fact, many workers are initially denied benefits or given less than they deserve. At Mallon and Tranger, we’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

With over 40 years of combined experience handling work injury claims in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout New Jersey, our firm has the knowledge and skill to guide you through the process and protect your rights from start to finish.

We represent clients who are dealing with:

  • Denied workers’ compensation claims: If your claim was rejected or delayed, we can help you gather medical evidence, file an appeal, and present a compelling case to the insurance carrier or a judge.
  • Pressure to return to work too soon: If your employer or insurance company is trying to push you back to work before you’re medically cleared, we will intervene to protect your health and your legal rights.
  • Inadequate benefit payments: We can ensure your wage replacement benefits and medical coverage accurately reflect the seriousness of your injury and your actual earnings.
  • Unsafe working conditions or employer negligence: If your injury was caused by an unsafe work environment, lack of training, or faulty equipment, we will help document these facts and explore whether additional legal action is appropriate.
  • Chronic or repetitive motion injuries: Many workers develop back, neck, or shoulder injuries over time, rather than through a single incident. If your job duties caused or worsened your condition, you are still entitled to benefits.
  • Confusion about whether your injury qualifies for compensation: Even if you're not sure whether your pain or discomfort is work-related, we offer free consultations to assess your case and explain your options.

New Jersey law gives injured workers just two years from the date of injury (or the last date benefits were paid) to file a formal claim. That may seem like plenty of time, but delaying your claim can harm your chances of receiving full benefits. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can get to work gathering documentation, securing medical opinions, and protecting your financial future.

At Mallon and Tranger, our mission is to help injured workers in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and surrounding areas move forward with confidence. If you’re struggling with a work-related back, neck, or shoulder injury, let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery. We have decades of experience representing injured workers and victims throughout the state of New Jersey in a number of different personal injury claims, including:

Contact Mallon and Tranger Today for Help With Your Back and Shoulder Injuries

Whether you suffered a sudden back injury while lifting on a construction site or developed chronic shoulder pain from years of repetitive motion, you deserve to be treated with dignity and to be compensated fairly for your injury. The workers’ compensation process in New Jersey can be confusing and intimidating, especially when you’re in pain or unsure how to proceed.

Let the attorneys at Mallon and Tranger put their decades of experience to work for you. We serve injured workers in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We offer free consultations and will handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery. Call (732) 780-0230 or contact us online to schedule your free case review today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my chronic back pain qualifies as a workers’ compensation claim in Freehold, NJ?

Not all back pain comes from a single accident—sometimes it develops gradually from repetitive work activities. In Freehold, NJ, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation if your chronic back pain can be linked to your job. Our attorneys work with medical experts to establish a clear connection between your employment and your ongoing symptoms, which is critical for proving eligibility and securing medical coverage along with wage benefits.

Are there special considerations for union workers with a shoulder injury in New Jersey?

Union workers in New Jersey often face unique rules and procedures when handling a workplace shoulder injury, especially if their contract provides additional protections beyond state law. In Freehold and Point Pleasant, our attorneys are experienced in reviewing union agreements and ensuring that injured workers receive both the benefits available under New Jersey workers’ compensation law and any supplemental protections negotiated by their union.

Who chooses my treating doctor for a New Jersey work-related back or shoulder injury?

In New Jersey, the employer or its insurer generally directs medical care in workers’ compensation cases. The Division’s employer guide explains that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system providing medical treatment and wage replacement. Authorized care means bills are paid by the carrier when the provider is approved. If you need a referral to a specialist, it is typically coordinated through the authorized doctor. Keep copies of all referrals and work notes to avoid delays. Ask your lawyer about options if care is denied or unreasonably delayed.

What benefits can I receive for a serious back or shoulder injury, and when do they start?

Workers’ compensation can include authorized medical treatment, temporary wage replacement if you are taken off work by the approved doctor, and potential permanent disability benefits after you reach maximum medical improvement. The Division’s materials describe these categories and when they apply. Benefits begin once the claim is accepted and authorized care starts, subject to statutory rules. Keep reporting your symptoms and restrictions at every visit. Accurate documentation supports benefit eligibility and proper rates. If benefits stop early, consult counsel about next steps at the Division.

What evidence helps prove a job-related back or shoulder injury and a safe return-to-work plan?

Objective medical records, job duty descriptions, and where clinically indicated, imaging or electrodiagnostic tests help establish diagnosis and causation. Occupational medicine guidelines discuss when conservative care, advanced imaging, or procedures are appropriate. Ergonomics resources from NIOSH and OSHA can guide workplace changes that reduce strain. Ask your doctor to write specific restrictions that match your tasks. A clear plan helps your employer offer light duty without worsening your condition. Good documentation supports both your medical recovery and your legal claim.

Why should I work with a local attorney for a back injury in Freehold or Point Pleasant?

Working with a local attorney who knows the courts and administrative offices in Freehold and Point Pleasant can make a big difference in your case. We have strong relationships with local doctors, specialists, and vocational experts who regularly assist in proving the extent of back injuries and ensuring treatment is fully covered. Our experience with New Jersey’s workers’ compensation judges allows us to anticipate challenges and build strategies that are specific to our region. If you need guidance on your back or shoulder injury case, don’t wait, contact us today to discuss your options with our team.

Additional Information in New Jersey

  • CDC Data Brief - Back and Limb Pain Among U.S. Adults: Reports that in 2019, 39% of adults had back pain, 36.5% had lower limb pain, and 30.7% had upper limb pain. Rates were higher among women, older adults, non-Hispanic whites, and those with lower income.
  • Low Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention: Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment options, and prevention strategies for low back pain from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This resource explains when to seek care, outlines both nonsurgical and surgical approaches, and provides lifestyle tips to protect your spine and manage chronic discomfort.
  • NJ Department of Banking & Insurance – PIP Coverage Notice Requirements: Explains New Jersey’s no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system, including notice requirements, coverage obligations, and policyholder rights when filing medical or injury claims after an auto accident. This document is a key resource for understanding how PIP applies to accident victims across Freehold, Point Pleasant, and throughout New Jersey.


Contact Our Office

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call or complete the intake form below.
Fax:
732-780-5002
Email:
mailbox@tmallonlaw.com
Schedule:
(Monday - Sunday) 9-5 mon-friday

How Can We Help You?

Freehold Office
Point Pleasant Office
Powered By:
EpicWebResults logo
chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram