Standing Up For Injured Health Care Workers In New Jersey

We depend on doctors, nurses, first responders and others in the health care industry to provide us with care. Unfortunately, those who work in this industry often find themselves suffering from significant injuries or illnesses while working. If you are a health care worker who has suffered an injury on the job, know that we can help you get the workers’ compensation you deserve.

At The Law Office of Mallon, Tranger & Budzek, with offices in Freehold and Point Pleasant, our attorneys have more than four decades of combined legal experience helping injured workers get back on their feet. We understand the ins and outs of the New Jersey workers’ compensation system, and we will explain your options and help you make the right decisions for your case.

Inherent Risks And Hazards For Health Care Workers

Health care workers face numerous risks and hazards daily. Understanding these challenges is crucial for ensuring their safety and well-being.

• Exposure to infectious diseases: Constant contact with sick patients increases the risk of contracting illnesses
• Physical injuries: Tasks such as lifting patients can lead to musculoskeletal injuries
• Chemical exposure: Regular use of sanitizers and exposure to medications can pose health risks
• Workplace violence: Encounters with aggressive patients or visitors can lead to physical harm
• Emotional stress: Dealing with patients in critical condition can be emotionally draining

Health care facilities need to implement robust safety protocols and provide ongoing training to mitigate these risks and protect their workforce.

Special Protections For Injured Nurses

Under new laws, nurses and other first responders in New Jersey now receive enhanced protections. This is especially significant for those who volunteered during critical times, like the 9/11 attacks.

The 21st Century First Responder Protection Act

Recently, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy enacted laws to protect first responders, including nurses. These laws recognize the sacrifices made by those who volunteered at the World Trade Center on 9/11 and other emergencies. Here’s what these laws mean for you:

• Enhanced health benefits and compensation: If you get sick or injured due to your duties, you will receive necessary health benefits and compensation without the burden of proving causation
• Accidental disability retirement: If you volunteered during 9/11, you are eligible for accidental disability retirement, regardless of previous eligibility constraints
• Rebuttable presumption of coverage: There’s now a presumption that certain illnesses are work-related, simplifying the process for you to receive benefits

This legislation ensures you are supported and valued, reflecting our collective gratitude for your unwavering service and dedication.

What New Jersey Law Says About Workers’ Compensation For Health Care Workers

In New Jersey, the compensation process for workplace injuries is designed to be straightforward:

• Immediate medical coverage: You get medical and hospital services from the beginning
• Compensation for temporary disability: If your disability lasts more than seven days, compensation begins and can cover the initial waiting period
• Determination of permanent disability: Permanent disability benefits start after 26 weeks from your last medical treatment or return to work
• Additional Benefits: In the unfortunate event of death, the law provides for burial expenses and compensation to dependents

These measures ensure you are supported during and after recovery, reflecting the state’s commitment to those in health care and emergency response roles. If you face an injury at work, these protections support your recovery and uphold your rights.

Nurse Workers’ Compensation Attorney Treating Your Case With Respect

Many employers and their insurance companies make it difficult for injured workers to get the benefits they deserve. This can make the worker feel pressured to return to work before they heal completely, which may increase the risk of additional injuries down the road.

Our lawyers will fight to make sure that injured health care workers get the medical treatments they need before going back on the job. We have helped with a number of different types of workplace injury claims, including:

• Back injuries, such as injuries suffered while lifting patients
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Injuries resulting from attacks by injured patients
• Conditions caused by defective workplace equipment
• Illnesses or sicknesses acquired while working

The workers’ compensation system can be frustrating, but we can help you navigate the entire process. Rejections are common for initial claims, and some workers give up without appealing. If we feel that you have a valid claim, we will work until there are no other options open to us. We will be there for you throughout the case, including any hearings that may be necessary.

Meet With One Of Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

We routinely represent injured workers in cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties as well as throughout New Jersey. To schedule your free consultation with one of our lawyers, please call us today at 732-780-0230 or send us an email to arrange a time that works for you.