Johnson Law Firm LLC Freehold Workers' Compensation Attorney | SSD Benefits 2026-05-21T14:12:34Z https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1603992/2021/12/cropped-ID-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Johnson Law Firm LLC <![CDATA[When workers’ comp falls short in New Jersey construction cases]]> https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/?p=47690 2025-09-29T19:15:03Z 2025-09-29T19:15:03Z You injured your back on the job and now the pain keeps you from working like you used to. Even with workers’ comp, you may struggle to cover essentials like rent, food and child care. When you understand what help is available, you can take control and protect your future.

Understand what workers' comp covers

Workers' compensation pays for medical treatment and part of your lost wages. In New Jersey, the system replaces about two-thirds of your weekly pay. It does not include overtime, bonuses or other extras. While your doctor visits and treatments may fall under the coverage, you still need to pay for other costs like transportation expenses, home help or missed mortgage payments. Once you break down what it actually provides, you can see why many workers struggle.

Recognize the limits of workers’ compensation

Partial wage replacement usually cannot meet your full household needs. In New Jersey, many workers in construction, transportation and health services face this problem. Even a short break from work can create serious financial stress. You should consider every available option to protect your income. 

Explore other income sources while you recover

You can turn to other sources for help during your recovery. These resources generally do not interfere with your workers’ compensation claim:
  • Union assistance programs: Receive emergency financial support or hardship grants.
  • Disability insurance benefits: Get income through your employer or a private policy.
  • Modified work opportunities: Return to light-duty jobs that match your doctor’s instructions.
  • Community support resources: Use local or county programs for short-term help.
These options can help fill the gaps that workers’ comp leaves behind. You should also ask whether someone outside your employer contributed to your injury.

Can you file a third-party claim?

If a subcontractor, equipment maker or property owner was partly responsible for your injury, you may qualify for a third-party claim. A third-party claim allows you to seek compensation from a person or company outside of your employer's organization if their actions played a role in your injury. Through these claims, you can seek extra compensation for pain, future medical costs and lost income. You improve your chances when you consider speaking with a lawyer who knows how to handle these claims.

Work with an experienced injury lawyer

A local workers' comp lawyer can review your benefits and may help you find any additional options. You do not need to handle legal and insurance issues by yourself, especially when your health and income are at risk. By acting early, you protect your future and your ability to care for your family.

Don't settle for less than you deserve

Workers' compensation may not be enough. If your benefits fall short, consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in protecting injured workers and their families. You have worked hard for years. Now is the time to protect what matters most: your health, income and your peace of mind. If you live or work in Monmouth County, consider speaking with a local attorney who understands construction injuries and can guide you through the process.]]> On Behalf of Johnson Law Firm LLC <![CDATA[Understanding workers’ compensation in New Jersey]]> https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/?p=47661 2024-10-21T18:47:11Z 2024-10-17T18:48:45Z a no-fault insurance program, so workers are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury. This system covers most employees, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Many employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring that employees have access to benefits if they are injured or fall ill due to a workplace-related incident.

Benefits under workers’ compensation

The insurance policy generally provides for the following:
  • Medical benefits: Coverage for all necessary medical treatment related to the injury or illness.
  • Temporary total disability benefits: Payments to employees who cannot work for more than seven days, calculated as a percentage of the worker's average weekly wage.
  • Permanent partial or total disability benefits: Compensation for as long as medical staff deems it necessary not to work and for workers who suffer permanent impairments.
  • Death benefits: Support for dependents in the unfortunate event of a worker’s death due to a job-related injury.

The role an experienced local attorney can play

While the workers’ compensation system is designed to be straightforward, disputes and complexities can arise, making the process challenging for injured workers and their families. This is where the knowledge of an experienced local attorney becomes invaluable. Here’s why:
  • Understands local laws and regulations: New Jersey has specific laws and procedures governing workers’ compensation claims. An attorney familiar with these nuances can ensure all necessary documentation is completed correctly and submitted on time.
  • Knows the claims process: An experienced attorney can help injured workers understand their rights and the benefits they are entitled to. They can assist in gathering necessary evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if needed, representing the worker in hearings or appeals.
  • Maximizes compensation: Attorneys can identify additional benefits that an injured worker might be entitled to, such as Social Security Disability Insurance or third-party claims, ensuring comprehensive compensation for the injured party and their family.
  • Personalized support: A local attorney offers personalized attention and understands the community, providing compassionate support during a challenging time.

It’s not an easy process

While workers’ compensation in New Jersey provides essential protections, the process can be intricate and overwhelming. Moreover, an employer or insurance carrier can cause additional complications for their own reasons. Having an experienced local attorney by your side ensures that injured workers and their families receive the full benefits they deserve, allowing them to focus on their recovery and rebuilding their lives.]]> On Behalf of Johnson Law Firm LLC <![CDATA[Do you still deserve workers’ comp. if it was your fault?]]> https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/?p=47568 2022-07-21T22:26:10Z 2022-07-21T22:26:10Z Your fault does not factor in If something like this has happened to you, especially if your employer is claiming that you no longer get workers’ comp benefits, you'll be glad to know that fault does not factor into the equation. Under this no-fault system, all workers are covered, no matter who is responsible for their injuries. The reason it was set up like this was actually to protect businesses. Businesses did not want to be sued by injured workers who claimed that the fault lay with the business. This would have resulted in an astronomical amount of lawsuits every year as the courts tried to determine who was responsible. Instead, by accepting the no-fault system, businesses prevent all of these lawsuits. The benefit for workers is that they don't have to worry about proving fault and they know that they're still covered even when they make a mistake. All this may be true, but that doesn't mean your employer fully understands it or that they won't try to deny you the benefits that you deserve. If something like this is to happen, you need to know about all of your legal options.]]> On Behalf of Johnson Law Firm LLC <![CDATA[Critical ladder safety tips to prevent injury]]> https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/?p=47566 2022-04-26T18:30:01Z 2022-04-26T18:30:01Z ladder safety tips.

The foundation matters

First off, the space where you set up the ladder has to be level and free from all debris. You never want to set the ladder up on soft ground or anything that could shift while you climb. The biggest reason why people set ladders up in unsafe spaces is simply because they're in a rush, so always take your time.

You want 3 points of contact

Once you begin climbing, it's crucial that you maintain three points of contact at all times. This means moving one hand or foot at a time while all the others stay in contact with the ladder, ensuring that you are less likely to slip. Never rush up the ladder or try to carry anything in your hand so that you have to entirely let go.

You need to consider the design of the ladder itself

Finally, people often just use whatever ladder they have on hand and assume that any one is as safe as the next, but this is not true. You want to make sure you have a ladder that is designed for the space in which you're working. Step ladders are much different than extension ladders, for instance, and fiberglass ladders may be safer in situations where there is the potential for electrical contact. Finally, you want to read the warnings on the ladders to ensure that you understand the weight limits and exactly how to set them up in a safe manner. Unfortunately, my workers are hurt every single day in ladder falls, even when they try to be as safe as they can. If you've suffered a severe injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, you need to know about all of your rights.]]> On Behalf of Johnson Law Firm LLC <![CDATA[Can you get workers’ compensation for infections?]]> https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/?p=47538 2022-01-21T22:30:51Z 2022-01-21T22:30:51Z serious infections like sepsis or tetanus, workers’ compensation may be particularly helpful.

What can you do to avoid serious infections on the job?

One of the things to remember is that most serious infections are caused by bacteria or viruses that do have vaccinations. For example, you can get a tetanus shot if you’ve cut yourself on metal that was lying in the dirt outside or ask for a rabies shot if you were bitten and suffered injuries while working with a wild animal on site. Sepsis is caused when an infection reaches your blood stream and may require significant medical attention, but early treatment and cleaning of any serious wounds may help reduce the likelihood of this illness. Antibiotics may also assist in preventing sepsis when you’re undergoing medical treatment for a laceration. If you’re hurt at work, you have an opportunity to seek workers’ compensation no matter how minor an injury may first appear to be. Let your employer know that you’ve been injured, and then look into seeking care. From there, keep track of your injury and make sure you follow your treatment plan. If it worsens, seek additional care, and let your employer know that your injury required additional attention. You can make a workers’ compensation claim to cover, at a minimum, the cost of your care.]]> On Behalf of Johnson Law Firm LLC <![CDATA[Welcome To Our Blog]]> https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/?p=47518 2022-01-27T19:04:41Z 2022-01-18T22:30:49Z On Behalf of Johnson Law Firm LLC <![CDATA[3 ways hospital workers can get hurt at work and become patients]]> https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/?p=47539 2021-11-22T21:17:54Z 2021-11-22T21:17:54Z Pushing their bodies too hard Those tasked with the care of other people in a vulnerable situation will often do everything in their power to ensure the safety and comfort of their charges. Hospital workers often have to move from patient to patient quickly and perform physically-laborious tasks, like lifting someone with limited mobility from their bed. Heavy lifting and constant physical demands are among the reasons why 48% of lost-time incidents at hospitals involved employees over-exerting themselves. Springs, strains and even hernias are examples of overexertion injuries.

Falls, slips and trips

In some hospital settings, workers may need to go from one floor to another. Other times, they may have to rush from one end of a ward to the other to respond to an emergency. Rushing around, especially in the facility that offers food service and deals with bodily functions, puts people at risk of slipping, tripping or falling. Hospital workers falling on the job accounts for another 25% of all lost-time injuries in hospital settings.

Dangerous objects

Accidental physical contact with dangerous objects is another common cause of hospital worker injuries, responsible for 13% of reports. Hospital staff members could hurt themselves by poking themselves with a needle that has already been used on a patient or by inhaling cleaning fumes. Everything from the medications that they dispense to the machinery that they use in surgeries will put hospital workers at risk if they come into contact with that object unintentionally. Hospital workers who understand the risks at work can avoid getting hurt and will know when to stand up for themselves if they do suffer an injury. Filing a workers' compensation claim can help hospital workers who need to take time off to recover from an injury they suffered on the job.]]> On Behalf of Johnson Law Firm LLC <![CDATA[Is understaffing leading to more workplace injuries?]]> https://www.pamelajohnsonlaw.com/?p=47540 2021-11-17T23:31:02Z 2021-11-17T23:31:02Z Exhausted and fewer workers An inadequate number of employees may lead to workers making hasty decisions that, ultimately, prove unsafe, causing injuries that were previously avoidable. Rushing to fulfill work orders may lead to a slip and fall or inattentiveness while operating heavy machinery. Unsafe workplace scenarios may lead to fractures, concussions, traumatic brain injuries and amputations. Fatal injuries are possible. Here are some other scenarios that may occur when workplaces are understaffed:
  • More work may mean better chances of injuries stemming from overexertion and repetitive stress. An increase in injuries to the tendons, ligaments, neck, lower back, knees and shoulders is possible. So are cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and hernias.
  • Exhausted and injured workers miss shifts, resulting in more pressure placed on the remaining workers who now have a much higher chance for an injury.
  • Fewer staff members also likely mean high turnover rates, leading to employers having to train new workers who may not adapt to the job quickly enough.
Workers should not have to pay the price of an injury due to understaffing. Employers must adjust their expectations when they have fewer workers, but always keep the staff they have safe.

Employers must not shirk responsibility

The safety of its workers must remain the priority of employers. They need an adequate number of staff to get the job done and should not rely on skeleton crews. Granted a labor shortage exists today, but employers must try harder to hire and retain qualified workers. A low number of workers means the potential for more workplace mistakes, additional safety challenges and an increased number of injuries.]]>