If you suffered a workplace injury in Clifton, you’re likely feeling confused and frustrated. You may be out of work and unsure how to pay your bills. Doctors’ visits, physical therapy, and paperwork can feel like too much to handle yourself. Furthermore, things can quickly get worse or more complicated if your employer or their insurer won’t cooperate and respect your rights.

Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers can help you get your life back on track. Our Clifton workplace injury attorneys have recovered over $500 million for injury victims across New Jersey. We bring decades of cumulative experience and a strong reputation for positive results to every case. Our clients respect how hard we work for them, as shown by our 4.9 rating on Google from nearly 6,000 reviews. Moreover, we know how to deal with employers, insurance companies, and the workers’ comp system. We’ll fight on your behalf for full compensation while you focus on healing. Call (973) 364-8300 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Workplace Injury

You may think you can handle things independently after a workplace injury. But the process is more complicated than it seems. You must report your injury, complete detailed forms, and meet strict deadlines. One small mistake could delay your claim or lead to a claim denial. Furthermore, insurance companies may downplay your injury or pressure you into accepting less than your case is worth.

You could also face pushback from your employer. They might question how the injury happened or argue it isn’t work-related. They may even retaliate or create a hostile work environment. These situations can be challenging to handle alone – especially when you’re in pain and trying to recover.

Without legal help, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the process and fall behind. You could be left covering your medical bills or lost wages on your own.

How Our Clifton Workplace Injury Lawyers Can Help

When you hire Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, you get a team that stands with you from start to finish. We begin by listening to your story and explaining your rights in clear terms. Our team will also help you report your injury properly and file all the necessary paperwork on time. These steps help us make sure you meet every deadline so your employer doesn’t have grounds to deny or delay your benefits.

From there, we’ll gather your medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to build a robust case. If your employer or their insurance company pushes back, we’ll step in to protect your rights. Whether you’re feeling pressure to return to work too soon or your employer is offering less than your claim’s worth, we’ll fight to make sure you’re treated fairly.

Throughout the process, we handle the phone calls, paperwork, and settlement negotiations so you can focus on healing. We can also look beyond workers’ comp benefits to help you seek additional compensation. If a third party – like a contractor or equipment manufacturer – played a role in causing your injury, you might qualify for a personal injury claim. That could mean additional compensation for pain and suffering or other losses that workers’ comp doesn’t cover. At every stage, our goal is simple: to fight for the maximum compensation available.

Most Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Clifton

In general, the type of injury you sustain doesn’t affect your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits. However, understanding some common causes of workplace accidents can help you know if you should file a claim. Some common causes of Clifton workplace injuries include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls – These accidents often happen due to wet floors, loose cords, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways at job sites. A sudden fall can cause severe injuries, including broken bones, back injuries, or head trauma. While some fall injuries may heal in weeks, others – like spinal cord injuries – can cause long-term pain or permanent disabilities.
• Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries – Lifting heavy objects, working long hours, or repeating the same motion can strain workers’ muscles and joints. These injuries often affect the back, shoulders, hands, or knees. Symptoms often build slowly and include chronic pain, numbness, or reduced strength. Without rest or treatment, these injuries can become long-lasting and limit a worker’s ability to work.
• Falling Objects – Items falling from shelves, scaffolding, or machinery can cause severe injuries, especially in construction or warehouse settings. A falling object may result in head injuries, concussions, or neck trauma. Long-term effects can include memory problems, chronic headaches, or ongoing neurological issues.
• Machinery and Equipment Accidents – Workers can get caught in, struck by, or crushed by machinery with missing guards or faulty parts. These accidents may cause deep cuts, broken bones, or even crushed or severed limbs. Many workers injured in machinery accidents develop long-term disabilities and need prosthetics or repeated surgeries to regain their lost bodily functions.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances – Contact with chemicals, toxic fumes, or hazardous materials can lead to burns, breathing problems, or skin conditions. Over time, exposure to toxic substances may cause chronic illnesses like asthma, nerve damage, or cancer.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Comp Benefits in Clifton?

Most workers in Clifton qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they get hurt on the job. Full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees are eligible. Coverage applies regardless of the type of business or the company’s size.

To qualify, your injury or illness must be related to your job. It doesn’t matter who caused the accident, as workers’ comp is a “no-fault” system. You can still get benefits even if the injury was partially your fault.

You do not need to prove your employer did anything wrong to claim your benefits. However, you must report your injury and follow the proper steps. Failing to notify your employer or missing deadlines can hurt your claim.

Workers’ Comp Benefits in Clifton

The amount of your workers’ comp benefits varies depending on your pre-injury income, the severity and duration of your injury, and other factors. The benefits you could recover include:

• Medical Benefits – Your medical benefits cover all necessary and reasonable medical care related to your work injury. This includes coverage for doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and hospital stays. Your employer or their insurance carrier selects the doctor to oversee your treatments.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits – If you can’t work for more than seven days, you may receive weekly payments to help make up for your lost income. These benefits are usually 70 percent of your average weekly wage, up to a state-set maximum.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits – If your injury results in a lasting disability but you can still work, you may receive weekly wage-loss payments. The benefit amount varies based on the severity of your condition.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits – If you can’t work at all because of your injury, you may receive ongoing payments to help you meet your needs. These typically start with a 450-week period and can continue beyond that if you remain totally disabled.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Injuries in Clifton

Here are the answers to some common questions our Clifton workplace injury lawyers receive about these cases.

What steps should I take immediately after a workplace injury in Clifton to protect my rights?

First, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Tell a supervisor or manager, and make sure to submit the report in writing. Then, seek medical treatment right away – even if the injury seems minor. Your employer may require you to see an approved doctor.

Once you see a doctor, follow all medical advice and keep records of your visits. If possible, take photos of the accident scene and get contact info from any witnesses. These early steps can help protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

What should I do if I’m injured at work in Clifton and my employer doesn’t report the injury?

If your employer fails to report your injury, you still have options. You can contact their workers’ compensation insurance carrier directly. If you don’t know who that is, reach out to the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation for help.

It’s essential to act quickly, as delays can affect your benefits. In most cases, you have 14 days after a workplace injury to report it, or you lose your right to compensation. Similarly, you must file a claim for benefits within two years in most circumstances.

Can I sue my employer in Clifton for a work-related injury if their negligence caused the accident?

In most cases, no. New Jersey law generally doesn’t allow workers to sue their employers for workplace injuries, even if an employer was negligent. That’s because workers’ compensation is a no-fault system.

However, there are exceptions. If your employer intentionally put you in a dangerous situation, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. You may also be able to sue a third party – like a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer – if they played a role in your injury. A lawyer can review your case and explain your options.

Contact Our Clifton, NJ, Workplace Injury Attorneys Now

Don’t jeopardize your future by not seeking legal help after a Clifton workplace injury. Call Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers today at (973) 364-8300 or complete our contact form to get started with a free consultation.