Workers who find themselves injured in an accident at work often believe that workers’ compensation benefits are the only kind of compensation they are entitled to. The reality is that under New Jersey laws, workers who are injured at work may be able to make additional claims, claims which are independent of any workers’ compensation claim.
Workplace accidents are very common, especially in certain industries, such as construction, factory, machinery, etc. The most common kinds of workplace accidents involve the following:
- caught/crush: a body part gets caught or crushed by a machine,
- falls: slip or trip and falls or falls from heights, and
- motor vehicle accidents: car, truck, bus or pedestrian accidents.
Caught/Crush Accidents at Work
For construction, factory or industrial workers, getting caught in a machine or piece of equipment can lead to severe injuries, like hand and arm amputation. In many instances, there may be liability of a machine or equipment operating company or a machine maintenance company. There may also be a product liability claim. Making such claims involves proper investigation and knowledge of the kind of machinery involved in the accident. Experts are often used to examine the equipment and determine what went wrong.
Falls at Work
Slip and fall or trip and fall accidents are by far, the most common kind of work related accident. In many instances, large factories and buildings have outside contractors/companies which maintain the building. If a worker falls and suffers injuries due to negligence of one of these kinds of outside parties, they may have a valid negligence claim.
Motor Vehicle Accidents While on the Job
Each day, employees travel for their jobs, and many auto accidents occur while the employee is “on the job.” Common examples of workers who regularly travel for work include home care nurses, construction workers, and office employees. For example, a construction worker who is driving to/from jobs and is injured in a car accident can make a negligence claim against another driver. An office employee who is driving to a work function such as a conference may also be able to make an auto accident negligence claim.
More Workplace Accident Legal Articles:
- Slip and Falls Accidents at Work in New Jersey – What an Injured Worker Should Know
- Workplace Accidents in New Jersey – Suing an Employer
New Jersey Workplace Accident & Injury Lawyers
If you’d like to have your case reviewed by our New Jersey workplace accident lawyers, call 215.925.4451. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.
The work injury and accident lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Published: September 7, 2012