Your Legal Rights After a Job Injury in New Jersey Explained

Work should feel like a place where you’re safe and supported, not where your life can change in a single moment. But sometimes, despite being careful, something unexpected happens. An accident. A sharp pain. A fall. And suddenly, everything gets harder: going to work, paying bills, even just getting through the day. In times like these, New Jersey work injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and take the next steps.

The good news is that you have rights, and you don’t have to face this alone. With the support of experienced New Jersey work injury lawyers, like the compassionate team at Camili & Capo, PA, you can start to feel in control again. This law has helped countless workers across New Jersey understand their options and fight for the benefits they deserve. This blog will walk you through your rights in simple, honest terms—no legal jargon, just real help for people who need it.

First Things First: What Counts as a “Workplace Injury”?

You don’t have to be crushed under heavy machinery or suffer a dramatic fall for your injury to “count.” A workplace injury includes anything that happens while you’re doing your job, whether it’s a sudden accident or something that builds up over time.

Here are a few examples:

• Lifting boxes and pulling a muscle
• Getting into a car crash while making a work delivery
• Slipping into the breakroom
• Developing wrist pain from repetitive typing
• Feeling anxious or emotionally overwhelmed by your job environment

Even if you weren’t at your main job site, you may still be eligible for compensation. The key question is: Were you doing something related to work when the injury happened?

Your Immediate Rights After an Injury

When an injury happens, your first priority should be your health. You have the right to seek medical attention, and you should. Whether it’s a trip to urgent care or just getting checked out, don’t ignore it. Small pains can become big problems later.

You also have the right to tell your employer what happened. In New Jersey, you’re required to report a workplace injury within 90 days. It’s best to put it in writing and keep a copy for your records.

After reporting the injury, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to access the benefits you’re entitled to under New Jersey law. If you’re unsure how to do that, legal help is available.

What Workers’ Comp Covers in New Jersey

Workers’ compensation is here to support you while you recover. It can provide:

• All necessary medical care: You’re eligible for benefits that cover your doctor visits, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and other care you need to get better.
• Partial wage replacement: If you can’t work temporarily, you can receive around 70% of your wages.
• Support for permanent injuries: If your injury leaves lasting damage, you may qualify for long-term financial help.
• Help for families: If a loved one passes away due to a job injury, their dependents may receive benefits and compensation for funeral costs.

But here’s the hard truth: sometimes, insurance companies make things difficult. They delay. They deny claims. They push back. That’s when New Jersey work injury lawyers step in and make sure you’re treated fairly.

Can You Sue Your Employer? Understanding Legal Limits

In most cases, the answer is no. You generally can’t sue your employer if you’re eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. This is called the exclusive remedy rule, and while it protects employers, it also ensures you don’t have to prove fault to get help.

But what if someone else caused your injury, like a careless driver who struck you while you were on the clock or a faulty machine that malfunctioned? In those cases, you might be able to file a third-party claim. These lawsuits can offer additional compensation, and they don’t interfere with your workers’ comp benefits.

That’s why it’s so important to speak with an attorney. They can help uncover opportunities for compensation that you might not have realized were available.

Employer Retaliation: Know Your Rights

You shouldn’t have to worry about losing your job or being treated differently just because you got hurt. But sadly, that fear is real for many people.

Here’s what you need to know: It’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. That includes firing you, cutting your hours, shifting your job responsibilities, or making your work life harder on purpose.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Keep notes. Save messages. And talk to a lawyer. You don’t deserve to be punished for standing up for your rights.

What If Your Claim Gets Denied?

It’s incredibly frustrating to do everything right and still be told no. If your claim gets denied, take a breath. You still have options.

Insurance companies may deny claims for reasons like:

• “The injury didn’t happen at work.”
• “It was a pre-existing condition.”
• “You didn’t report it fast enough.”
• “You didn’t see the approved doctor.”

Don’t take their word as final. You can appeal a denial through the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. This is your chance to present evidence, get medical opinions, and have your case fairly reviewed. With the right legal support, many denials are overturned.

Timeline to File a Claim: Don’t Miss the Window

Timing is everything when it comes to workplace injuries. So here’s the timing to file a claim in New Jersey:

• In 90 days, you must report the injury to your employer (ideally in writing)
• Within 2 years from the date of injury (or last benefit payment), you must file a formal claim petition

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re focused on healing. But these deadlines are critical. Missing them could mean losing your right to benefits entirely. That’s why it helps to have a lawyer watching the timeline for you, so nothing gets missed.

How a Lawyer Helps You Navigate the Process

You’re not expected to know how the entire workers’ comp system works, but your lawyer does. Experienced New Jersey work injury lawyers can guide you through every step, including:

• Making sure your injury is reported properly
• Helping you get approved for medical treatment
• Filing the correct documents on time
• Speaking with insurance companies on your behalf
• Representing you in hearings or settlement talks
• Identifying additional claims (like third-party lawsuits)

When you’re injured and stressed, legal details can feel overwhelming. A knowledgeable attorney makes sure nothing is missed and that your case is as strong as possible.

At Camili & Capo, PA, their New Jersey work injury lawyers have handled countless cases like yours, always working to protect workers and their families from being pushed around by insurance companies.

Get in Touch With New Jersey’s Top Work Injury Lawyers From Camili & Capo, PA, for a Free Consultation Today

When you’re recovering from a job injury, the last thing you need is more stress. Camili & Capo, PA, simplifies the legal process by serving as your advocate and guide. They’ve helped countless injured workers across New Jersey get the care, benefits, and support they deserve. Whether your claim was denied or you’re filing for the first time, they know how to protect your rights.

Here’s what Camili & Capo, PA, can do for you:

• File and handle all your workers’ comp claims
• Represent you at the hearing and appeal for denied claims
• Coordinate medical evaluations and evidence
• Identify possible third-party claims for added compensation

If you’re ready to feel supported and move forward with confidence, call (973) 834-8457 to get in touch with Camili & Capo, PA, today for a free consultation. Their experienced New Jersey work injury lawyers are here to fight for your recovery every step of the way.

FAQs

Can I see my own doctor for a work injury?

Not always. Your employer or the insurance company may require you to see a doctor they choose. Ask before starting treatment.

What if my employer says the injury isn’t work-related?

You still have the right to file a claim. A lawyer can help prove your injury happened during work and push back against unfair denials.

What if I get fired after filing a work injury claim?

That may be illegal retaliation. You have the right to stand up against it with the help of an attorney.

What happens if my claim is denied?

You can appeal. Many denials are overturned with more evidence, medical records, and legal support. Don’t give up without speaking to a lawyer.

Join a vibrant community with the sole mission to achieve financial independence.

View more

Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

See a typo or want to suggest an edit/revision to the content? Use the comment form below for feedback.

At FangWallet, we value editorial integrity and open collaboration in curating quality content for readers to enjoy. Much appreciated for the assist.

---

Did you like our article and find it insightful? We encourage sharing the article link with family and friends to benefit as well - better yet, sharing on social media. Thank you for the support! 🍉

Article Title: Your Legal Rights After a Job Injury in New Jersey Explained

https://fangwallet.com/2025/06/16/your-legal-rights-after-a-job-injury-in-new-jersey-explained/

---

The FangWallet Promise

FangWallet is an editorially independent resource - founded on breaking down challenging financial concepts for anyone to understand since 2014. While we adhere to editorial integrity, note that this post may contain references to products from our partners.

The FangWallet promise is always to have your best interest in mind and be transparent and honest about the financial picture.

---

---

Become an Insider

Subscribe to get a free daily budget planner printable to help get your money on track!

Make passive money the right way. No spam.

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

---