Have you or your loved one ever experienced a catastrophic injury at the workplace? Navigating the aftermath of an accident while facing physical injuries and emotional distress can be challenging. In such cases, contacting a personal injury law firm in New Jersey can be the perfect solution.
But if the injury has taken place at your working premises, it is common to wonder whether or not you should seek help from an employment lawyer. Through this blog, we will help you understand which path is best suited for you according to your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Most workplace injuries in New Jersey fall under workers’ compensation, which covers partial wage replacement and medical expenses.
- A personal injury lawyer will ensure insurance companies do not pressure you into unfair settlements.
- With the help of an employment lawyer, you can recover financial damages by filing cases on time.
When Should You File a Personal Injury Claim at Your Workspace?
Workplace injuries can happen in almost any industry—from slips and falls in office settings to machinery accidents in construction or manufacturing. In a report by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), around 5,283 fatal work injuries occurred in 2023. This is equal to 3.5 casualties per 100,000 workers, which is alarming.
In New Jersey, most employment injuries are covered within workers’ compensation, which provides coverage of medical costs and partial salary coverage. However, there are situations where you should consider filing a personal injury claim:
- Third-Party Liability: In case of an employment accident that was caused by another person beyond the control of your employer, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver, you can bring a personal injury claim.
- Hazardous Workplace Conditions: In case your employer knowingly subjected you to the hazards or broke safety regulations, you might have a claim beyond workers’ compensation.
- Injuries that Workers’ Compensation Cannot Cover: Some issues, such as pain and illness, are not covered by workers’ compensation. A personal injury claim enables you to seek these other damages.
By filing a personal injury claim, you ensure that you are not limited to the minimal compensation and help hold negligent parties accountable.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Personal injury claims are complicated, particularly at the intersections of workers’ compensation and employment law. Having a personal injury law firm in New Jersey will bring the expertise and strategy you need to succeed:
- Evidence Gathering: A lawyer can gather facts regarding the accident and medical facts, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.
- Maximum Compensation: Lawyers can calculate both economic damages (medical costs, lost income) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress).
- Insurance Negotiations: Insurance companies would provide petty installments on the claims; a lawyer will guarantee that you will not be intimidated into agreeing to low settlements.
- Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will submit evidence and fight for the best outcome
Without legal representation, you could miss out on the full benefits you deserve.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Personal injury claims are complicated, particularly at the intersections of workers’ compensation and employment law. Having a personal injury law firm in New Jersey will bring the expertise and strategy you need to succeed:
- Evidence Gathering: A lawyer can gather facts regarding the accident and medical records, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.
- Maximum Compensation: Lawyers can calculate both economic damages (medical costs, lost income) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress).
- Insurance Negotiations: Insurance companies may offer minimal settlements; a lawyer ensures you are not pressured into unfair agreements.
- Court Representation: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present evidence and fight for the best outcome.
ithout legal representation, it’s easy to miss out on the full benefits you’re entitled to.
When Should You Call an Employment Law Attorney?
In some cases, your injury is just the beginning of your legal challenges. Employers sometimes retaliate against injured employees, making employment law just as crucial as injury law. You should contact an employment law attorney if you face:
- Retaliation/Termination: You were punished, demoted, or assigned unfavorable treatment after reporting your injury.
- Refusal to Accommodate: The employer refuses to provide the employee with reasonable accommodations (lightening the workload, changing the schedule) despite the medical restrictions.
- Leave Matters: No sick, FMLA, or medical leaves are protected by the state.
- Discrimination: Is focused on your injury, illness, or handicap.
These issues fall under employment law protections, and having a labor and employment attorney in New Jersey ensures your rights at work remain intact while you recover.
What Should You Choose: Employment Lawyer or Personal Injury Attorney?
Employment law lawyers defend your job security at work and the rights you have in and out of work. The following are the reasons why taking the services of an employment law attorney can make a difference:
- Job Protection: They fight against wrongful termination and workplace retaliation.
- Rights Advocacy: Ensure compliance with ADA (disability accommodations), FMLA, and New Jersey leave laws.
- Negotiation Power: Negotiate with human resources and management to ensure that the pressure is not exerted on you alone.
- Compensation Recovery: If your case comes to trial, your attorney will present evidence and argue before the court to get the best deal.
By hiring an employment law attorney, you gain a legal shield against workplace injustice while also securing financial and professional stability.
What Should You Choose Employment Lawyer or Personal Injury Attorney?
This question can only be answered based on your circumstances and the issues you are going through. If you are concerned about getting compensated for injuries, medical expenses, or pain and suffering caused by negligence, a personal injury attorney is the right choice.
Alternatively, if you are dealing with workplace retaliation, wrongful termination, or denial of leave after an injury, an employment lawyer will best protect your rights. In many cases, both legal areas overlap, and you may benefit from having both types of attorneys involved. The answer lies in determining whether your matter is more about injury compensation or work rights- or both.
Contact Sekas Law Group The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in New Jersey
Accidents at the workplace can disrupt your life in more than one way. You don’t just get physically hurt; it also strains your financial and emotional situation. At Sekas Law Group, a recognized employment law and personal injury law firm in New Jersey, we understand your situation and will help you handle it smoothly.
Whether you are looking for a personal injury lawyer or want an employment attorney, we have a team who have deep knowledge of how employment and personal injury law work in New Jersey. No matter what you are looking for:
- Compensation for suffering and pain
- Protection against retaliation at work
- Personal injury claims
Seaks Law Group will fight for your rights every step of the way. If you or someone you love has been injured at work, don’t wait reach out to Sekas Law Group for a consultation and ensure you are fully protected under New Jersey law.