New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Union Workers

Union Worker Injury Attorneys in Clark, NJ Dedicated to Workplace Injury Claims in Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Union County, and Throughout NJ

Despite the protections labor unions offer, injured union workers in New Jersey often face an uphill battle to secure the benefits they’re entitled to. Our role as New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers for union workers is to intervene in these matters and work to secure full compensation for you. 

When you’re ready to bring in the professionals to help you get the most out of your work injury claim, contact Team Law for a free consultation. 

Fighting for Union Workers in New Jersey

New Jersey has a long history as a strong union state. Team Law’s union worker injury attorneys in Clark, NJ, are proud to assist union workers in securing the full benefits they’re entitled to in the event of a work injury. The union workers we represent include: 

• Teachers
• Nurses
• Engineers 
• Police officers
• Truck drivers 
• Delivery drivers
• Utility workers
• Sanitation workers
• Agricultural workers
• Cannery workers
• Construction workers
• Carpenters
• Roofers
• Electricians 
• Plumbers
• Welders 
• Miners
• Factory workers
• Warehouse workers 
• Autoworkers
• Mechanics 
• Hotel workers
• Restaurant workers
• Office workers

Our commitment to injured union workers is to always pursue the maximum benefits available. 

Union Workers’ Rights Following a Work Injury 

If you’re injured in the course of your employment as a New Jersey worker, you’re eligible for benefits of some kind in most circumstances.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Under the state’s workers’ compensation system, employers are generally required to provide workers’ comp insurance benefits. These benefits include coverage of your medical expenses related to your injury, compensation for wage loss due to disability, and death benefits in the event of fatal injuries. 

In New Jersey, temporary disability benefits amount to 70% of the worker’s average weekly wage but are subject to minimum and maximum payment rates. Permanent disability benefits are also available to workers whose injuries have been documented as permanently interfering with their ability to work. 

Private Disability Insurance Plans

You might also purchase private disability plans either individually or through your employer from insurance companies such as UNUM, Lincoln Financial, SumLife, and Metlife. 

Unlike workers’ comp insurance, private disability insurance plans apply in the context of injuries that aren’t work-related as well as, potentially, those that are. Disability insurance generally doesn’t cover medical expenses but rather pays out compensation to injured workers for their lost wages while unable to work. 

Depending on the policy, these benefits may be short-term or long-term. They may have an elimination period, or a waiting period, during which the individual must be disabled before the policies kick in, as well as a benefit period that specifies for how long the injured individual can collect compensation.

Getting the Benefits You’re Entitled To

Being eligible for benefits and actually receiving the full amount of compensation you deserve as an injured worker are two different matters. The claims process is often complicated, but seasoned New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers for union workers can help you find your way and recover the maximum benefits available to you. 

Union Workers Denied Insurance Coverage

Even when proceedings go relatively smoothly, the claims process can be a hassle. Filing the paperwork, keeping on top of the deadlines, and putting in the time and effort to document everything can add to your stress when you’re trying to recover from your injuries. Among the most frustrating issues for injured workers is dealing with disputes and claims denials, which happen relatively often in matters involving work injuries. 

Insurers—both workers’ comp and private disability—may deny claims for a variety of reasons. Having experienced union worker injury attorneys in Clark, NJ, on your side can help you sort out any claim disputes, appeal claim denials, and potentially even avoid these challenges in the first place through extensive documentation and careful management of your case. 

Common reasons for claim denials include: 

• Insurer (workers’ comp or private plan) asserting problems with paperwork or inadequate documentation
• Insurer (workers’ comp or private plan) disputing an aspect of the claim necessary for coverage or claimed benefits, such as whether the injury was actually work-related or the extent of your injuries, necessary medical treatment, or disability 
• Insurer (workers’ comp or private plan) asserting that you did not meet waiting period requirements or exhausted the benefit period 
• Insurer (workers’ comp or private plan) asserting missed claim deadlines 
• Insurers denying coverage under private plans because workers’ comp coverage exists
• Insurers denying coverage under private plans on the basis that the worker did not meet the requirements for the plan in the first place 
• Insurers denying coverage under private plans on the basis that the claimed injuries are pre-existing and not covered under the policy 

A dispute or claim denial may seem like a big setback, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your claim. Team Law’s New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers for union workers have a long history of successfully handling complicated claims and overcoming obstacles. We’ll review your case at no charge and identify any courses of action through which we can help you get your claim back on track and receive the benefits you deserve. 

Claim Deadlines and What to Do If You Miss Them 

One reason you should consult our union worker injury attorneys in Clark, NJ, as early as possible is to ensure you don’t miss crucial deadlines. There are numerous deadlines that may apply to your claim. 

Deadlines to Notify Employer Under State Law 

It’s always best to notify your employer of a work injury right away, preferably within 14 days of the injury occurring. Under state law in New Jersey, while workers have up to 90 days to formally notify their employer of a work injury, they should do so within the first 30 days, at least, to ensure they remain eligible for full benefits. NJ workers have considerably less time to report an accident compared to some states, which give reporting windows as long as 180 days, but more than other states, some of which allow a week or less to report the accident. 

Deadlines to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in NJ

Under the state workers’ compensation system, injured workers have two years to formally file a claim for compensation. There are exceptions that may affect the time union workers have to file a claim. For example, union workers in the maritime industry may be limited to one year to file a claim if they are covered under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act or the Defense Base Act.

Injury Reporting Windows Under Union Collective Bargaining Agreements

Your union may have its own requirements and reporting windows under its collective bargaining agreements. These requirements may reduce the time you have to report the injury or file your claim. This possibility makes it particularly important that you consult knowledgeable New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers for union workers early on to understand your rights and obligations. 

How Team Law Can Help If You Missed a Deadline

If you believe you may have missed a deadline, it’s important to seek legal advice right away to determine whether your right to benefits can still be salvaged. 

Your attorney can: 

• Review all of the facts to identify any possible exemptions to the time limit you missed or extenuating circumstances that may allow you to file a late claim
• Determine whether any possible extensions exist under the provisions of your union’s collective bargaining agreement 
• Take steps that should have been taken initially, such as reporting the accident and gathering documentation to support filing a late claim or an appeal
• Appeal a claim denial on your behalf 
• Explore any other avenues through which you could pursue some benefits 

We will draw on our professional experience navigating complicated work injury claims to help you understand what options may be available to you. Since the consultation is completely free, you have nothing to lose by finding out your options. 

Why Choose Team Law as Your New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyers For Union Workers

Choosing the right New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers for union workers is a big decision. Here’s why Team Law is well-suited to handle your work injury claim. 

• Decades of experience: Team Law’s history of legal practice spans more than 60 years. This extensive background means we have plenty of prior cases to look to for effective strategies. 
• History of success handling all kinds of work injury claims: In New Jersey, union workers encompass professionals with a wide variety of industries, job duties, and professional preparation. Our attorneys have handled work injury cases involving all kinds of occupations, so we’re prepared for the intricacies of your claim. 
• Dedicated legal representation at no upfront cost: You won’t be charged any upfront fees to have Team Law manage all aspects of the claims process for you. 

Contact New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyers For Union Workers at Team Law Today for a Free Case Evaluation

As a union worker, you know that there’s strength in numbers and power in collaboration. Rather than taking on the claims process alone, you can approach the task of getting the benefits you deserve with the confidence of having our team of work injury lawyers on your side and advocating for your interests. 

For help from union worker injury attorneys in Clark, NJ, contact Team Law online or call us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Union Worker Injury Claims in New Jersey