Workers Compensation Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ

Bergen County’s Workforce: Where Injuries Happen

Bergen County’s unique position directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan has made it an economic powerhouse—but this prosperity comes with workplace hazards. With major employers spanning healthcare, retail, corporate headquarters, warehousing, and construction, workplace injuries are unfortunately common.

Healthcare Industry

Healthcare is Bergen County’s largest employment sector, and healthcare workers face significant injury risks:

Hackensack University Medical Center – The flagship hospital of Hackensack Meridian Health with over 10,000 employees. Ranked among the Top 20 hospitals nationally by U.S. News & World Report, it’s also the county’s largest employer and a Level I trauma center.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center – A 1,070-bed facility in Paramus—the largest hospital and licensed nursing home in New Jersey and the fourth largest publicly owned hospital in the nation.

Holy Name Medical Center – A 361-bed acute care facility in Teaneck with over 850 physicians.

Englewood Health – A comprehensive hospital serving central Bergen County since 1890.

The Valley Hospital – Among the best hospitals in Bergen County for patient care.

Healthcare workers commonly suffer from:

• Patient lifting and handling injuries – Back injuries, herniated discs, shoulder tears
• Needlestick and exposure incidents – Bloodborne pathogen exposure
• Slip-and-falls – Wet floors, patient care areas, rushed work conditions
• Repetitive stress injuries – From medical procedures and documentation
• Workplace violence – Assaults from patients or visitors
• Burnout and mental health impacts – Leading to physical manifestations

Retail and Hospitality

Bergen County—particularly Paramus—is a retail powerhouse. Paramus generates over $6 billion in annual retail sales, more than any other ZIP Code in the United States.

Major Retail Centers:

• Garden State Plaza – 2.1 million sq ft with 300+ stores, ranked 16th-largest mall in the U.S.
• Bergen Town Center – 105-acre shopping center spanning Paramus and Maywood
• Paramus Park – 767,000 sq ft mall with 6 million annual visitors
• Fashion Center – Anchored by Best Buy, Amazon Fresh, and T.J. Maxx
• Route 17 Corridor – Miles of retail establishments

Retail and hospitality workers suffer injuries from:

• Slip-and-falls – Wet floors, merchandise on ground, stockroom hazards
• Heavy lifting – Stocking shelves, moving inventory, loading docks
• Repetitive stress – Scanning, cashiering, inventory management
• Customer incidents – Assaults, aggressive shoppers, theft-related injuries
• Ladder and step stool falls – Reaching high shelves
• Parking lot injuries – Struck by vehicles, ice and snow conditions

Corporate and Office Workplaces

Bergen County hosts numerous corporate headquarters along what’s been called the “Trillion Dollar Mile” in Englewood Cliffs and Fort Lee:

• LG Electronics – North American headquarters
• CNBC – World headquarters
• Samsung – Major corporate presence
• KPMG – Regional offices
• Cognizant – Major presence in Teaneck (largest employer in NJ by headcount)
• Becton Dickinson – Corporate headquarters
• Quest Diagnostics – Corporate offices
• Stryker – Corporate operations

Office workers face injuries including:

• Repetitive stress injuries – Carpal tunnel, tendinitis from computer use
• Ergonomic injuries – Back and neck pain from workstation setup
• Slip-and-falls – Wet lobby floors, uneven carpeting, stairwell accidents
• Parking garage injuries – Vehicle accidents, pedestrian incidents

Warehousing and Logistics

North Bergen and the Route 17 corridor are home to significant warehousing and distribution operations:

• Bergen Logistics – Major fulfillment center serving East Coast operations
• Amazon fulfillment operations – Multiple locations
• National Retail Systems (NRS) – Family-owned logistics serving major retailers
• GXO Logistics – Major logistics employer

Warehouse workers commonly suffer:

• Forklift accidents – Struck by, crushing injuries, pedestrian incidents
• Heavy lifting injuries – Back injuries, herniated discs, muscle strains
• Pallet and rack collapses – Serious crushing injuries
• Repetitive motion injuries – From picking, packing, and scanning
• Slip-and-falls – Warehouse floors, loading docks

Construction Industry

Bergen County’s constant development—from downtown Hackensack high-rises to American Dream infrastructure—employs thousands of construction workers:

• Building construction and renovation
• Road and infrastructure projects
• Commercial fit-outs and tenant improvements
• Residential development

Construction workers face:

• Falls from heights – Scaffolds, ladders, roofs
• Struck-by incidents – Falling materials, equipment
• Electrocution – Working near power lines, electrical systems
• Caught-in/between – Trench collapses, equipment accidents
• Occupational diseases – Asbestos exposure, silica dust, chemical exposure

Common Workers Compensation Claims in Bergen County

We handle all types of workplace injuries for Bergen County workers:

Traumatic Injuries

• Back and spinal injuries – From lifting, falls, or vehicle accidents
• Broken bones and fractures – From falls, equipment accidents, or struck-by incidents
• Head and traumatic brain injuries – Falls, struck-by incidents, vehicle accidents
• Amputations – Machinery accidents, equipment malfunctions
• Burn injuries – Chemical exposure, electrical burns, kitchen accidents

Repetitive Stress and Occupational Diseases

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Healthcare workers, office workers, retail employees
• Rotator cuff injuries – Overhead work, patient lifting
• Herniated discs – Repeated heavy lifting
• Occupational lung disease – Construction dust, chemical exposure
• Hearing loss – Loud work environments

Fatal Workplace Accidents

When a Bergen County worker is killed on the job, we help families pursue death benefits for surviving spouses and dependents, including ongoing wage replacement and funeral expenses.

Understanding New Jersey Workers Compensation

New Jersey workers compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t need to prove your employer was negligent. If you were injured while performing your job duties, you may be entitled to:

Medical Benefits

All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury must be paid by your employer’s insurance company:

• Emergency room and hospital care
• Surgery and specialist treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment and assistive devices

Temporary Disability Benefits

If you cannot work due to your injury, you’re entitled to temporary disability payments equal to 70% of your average weekly wage (subject to state maximum limits).

Permanent Disability Benefits

If your injury results in lasting impairment, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits based on the percentage of disability you’ve suffered.

Death Benefits

If a worker is killed on the job, surviving dependents may receive ongoing wage replacement benefits plus funeral expenses up to $3,500.

Why Bergen County Workers Choose Us

We Know Bergen County Industries

From healthcare at Hackensack Meridian Health to retail in Paramus, from corporate offices in Englewood Cliffs to warehouses in North Bergen, we understand the specific hazards Bergen County workers face.

We Know the System

Workers compensation cases in Bergen County are heard at the Division of Workers Compensation. We know the judges, the procedures, and how to present winning cases.

We Get Results

We’ve recovered millions in workers compensation benefits for injured New Jersey workers. We know how to maximize your benefits and fight insurance company denials.

We’re Accessible

While our office is in Cranford, we offer home and hospital visits throughout Bergen County, virtual consultations, and flexible scheduling.

Major Bergen County Employers We’ve Handled Claims Against

Our attorneys have experience handling workers compensation claims against employers throughout Bergen County:

• Hackensack Meridian Health facilities
• Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
• Holy Name Medical Center
• Englewood Health
• Major Paramus retailers
• Garden State Plaza stores
• Corporate headquarters in Englewood Cliffs
• Warehouse and logistics operations
• Bergen County government agencies
• School districts throughout the county
• Construction companies

What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Bergen County

1. Get medical attention immediately – Your health comes first
2. Report the injury to your supervisor – Do this in writing if possible
3. Document everything – Take photos, save records, note witnesses
4. Don’t sign anything from the insurance company without consulting an attorney
5. Call us for a free consultation – We’ll evaluate your case and explain your rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be fired for filing a workers comp claim?

No. New Jersey law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who file workers compensation claims.

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

Insurance companies often dispute whether injuries are work-related. We investigate your claim, gather medical evidence, and fight to prove your injury occurred in the course of your employment.

Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?

Generally, workers compensation is the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. However, if a third party (like an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor) caused your injury, you may have an additional lawsuit against them.

How long will my case take?

Every case is different. Simple cases may resolve quickly, while complex cases involving permanent disability may take longer. We keep you informed throughout the process.

Do I need a lawyer for workers comp?

Having an experienced attorney typically results in higher benefits and fewer delays. We handle all aspects of your case and don’t get paid unless you do.

Contact Our Bergen County Workers Compensation Lawyers

If you’ve been injured at work anywhere in Bergen County—from Hackensack to Fort Lee, from Paramus to Mahwah—we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC
1150 Raritan Rd, Suite 100, Cranford, NJ 07016
Phone: (908) 232-2040

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Serving injured workers throughout all 70 Bergen County municipalities. Your advocates for justice.