Workers Compensation Lawyer in East Orange, NJ

If you’ve been injured on the job in East Orange, New Jersey, you need experienced legal representation to secure the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. At Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC, our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys have helped countless East Orange workers obtain medical treatment and wage replacement benefits while they recover from workplace injuries.

Why Choose Our East Orange Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

With our office in nearby Cranford—just a short drive via the Garden State Parkway—we’re readily accessible to East Orange workers and thoroughly familiar with the Essex County court system. We’ve successfully represented injured workers from across East Orange’s diverse neighborhoods, including Ampere, Doddtown, Greenwood, and the Presidential Estates.

Our firm understands the unique workplace challenges East Orange workers face:

• VA Medical Center Employees: Healthcare workers at the East Orange VA Medical Center on Tremont Avenue face patient lifting injuries, needlestick accidents, workplace violence, and repetitive stress injuries while caring for our nation’s veterans
• Healthcare & Social Services Workers: With over 7,400 people employed in healthcare and social assistance, East Orange workers face occupational hazards daily in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health settings
• Transportation & Warehouse Workers: Over 4,000 East Orange residents work in transportation and warehousing—industries with high rates of back injuries, loading dock accidents, and vehicle collisions
• Retail Workers: The Central Avenue commercial corridor and local shopping centers employ thousands who face slip-and-fall injuries, lifting accidents, and robbery-related trauma
• Municipal & Public Employees: City of East Orange workers, school district employees, and first responders face unique occupational hazards requiring specialized representation

Common Workers’ Compensation Claims in East Orange

Our East Orange workers’ compensation lawyers handle all types of workplace injury cases:

Healthcare Worker Injuries

The East Orange VA Medical Center is part of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, one of the largest VA networks in the region. Healthcare workers there face:

• Patient Handling Injuries: Lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients causes serious back, shoulder, and neck injuries
• Needlestick and Sharps Injuries: Exposure to bloodborne pathogens requires immediate medical attention and ongoing monitoring
• Workplace Violence: Healthcare settings unfortunately see assaults from patients experiencing mental health crises
• Repetitive Strain Injuries: Nurses, aides, and technicians develop carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and other overuse injuries

Transportation & Warehouse Injuries

East Orange’s position at the intersection of I-280 and the Garden State Parkway makes it a hub for transportation workers who face:

• Vehicle Accidents: Delivery drivers and commercial vehicle operators injured in motor vehicle collisions while working
• Loading Dock Accidents: Falls from trucks, crush injuries from equipment, and forklift-related accidents
• Back and Lifting Injuries: Manual handling of heavy packages and materials causes herniated discs and chronic pain
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Package sorting and repetitive tasks lead to cumulative trauma disorders

Retail & Service Industry Injuries

Workers along Central Avenue and throughout East Orange’s commercial districts commonly experience:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting cause serious falls
• Assault Injuries: Retail workers face risks of robbery-related violence
• Lifting Injuries: Moving stock and merchandise leads to back and shoulder injuries
• Cumulative Trauma: Standing for long shifts causes leg, foot, and back problems

Understanding New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Benefits

New Jersey workers’ compensation provides essential benefits when you’re injured on the job:

Medical Benefits

All necessary medical treatment related to your work injury must be covered, including:

• Emergency room visits at East Orange VA Medical Center, Newark Beth Israel, or any appropriate facility
• Doctor appointments and specialist consultations
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment and assistive devices

Temporary Disability Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working, you’re entitled to 70% of your average weekly wages, capped at $1,159 per week in 2025. These benefits continue while you’re unable to work due to your injury.

Permanent Disability Benefits

If your injury results in permanent impairment or you can’t return to your previous job, you may be entitled to permanent disability compensation based on the severity and nature of your injury.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you can’t return to your previous occupation, you may qualify for job retraining and placement services to help you transition to new work appropriate for your abilities.

How Workers’ Compensation Works in East Orange

Understanding the process helps you protect your rights:

1. Report Your Injury Immediately: Notify your employer in writing as soon as possible. Whether you work at the VA Medical Center, a local business, or anywhere in Essex County, prompt reporting is crucial.

2. Seek Medical Treatment: Get evaluated by a doctor right away. Your employer may direct you to a specific medical provider initially.

3. File Your Claim: Your employer should provide you with a claim petition. We can help ensure it’s filed correctly and completely.

4. Investigation Period: Your employer’s insurance company will investigate your claim. Having an attorney protects you during this critical phase.

5. Receive Benefits or Appeal: If benefits are approved, you’ll begin receiving medical care and wage replacement. If denied, we’ll fight the decision.

East Orange Employers & Industries We Serve

Our workers’ compensation attorneys represent injured workers from all East Orange industries and employers, including:

Major Employers:

• East Orange VA Medical Center employees (part of VA New Jersey Health Care System)
• East Orange General Hospital staff
• East Orange School District employees
• City of East Orange municipal workers
• East Orange Police and Fire Department personnel
• Ampere Academy staff
• The Shauger Group employees
• Local healthcare facilities and nursing homes
• Retail establishments along Central Avenue
• Transportation and delivery companies

Key Industries:

• Healthcare & Social Assistance (7,400+ workers)
• Transportation & Warehousing (4,070+ workers)
• Retail Trade (3,634+ workers)
• Educational Services
• Public Administration
• Construction

What to Do After a Workplace Injury in East Orange

If you’ve been hurt on the job, take these important steps:

1. Get Medical Attention: Your health comes first. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The East Orange VA Medical Center Emergency Department serves veterans, while Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and University Hospital are nearby options for all workers.

2. Report the Injury: Notify your supervisor or HR department immediately, preferably in writing with a copy for your records.

3. Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene if possible, get witness names and contact information, and keep all medical records and bills organized.

4. Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice: Insurance companies may ask you to sign documents that could harm your claim. Consult an attorney first.

5. Contact an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney: Call us at (908) 232-2040 for a free consultation before you speak to the insurance company.

Why East Orange Workers Trust Us

Experience with Essex County Courts: We regularly handle cases in the Essex County court system and understand the local procedures, judges, and how to effectively advocate for our clients.

We Know East Orange: From the VA Medical Center to Central Avenue businesses, from Ampere to Doddtown, we understand your community and the challenges local workers face.

No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront and only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover benefits for you.

Aggressive Representation: Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your benefits. You need experienced advocates fighting just as hard for you.

Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions in workers’ compensation benefits for injured New Jersey workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to report a workplace injury in East Orange? A: You should report your injury to your employer immediately. New Jersey law requires written notice within 90 days, but delays can harm your claim. The sooner you report it, the better.

Q: What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance? A: All New Jersey employers with employees are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. If your employer doesn’t have coverage, you can file a claim with the New Jersey Second Injury Fund or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Q: Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim? A: No. New Jersey law prohibits retaliation against workers who file legitimate workers’ comp claims. If you’re fired or punished for filing a claim, you may have additional legal remedies.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for my injury? A: New Jersey workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You can receive benefits even if you were partially responsible for the accident (unless you were intoxicated or intentionally hurt yourself).

Q: How much does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer? A: We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and our attorney fees are only paid if we successfully recover benefits for you. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case.

Q: I work at the VA Medical Center. Does workers’ comp work differently for federal employees? A: Federal employees, including VA Medical Center workers, are covered under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) rather than New Jersey workers’ comp. The process is different, but we can guide you through your options and help you understand your rights.

Contact Our East Orange Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

Don’t let an on-the-job injury derail your life. Whether you were hurt at the VA Medical Center, in a local business, at a construction site, or anywhere else in East Orange, we’re here to fight for the benefits you deserve.

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

Free Consultation • Se Habla Español • Serving East Orange and All of Essex County

Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help you navigate the claims process, deal with insurance companies, and recover the maximum benefits available under New Jersey law.

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Proudly serving injured workers in East Orange and throughout New Jersey including Newark, Orange, West Orange, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair, and all Essex County communities.