Workers Compensation Lawyer in Essex County, NJ

Essex County’s Workforce: Where Injuries Happen

Essex County’s position as New Jersey’s economic engine means diverse industries—and diverse workplace hazards. From Newark’s commercial core to the industrial corridors of East Orange and Irvington, workers face risks every day.

Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and one of Essex County’s largest employment centers. Thousands of workers face hazards including:

• Baggage handlers suffering back injuries, crush injuries, and repetitive stress from lifting
• Ramp workers exposed to aircraft ground support equipment accidents
• Aircraft maintenance technicians injured by falls, equipment, and chemical exposure
• TSA and security personnel suffering injuries from physical altercations and repetitive duties
• Concession and retail workers hurt in slip-and-falls and customer incidents
• Construction workers on ongoing airport expansion projects

The airport’s 24/7 operations, heavy equipment, and demanding schedules contribute to elevated injury rates. We’ve handled workers compensation claims for airport workers across all job categories.

Healthcare Facilities

Essex County is home to major medical centers where healthcare workers face unique occupational hazards:

University Hospital (Newark) – New Jersey’s only public hospital and Level I Trauma Center with 519 beds and over 785 medical staff. Workers face:

• Patient lifting and transfer injuries
• Needlestick and bloodborne pathogen exposure
• Violence from patients and visitors
• Slip-and-falls in clinical areas
• Exposure to infectious diseases

Clara Maass Medical Center (Belleville) – Part of RWJBarnabas Health, serving northern Essex County

Saint Michael’s Medical Center (Newark) – Full-service hospital in downtown Newark

Mountainside Medical Center (Montclair) – Community hospital serving western Essex County

Healthcare workers throughout Essex County suffer from:

• Musculoskeletal injuries from patient handling
• Respiratory conditions from chemical and pathogen exposure
• Assault injuries from patients
• Repetitive stress injuries from medical procedures
• Falls on wet or slippery surfaces

Transportation and Logistics

Beyond the airport, Essex County’s transportation sector employs thousands:

NJ Transit Headquarters (Newark) – Bus drivers, train operators, maintenance workers, and administrative staff

• Vehicle accidents and injuries
• Assault by passengers
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Maintenance-related hazards

Port Newark Operations – Warehouse workers, longshoremen, truck drivers

• Forklift and heavy equipment accidents
• Falling merchandise and containers
• Loading dock injuries
• Trucking accidents

Amazon and E-Commerce Warehouses – Distribution center workers

• Repetitive motion injuries
• Falls from ladders and equipment
• Crush injuries from packages and equipment
• Pressure-related injuries from demanding quotas

Major Employers with Significant Workforces

Prudential Financial (Newark) – Headquartered in Newark with thousands of employees

• Ergonomic injuries from office work
• Slip-and-falls in office buildings
• Stress-related conditions

PSEG (Public Service Enterprise Group) (Newark) – Major utility company

• Electrical injuries and burns
• Falls from heights during line work
• Vehicle accidents during service calls
• Exposure to hazardous materials

Rutgers University-Newark and NJIT – Educational institutions

• Maintenance and facilities injuries
• Laboratory accidents
• Security incidents

Common Workers Compensation Claims in Essex County

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Broken bones and fractures from falls, equipment accidents, or struck-by incidents
• Back and spinal injuries from lifting, falls, or vehicle accidents
• Head and traumatic brain injuries from falls or struck-by incidents
• Amputations from machinery or equipment accidents
• Burn injuries from fires, chemicals, or electrical incidents

Repetitive Stress and Occupational Diseases

• Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive hand and wrist motions
• Rotator cuff injuries from overhead work
• Herniated discs from repeated heavy lifting
• Occupational lung disease from chemical or particulate exposure
• Hearing loss from loud work environments

Fatal Workplace Accidents

When an Essex 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 to receive benefits. 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. This includes:

• 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). These benefits continue until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.

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 Essex County Workers Choose Us

We Know Essex County Industries

From airport operations to healthcare, from warehouse work to utility services, we understand the specific hazards Essex County workers face. We’ve handled claims against Newark Airport operators, major hospitals, NJ Transit, and countless other employers.

We Know the Workers Compensation System

Workers compensation cases involving Essex County workers are handled through New Jersey’s 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 workers throughout Essex County. We know how to maximize your benefits and fight insurance company denials.

Major Essex County Employers We’ve Handled Claims Against

Our attorneys have successfully handled workers compensation claims against employers throughout Essex County:

• Newark Liberty International Airport operators and contractors
• University Hospital and other Essex County hospitals
• NJ Transit
• PSEG and utility contractors
• Amazon and warehouse operators
• Prudential Financial
• Rutgers University-Newark and NJIT
• Essex County government agencies
• Newark public schools and other school districts
• Construction companies working on Essex County projects

What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Essex 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. If you’re terminated after filing a claim, you may have an additional legal claim for retaliation.

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 in weeks, while complex cases involving permanent disability may take longer. We keep you informed throughout the process.

Do I need a lawyer for workers comp?

While you can file a claim yourself, 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 Essex County Workers Compensation Lawyers

If you’ve been injured at work anywhere in Essex County—from Newark to Montclair, from East Orange to Bloomfield—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 22 Essex County municipalities. Your advocates in the fight for fair compensation.