Workers Compensation Lawyer in Passaic County, NJ

Passaic County’s Workforce: Where Injuries Happen

Passaic County’s economy has evolved from its manufacturing heritage to encompass healthcare, retail, distribution, and education. From Paterson’s urban center to Wayne’s commercial corridors, workers face risks every day.

Healthcare – The Largest Employment Sector

Healthcare dominates Passaic County employment, with St. Joseph’s Health serving as the county’s largest employer:

St. Joseph’s Health System (5,000-6,000 employees):

• St. Joseph’s University Medical Center – 651-bed regional academic medical center in Paterson, state-designated trauma center
• St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital – Pediatric care on the Paterson campus
• St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center – 229-bed acute care community hospital
• St. Vincent’s Nursing Home – 151-bed facility in Cedar Grove
• Visiting Health Services of NJ – Home healthcare based in Totowa
• Over 30 community-based facilities throughout North Jersey

Other Major Healthcare Employers:

• St. Mary’s General Hospital – 293-bed acute care facility in Passaic, part of Prime Healthcare
• Chilton Medical Center – Atlantic Health System facility in Pompton Plains
• Kindred Hospital East New Jersey – Long-term acute care in Passaic

Healthcare workers throughout Passaic County suffer from:

• Patient lifting and transfer injuries – Back injuries, herniated discs from moving patients
• Needlestick and bloodborne pathogen exposure – Risk in clinical settings
• Violence from patients and visitors – Common in emergency departments
• Slip-and-falls on wet or slippery floors – Hospital and nursing home hazards
• Repetitive stress injuries – From clinical procedures and computer work
• Exposure to infectious diseases – Heightened by patient care duties

Manufacturing and Industrial

Passaic County retains significant manufacturing employment, building on its industrial heritage:

Defense and Aerospace:

• BAE Systems – Global defense and aerospace company with Passaic County operations
• Falstrom Company – Passaic-based aerospace and defense manufacturer

General Manufacturing:

• Food processing and distribution facilities
• Metal fabrication and machining shops
• Plastics and chemical manufacturing
• Printing and graphics operations

Manufacturing workers face:

• Machine-related injuries – Caught-in/between hazards, amputations
• Forklift and heavy equipment accidents
• Chemical exposure and burns
• Repetitive motion injuries from assembly work
• Hearing loss from loud machinery
• Falls from heights and platforms

Retail and Commercial

Passaic County’s retail sector is anchored by major shopping destinations:

Major Retail Centers:

• Willowbrook Mall – Wayne, one of New Jersey’s largest shopping centers
• Route 46 commercial corridor – Clifton, Little Falls, Totowa
• Downtown Paterson – Urban retail and commercial district

National Employers:

• Home Depot, Target, and Costco locations
• CVS Health and Walgreens pharmacies
• Supermarket chains throughout the county

Retail workers encounter:

• Slip-and-falls in stores and stockrooms
• Lifting injuries from stocking and moving merchandise
• Customer confrontations and violence
• Repetitive stress from scanning and checkout work
• Loading dock injuries
• Ladder and step stool falls

Warehousing and Distribution

Passaic County’s location along major highways makes it a logistics hub:

• United States Postal Service distribution facilities
• Amazon and e-commerce fulfillment operations
• Food and beverage distribution centers
• Third-party logistics warehouses

Warehouse workers face:

• Forklift and powered industrial truck accidents
• Falling merchandise and collapsing shelves
• Loading dock falls and trailer accidents
• Conveyor belt injuries
• Repetitive motion injuries from picking and packing
• Crush injuries from pallets and equipment

Education

Passaic County’s educational institutions employ thousands:

• William Paterson University – Major campus in Wayne
• Passaic County Community College – Multiple locations
• K-12 school districts throughout all 16 municipalities

Education workers experience:

• Slip-and-falls on campus and in school buildings
• Lifting injuries from moving equipment and supplies
• Assaults by students in certain settings
• Repetitive stress from teaching and administrative work
• Vehicle accidents during work-related travel

Construction Industry

Passaic County sees ongoing construction activity:

• Commercial development along Route 46 and Route 23 corridors
• Residential construction in Wayne, Little Falls, and suburban communities
• Road and infrastructure projects on Routes 80, 46, and 23
• Healthcare facility expansions and renovations

Construction workers face:

• Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and heights – Leading cause of construction deaths
• Struck-by injuries from falling materials
• Electrocution and electrical burns
• Trench collapses during excavation work
• Heavy equipment accidents – Cranes, excavators, loaders
• Caught-between hazards on multi-trade job sites

Common Workers Compensation Claims in Passaic County

We handle all types of workplace injuries for Passaic 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
• Crush injuries in warehouse, construction, and manufacturing settings

Repetitive Stress and Occupational Diseases

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

Fatal Workplace Accidents

When a Passaic 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 at St. Joseph’s, St. Mary’s, or any appropriate facility
• 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 Passaic County Workers Choose Us

We Know Passaic County Industries

From St. Joseph’s Health to manufacturing facilities, from Willowbrook Mall retailers to Route 46 warehouses, we understand the specific hazards Passaic County workers face. We’ve handled claims against employers throughout all 16 municipalities.

We Know the Workers Compensation System

Workers compensation cases involving Passaic 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 Passaic County. We know how to maximize your benefits and fight insurance company denials.

Major Passaic County Employers We’ve Handled Claims Against

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

• St. Joseph’s Health and all affiliated facilities
• St. Mary’s General Hospital
• Chilton Medical Center
• BAE Systems and other defense contractors
• United States Postal Service facilities
• Amazon and warehouse operators
• Willowbrook Mall retailers
• William Paterson University
• Passaic County school districts
• Construction contractors on county projects
• Route 46 and Route 23 corridor businesses

What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Passaic County

1. Get medical attention immediately – Your health comes first. St. Joseph’s University Medical Center and other Passaic County hospitals can provide emergency care.
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.

I work at St. Joseph’s. Can you help with my claim?

Absolutely. We’ve handled numerous claims for healthcare workers at St. Joseph’s facilities and other Passaic County hospitals. Healthcare injuries are common and we understand the unique challenges these workers face.

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 Passaic County Workers Compensation Lawyers

If you’ve been injured at work anywhere in Passaic County—from Paterson to Wayne, from Clifton to West Milford—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 16 Passaic County municipalities. Your advocates in the fight for fair compensation.