Workers Compensation Lawyer in Paterson, NJ

If you’ve been injured on the job in Paterson, 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 Paterson workers obtain the medical treatment and wage replacement they need to recover and provide for their families.

Why Choose Our Paterson Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

With our office conveniently located in nearby Cranford, we’re familiar with Paterson’s industries, workplaces, and the Passaic County court system. We’ve successfully represented injured workers from every neighborhood in Paterson – from the Great Falls Historic District to Eastside Park, from Lakeview to Riverside.

Our firm understands the unique challenges Paterson workers face:

• Healthcare Workers: St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, the city’s largest private employer, employs thousands who face lifting injuries, needlestick accidents, and workplace violence
• Manufacturing & Industrial: With manufacturing remaining one of the top industries employing nearly 10,000 workers, machinery accidents, repetitive stress injuries, and exposure hazards are common
• Retail & Service Workers: Small businesses dominate Paterson’s economy, and employees suffer slip and falls, lifting injuries, and assault injuries
• Government Employees: As the county seat, Passaic County government, Paterson City Hall, and the court system employ many workers
• Construction Workers: Ongoing development and rehabilitation projects create scaffold, ladder, and heavy equipment hazards

Common Workers’ Compensation Claims in Paterson

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

Construction Accidents

Paterson’s ongoing revitalization creates risks for workers on scaffolding, ladders, and heavy equipment. We’ve represented workers injured on construction sites throughout the city, from downtown rehabilitation projects to new residential developments.

Healthcare Injuries

St. Joseph’s University Medical Center and other medical facilities employ thousands of workers who face unique hazards. We help nurses, aides, technicians, and support staff who suffer back injuries from patient lifting, needlestick injuries, workplace violence, and slip and fall accidents.

Manufacturing Injuries

Paterson’s manufacturing sector includes food production at Kontos Foods, packaging at Accurate Box Company, and various industrial operations. Workers face machinery accidents, crushing injuries, burns, and repetitive motion disorders.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Office workers at government facilities, warehouse employees, and manufacturing workers often develop carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other repetitive motion injuries that qualify for workers’ compensation.

Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents

New Jersey winters create hazardous conditions. We represent workers injured on icy parking lots, wet floors, and uneven surfaces at workplaces throughout Paterson.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Delivery drivers, government fleet operators, and anyone whose job requires driving face serious accident risks on Route 20, Route 19, I-80, and Paterson’s busy commercial streets.

Understanding New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Benefits

New Jersey workers’ compensation provides crucial 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 St. Joseph’s University Medical Center or other Paterson medical facilities
• 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 re-enter the workforce.

How Workers’ Compensation Works in Paterson, NJ

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 St. Joseph’s, downtown Paterson, or anywhere in Passaic County, prompt reporting is crucial.

2. Seek Medical Treatment: Get evaluated by a doctor. 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 at the Passaic County courthouse.

Paterson Employers & Industries We Serve

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

Major Employers:

• St. Joseph’s University Medical Center staff
• Passaic County government employees
• Paterson City government workers
• Paterson Public Schools personnel
• Kontos Foods employees
• M. Tucker distribution center workers
• Accurate Box Company employees
• William Paterson University staff
• Passaic County Community College employees
• Bergen New Bridge Health at Barnert workers

Key Industries:

• Healthcare (St. Joseph’s Health System, medical offices, nursing facilities)
• Manufacturing & industrial (food production, packaging, textiles)
• Government & public sector (county, city, courts, schools)
• Retail & hospitality (shops, restaurants, personal services)
• Construction (commercial and residential projects)
• Transportation & warehousing (distribution, delivery)
• Education (universities, community colleges, public schools)

What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Paterson

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

1. Get Medical Attention: Your health comes first. If it’s an emergency, go to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center Emergency Department or call 911.

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 keep all medical records and bills.

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

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 Paterson Workers Trust Us

Experience with Passaic County Courts: We regularly handle cases at the Passaic County Courthouse at 77 Hamilton Street in downtown Paterson and understand the local procedures and judges.

We Know Paterson: From the healthcare workers at St. Joseph’s to the manufacturing employees at Kontos Foods, from construction workers on revitalization projects to government employees at the county courthouse, we understand your workplace and your industry.

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 Paterson? 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: Can I choose my own doctor in Paterson? A: Initially, your employer may direct you to their medical provider. However, after the first visit, you have the right to select from a list of authorized treating physicians, and you can request a different doctor if needed.

Contact Our Paterson Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

Don’t let an on-the-job injury derail your life. Whether you were hurt at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, at a manufacturing facility in the industrial areas, at a construction site, or anywhere else in Paterson, 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 Paterson and All of Passaic 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 Paterson and throughout New Jersey including Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne, and all Passaic County communities.