Workers Compensation Lawyer in Union County, NJ
Injured at work in Union County? You’re not alone. Thousands of Union County workers are hurt on the job each year—at the port terminals in Elizabeth, in warehouses along Route 22, at construction sites, in healthcare facilities, and in countless other workplaces. At Kessler, DiGiovanni & Jesuele, LLC, we’ve spent decades fighting for injured workers right here in our home county. Our office is in Cranford, and we understand Union County’s industries, employers, and the workers compensation system better than anyone.
Union County’s Workforce: Where Injuries Happen
Union County’s strategic location and transportation infrastructure make it an economic powerhouse—but also create significant workplace hazards. With more than 572,000 residents across 21 municipalities and major employers ranging from port operations to pharmaceutical companies, workplace injuries are unfortunately common.
Port and Logistics Operations
The Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal is one of the busiest container ports on the East Coast, handling millions of containers annually. Workers face serious hazards:
- Container handling injuries from cranes, forklifts, and heavy equipment
- Crushing and struck-by accidents in terminal operations
- Slip-and-fall injuries on wet or cluttered surfaces
- Repetitive stress injuries from loading and unloading operations
- Exposure to hazardous materials in shipping containers
The port area extends into Linden and other eastern Union County municipalities, creating a corridor of industrial employment where workers comp claims are frequent.
Route 22 Warehouse and Retail Corridor
Union County’s Route 22 is one of the busiest commercial corridors in New Jersey, running through Union Township, Springfield, and connecting to Hillside and Newark. This stretch is home to:
- Distribution centers and warehouses employing thousands of workers
- Major retailers including The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth
- Restaurant and hospitality operations
- Auto dealerships and service centers
Warehouse workers along Route 22 commonly suffer injuries from:
- Forklift accidents and pallet collapses
- Heavy lifting and back injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries from scanning and packing
- Slip-and-falls on warehouse floors
- Equipment malfunctions
Healthcare Facilities
Union County is home to major medical centers where healthcare workers face unique hazards:
Trinitas Regional Medical Center (Elizabeth) – Full-service hospital serving eastern Union County RWJ University Hospital Rahway – Comprehensive medical center in Rahway Overlook Medical Center-Union Campus – Ambulatory surgery and specialty services
Healthcare workers suffer from:
- Patient lifting and handling injuries
- Needlestick and exposure incidents
- Slip-and-falls in patient care areas
- Violence from patients or visitors
- Repetitive stress from medical procedures
Petroleum and Industrial Operations
The Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery in Linden is one of the largest petroleum refineries on the East Coast. Refinery workers and contractors face:
- Burn injuries from fires and explosions
- Chemical exposure and respiratory hazards
- Falls from heights during maintenance
- Equipment-related crush injuries
- Long-term occupational diseases
Common Workers Compensation Claims in Union County
We handle all types of workplace injuries for Union 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 hot surfaces
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 dust exposure
- Hearing loss from loud work environments
Fatal Workplace Accidents
When a Union 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.
Injured at Work in Union County?
Don’t navigate the workers compensation system alone. As Union County’s local law firm, we’re here to fight for you.
Call (908) 232-2040 for a Free Consultation
No fee unless we recover benefits for you • Se Habla Español
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 Union County Workers Choose Us
We’re Your Neighbors
Our office is at 1150 Raritan Road in Cranford—right here in Union County. We’re not a distant law firm sending associates from out of town. We live and work in this community.
We Know Union County Industries
From port operations to healthcare, from warehouse work to petroleum refining, we understand the specific hazards Union County workers face. We’ve handled claims against major employers throughout the county.
We Know Union County Courts
Workers compensation cases in Union County are heard at the Division of Workers Compensation. We know the judges, the procedures, and how to present winning cases in this jurisdiction.
We Get Results
We’ve recovered millions in workers compensation benefits for injured Union County workers. We know how to maximize your benefits and fight insurance company denials.
Union County Workers Comp: Key Facts
- No-fault system: You don’t need to prove employer negligence
- Report injuries immediately: Notify your employer within 90 days
- Choose your own doctor: After initial treatment, you can select your physician
- Two-year deadline: File your claim petition within 2 years of the accident
- We handle paperwork: We file all forms and manage your entire case
Major Union County Employers We’ve Handled Claims Against
Our attorneys have successfully handled workers compensation claims against employers throughout Union County:
- Port Newark-Elizabeth terminal operators and contractors
- Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery and contractors
- Trinitas Regional Medical Center
- RWJ University Hospital Rahway
- Wakefern/ShopRite distribution operations
- Amazon and other warehouse operators
- Major Route 22 retailers and restaurants
- Union County government agencies
- School districts throughout the county
- Construction companies working on Union County projects
What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Union County
- Get medical attention immediately – Your health comes first
- Report the injury to your supervisor – Do this in writing if possible
- Document everything – Take photos, save records, note witnesses
- Don’t sign anything from the insurance company without consulting an attorney
- 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 Union County Workers Compensation Lawyers
If you’ve been injured at work anywhere in Union County—from Elizabeth to Westfield, from Plainfield to Cranford—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
Serving injured workers throughout all 21 Union County municipalities. Your neighbors. Your advocates.
Workers Compensation in Union County Cities
Visit our city-specific pages for more localized information:
Other Legal Services in Union County
We also handle these practice areas throughout Union County:
Workers Compensation Lawyers in Other NJ Counties
We also serve clients throughout these New Jersey counties:
Serving All of New Jersey: While we have dedicated pages for major counties and cities, we represent injured workers and accident victims throughout the entire state. Contact us for a free consultation regardless of your location.