Workers' Compensation Lawyer Serving Woodbury and Gloucester County, NJ

Getting hurt on the job turns your life upside down fast — and the system that's supposed to help you can feel like it's working against you. I'm William Sheehan, a workers' compensation attorney based in Woodbury, NJ, and I've been helping injured workers in Gloucester County and across South Jersey get the benefits they're owed since 1979. Under New Jersey law, you're entitled to workers' comp benefits regardless of who was at fault. The question is whether those benefits will actually be delivered — and that's where I come in.

Your Rights Under New Jersey Workers' Compensation Law

William A. Sheehan Supporting Clients Across New Jersey

When you work with me, you work with me directly. Not an associate, not a paralegal handling your file. I'll review your situation personally, explain your rights in plain language, and tell you honestly what your claim is worth and how to pursue it.

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Fault Doesn't Determine Your Benefits

New Jersey's workers' compensation system is a no-fault system. That means you don't have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits — you only have to show that your injury happened in the course of your employment. Whether you slipped on a wet floor, were injured by equipment, or developed a repetitive stress condition over time, the law already entitles you to coverage. Many workers don't file because they assume they'll be blamed. That assumption costs them.

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Filing a Claim Is Your Legal Right — Not a Risk to Your Job

New Jersey law explicitly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file workers' compensation claims. You cannot legally be fired, demoted, or penalized for exercising this right. If your employer threatens your job or treats you differently after you file, that retaliation is itself a legal violation.

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How a Workers' Comp Claim Works in New Jersey

Filing a workers' comp claim in New Jersey involves several steps, and where things go wrong is usually in the details — a missed deadline, a vague injury description, or a recorded statement made without legal guidance. Here's the basic process:

 

  • Notify your employer immediately. Report your injury as soon as possible. Delays in reporting can be used against your claim.
  • Seek medical treatment. Make sure your employer or its insurance carrier designates a doctor, and attend those appointments. Do not just start treating on your own.
  • File a formal claim petition if benefits are disputed. If your employer's insurer denies your claim, delays payment, or disputes the extent of your injury, a formal claim petition is filed with the New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation.
  • Document everything. Keep records of your medical visits, communications with your employer, and any wages you've lost due to the injury.

 

The earlier you involve an attorney, the less likely you are to make a misstep that the insurance company can use to reduce or deny your benefits.

What Benefits Can You Recover?

Workers' compensation in New Jersey covers more than most injured workers realize. Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, you may be entitled to:

 

  • Medical benefits — all reasonable and necessary treatment related to your work injury, including surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medication
  • Temporary disability benefits — wage replacement payments while you're unable to work, typically 70% of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum
  • Permanency benefits — compensation for lasting impairment if your injury results in a permanent partial or total disability

 

If your claim has already been denied or your benefits have been cut off, that's not the end of the road. Call me.

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Common Questions About Workers' Comp in New Jersey

Answers Designed To Keep You Protected

  • Do I need a lawyer for a workers' compensation claim in NJ?

    You're not required to have one, but it makes a significant difference in most cases. Insurance carriers have experienced adjusters and attorneys working to minimize what they pay out. Having your own attorney levels that playing field — and in workers' comp cases, attorney fees are regulated by the court and paid out of your settlement, not out of pocket.

  • What if my employer says my injury isn't covered?

    Your employer's initial response doesn't determine the outcome of your claim. If coverage is disputed, a formal petition can be filed with the New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation, and a judge will ultimately decide. I've handled disputed claims for decades — a denial from an employer or their insurer is not final.

  • Can I see my own doctor for a work injury in NJ?

    In New Jersey, your employer's insurance carrier has the right to direct your medical care. Call me before a problem arises.

  • How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in New Jersey?

    New Jersey law generally gives you two years from the date of your injury — or from the date your employer last paid you compensation — to file a formal claim petition. That said, you're required to notify your employer of the injury right away. Don't wait to report your injury or to get legal advice.

  • What if I was partially at fault for my workplace accident?

    It doesn't matter. New Jersey workers' compensation is a no-fault system, which means your own role in the accident doesn't disqualify you from benefits. As long as the injury occurred in the course of your employment, you're generally entitled to coverage.