Workplace Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries in New Jersey
Accomplished New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Representing Injured Workers with Brain and Spine Trauma in Monmouth County, Ocean County, and Surrounding Communities
Brain and spinal cord injuries are some of the most devastating injuries sustained on the job. Work that is more labor-intensive creates a greater risk of such injuries. Workplace accidents that lead to brain and spinal cord injuries are unfortunately common in New Jersey, and the severity of these injuries can have long-lasting effects on the victims’ lives. These injuries can result from various causes, ranging from falls to defective equipment, and often occur in high-risk industries. In many cases, brain and spinal cord injuries lead to permanent disabilities, making it crucial to be well aware of the causes as well as the legal options available for victims in Brick, Toms River, Lakewood, Jackson, Manchester, Middletown, Howell, Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold and across New Jersey.
At Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, our attorneys represent employees who have suffered these life-altering injuries on the job. While many of them are handled under workers’ compensation, there are often third-party companies or individuals who contributed to the accident and the harm caused. We will pursue accountability from all liable parties, ensuring that you are provided the compensation you are due. Connect with a New Jersey Workplace Brain Injury lawyer on our team right now; call us at 732-440-3950, or complete our simple online form.
Employment Sectors With Elevated Risks for Brain and Spinal Injuries
Construction and Contracting
The construction industry is one of the most common for workplace injuries. They can result from falls, ladder mishaps, crane accidents, equipment malfunctions, machinery defects and other heavy equipment usage. Construction sites are among the most dangerous environments for workers, and brain and spinal cord injuries are prevalent due to the nature of the work. Some common causes include falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, and instances of workers being struck by heavy objects. Workers on scaffolds, ladders, or rooftops are at risk of falling, often leading to severe head and spinal injuries. Scaffolding, if not properly erected or maintained, can collapse, also causing workers to fall or be struck by falling debris. Unfortunately, despite elevated safety precautions, workers on construction sites are also at risk of being struck by heavy machinery, falling tools, or materials. A falling steel beam, for instance, can cause a devastating spinal cord injury or brain trauma.
Oil and Gas Industries
Oil rigs and gas drilling sites are hazardous workplaces, with workers exposed to a range of dangers. Explosions and fires are relatively common in these industries, and proximate workers can undergo traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or spinal cord injuries when caught in the blast or forced to jump from elevated platforms to escape. Large equipment or tools used on the job, if it falls from heights, can cause severe head and spinal injuries when workers are nearby. And those in the oil and gas industry often travel on rough terrain in large trucks. The problem? Accidents while driving can cause serious injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or spinal injury resulting in paralysis.
Firefighting
Firefighters are another group facing a high risk of brain and spinal cord injuries in their line of duty. There are diverse ways firefighters face danger, including falls from heights, building collapse, and vehicular accidents. Firefighters often work at heights, either on ladders or from roofs, making them vulnerable to falling. And scaling or entering burning buildings poses the risk of structural collapse, potentially trapping firefighters in addition to the falling risk, causing severe injuries. Arriving at the accident itself poses a threat to firefighters’ safety. Responding to emergencies can involve driving at high speeds, which increases the risk of accidents causing serious injury.
Other High Risk Industries
Transportation workers, including truck drivers, bus drivers, and delivery personnel, face significant risks for brain and spinal cord injuries. This could happen through motor vehicle accidents, repetitive motion causing injury, and other causes. Workers in manufacturing also face the risk of repetitive motion injury to the neck and spine, as well as accidents involving heavy machinery, and noxious chemical fumes.
Workplace Hazards Leading to Workers’ Compensation Claims for Brain & Spine Injuries
A great number of risks can lead to a head or spinal cord injury. Slippery floors, inadequate lighting, and cluttered walkways are common causes of slip-and-fall accidents, which can result in head injuries or spinal cord damage. In fact, these types of accidents are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries involving the head, neck, and spine. Malfunctioning machinery, faulty tools, or defective personal protective equipment (PPE) can also cause devastating accidents. If an employer fails to maintain equipment or ignores safety standards, workers may be injured due to equipment failure. And construction sites and warehouses often have workers operating near heavy tools, building materials, or machinery. A falling object can strike a worker’s head or spine, causing significant injury. Workplace driving accidents, whether on construction sites, delivery routes, or while commuting for work, are also a major cause of injury. And while less common, in some industries such as healthcare or law enforcement, workers are at risk of violent assaults. This can cause a variety of injuries, including trauma to the head or neck.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Brain Trauma
Brain injuries can be subtle at first but may lead to serious complications. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, cognitive impairment, irritability, and depression. The long-term consequences of a brain injury can be life-changing, including mild or severe physical disabilities, cognitive impairment, and even changes to one’s essential personality. These all can have majorly adverse impacts on relationships and work life.
Medical Urgency in Brain Injury Cases: A Matter of Recovery
Immediate medical attention is crucial following a brain injury. Even seemingly minor symptoms can signal a more serious problem. Ongoing medical care, including rehabilitation, therapy, and possibly surgery, may be necessary for recovery and improving quality of life.
Legal Pathways for Brain Injury Compensation for Workers in New Jersey
In New Jersey, workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees injured on the job. These benefits typically include medical expenses, temporary disability payments, and compensation for permanent injuries. Workers can file a claim regardless of fault, but there are limits to the amount of compensation available.
If a third party (e.g., a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer) is responsible for the injury, victims may be able to pursue a third-party claim in addition to workers’ compensation. This is especially important if the injury was caused by negligence or defective equipment. And in cases of severe negligence, personal injury lawsuits may be appropriate. For example, if a negligent driver causes an accident that leads to a brain or spinal injury, the victim may file a lawsuit for damages beyond what workers’ compensation offers.
In personal injury lawsuits and third-party claims, you can recover a variety of damages. These include medical expenses to date and in the future, including rehabilitation and therapy; lost wages across the span of your injury recovery; out-of-pocket costs, including modifications you must make to your home to accommodate you after the injury; and non-economic costs, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
Injured Your Brain or Spinal Cord at Work in NJ? Call Our Freehold Workplace Accident Law Firm to Explore Your Rights and Options
Injuries to the head, back, neck or spine can be severe and affect your entire life, including your ability to work, both now and in the future. It is important that you have representation from experienced workplace accident attorneys who understand the implications of your injury and how to fight for what you need. Our experienced law firm has dedicated over 50 years to helping injured victims with workplace injury claims and we are here to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process. At Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, it is our passion to provide aggressive representation to ensure that you secure compensation for all available financial, physical, and other losses. Our attorneys will advocate to ensure that you are provided the money you need to cover significant medical costs and rehabilitation. We also work to see that you are provided for financially far into the future, recovering lost wages and more.
If you are going through the workers’ compensation process, a qualified attorney on our team will ensure that you receive all benefits to which you are entitled. Our workplace injury lawyers also provide an in-depth analysis of your case to identify potential grounds for pursuing third-party claims or personal injury lawsuits. We handle each client’s case with the utmost confidentiality, discretion, and skill in Holmdel, Wall, Manasquan, Red Bank, Long Branch, Middletown, Colts Neck, Monmouth County, Ocean County and elsewhere in New Jersey. To learn more about how an NJ workplace brain injury lawyer at our West Long Branch, New Jersey, office can help, please contact the firm today at 732-440-3950.