The Bureau of Labor Statistics released workplace injury data from 2020. While 2020 was indeed a challenging year in many regards, it was challenging for those who suffered workplace accidents. Following a workplace accident, injured workers face additional stress and financial worry on top of those they are already dealing with due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are essential findings from the 2020 BLS New Jersey workplace injury report.

Overall, New Jersey had a higher rate of workplace injury than the country as a whole. Throughout 2020, more than 75,000 New Jersey workers reported experiencing workplace injury. This amounts to almost three percent of all workers. However, the injury rate throughout the United States was 2.7 injuries per 100 workers or 2.7 percent.

Of the 75,800 injury and illness cases reported in New Jersey, 54,200 involved injuries of a more severe nature. In each case, injured workers missed days away from work or required a job transfer or occupational restriction. The difference in the rate of serious workplace injuries in New Jersey and the United was even more alarming. Serious workplace injuries in New Jersey made up more than 70 percent of all workplace accidents, whereas they only made up about 60 percent nationwide.

Those industries with the highest rate of injury for 2020 include:

• Natural resources and mining;
• Construction;
• Manufacturing;
• Professional and business services;
• Education and health services;
• Leisure and hospitality;
• State government;
• Local government; and
• Financial activities.

What Options Do Workers Have After a Serious Injury?

Suffering injuries resulting from a workplace accident can put a worker in a complex financial space. On the one hand, they need rest and medical treatment to recover from their injuries. However, on the other hand, they may have used up all their sick time or PTO, and their employer may be unwilling to allow them additional time off to heal. Of course, in the event of a severe injury, an employer may not have a choice because an employee is physically unable to make it to work. However, in either case, the genuine concern is about job stability and how a worker will continue to earn an income despite your injuries.

A workers’ compensation claim may be the answer. The New Jersey workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program that allows injured workers to stay home and heal from injuries. At the same time, their employer covers their medical expenses and provides them with disability benefits. Notably, because the workers’ compensation program is a no-fault system, workers do not need to show that anyone else was responsible for the accident resulting in their injuries. However, they must establish that their injuries were caused by or related to their employment. While this is straightforward in certain situations, in others, it is not. For example, any worker who develops an occupational disease should expect to face challenges, as their employer may claim that the worker’s condition was unrelated to their work.

A workers’ compensation lawyer can help injured workers understand their rights and options and how to pursue a claim

effectively.

Petrillo & Goldberg consists of a compassionate team of advocates who have dedicated their careers to ensuring that New Jersey injury accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Petrillo & Goldberg’s attorneys skillfully deal with the insurance companies so employees can focus on recovering, returning to work, and moving forward. To learn more, visit https://www.petrilloandgoldberg.com, or call 856-486-4343 to schedule a free consultation.