Fatal injuries to workers at construction sites
Two recent deaths at construction sites in New Jersey serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by construction workers. Eric Papenfuhs was killed at the construction site of the American Dream megamall in East Rutherford. Another worker died in Woodbridge Township as a result of electrocution. Papenfuhs was operating a Bobcat when he collided […]
Employee injured at company family fun day denied benefits
Companies hold events outside regular employment hours and invite employees to participate. If an employee is injured at one of these events, is the injury covered by workers’ compensation? Kim Goulding worked as a cook at a nonprofit organization that provides vocational training and clinical services to individuals with developmental issues. On a Saturday, the […]
Injured employee denied workers’ compensation
If an employee is injured while walking to and from the lot, is the injury covered by workers’ compensation? Emily Manuel worked as a nurse at a New Jersey medical center. The medical center rented parking spaces in a lot across the street from the center. It deducted a fee from the pay of employees […]
Employer’s liability for injuries during treatment for a work injury
What happens when an employee being treated for a work injury claims to suffer another injury during the treatment? The Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey recently considered this issue. Priscilla Robinson, a flight attendant, fractured her wrist at work. Robinson underwent physical therapy for her injury. She contended that she tore […]
Most Common Work-Related Illnesses
Every day workers are hurt at their places of employment. Even more workers are exposed to dangerous substances that cause potentially lifelong diseases and acute illnesses. Here are some of the most common occupational illnesses that generate workers’ compensation claims: Hearing loss — This is the most common occupational disease thanks to dangerous levels of […]
Injured Benjamin Franklin Bridge Worker Case Not Actionable in Pennsylvania
A workers’ compensation case involving a man who was injured while working as a painter on the Ben Franklin Bridge cannot be litigated in Pennsylvania, says Commonwealth Court panel. The man sustained injuries to his wrist after he fell while painting the bridge. Pennsylvania and New Jersey jointly own the bridge. Because the man was […]
Liability of employee for an on-the-job prank that injures a co-worker
Some horseplay can be expected at work. Usually, pranks are harmless, but what are the consequences if an employee suffers an injury? A firefighter for the City of Linden was on duty at a firehouse. As he sat down on a toilet in the men’s restroom, he felt an explosion beneath him. Remnants of an […]
Injuries to workers on construction sites
Construction workers are at risk of injury each day they report to a jobsite. Recently a crane operator was injured in South Philadelphia in August when the machine he was operating came into contact with a power line. The worker suffered burn injuries. Construction workers can fall from structures like roofs and scaffolds. They operate […]
Employer’s idiopathic defense against workers’ compensation claim in New Jersey
An employer may try to defeat a workers’ compensation claim on the ground that the injury was idiopathic. The theory behind the defense is that the job did not cause the injury because the same injury would have resulted if the employee had not been on the job. A recent decision of the Appellate Division […]
First responders among injured in New Jersey multiple-vehicle crash
A dump truck struck two state troopers who were standing at a vehicle crash scene. The incident started a chain reaction that resulted in injuries to five firefighters and three state troopers. The accident resulted in damage to at least a dozen vehicles, including an ambulance, a fire truck, state police SUVs and a food […]