Requiring New Jersey employers to reimburse injured workers for medical marijuana
A workers’ compensation judge in New Jersey can order an employer to reimburse an injured worker for the worker’s use of medical marijuana prescribed for chronic pain following a work accident. The Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey concluded the order did not conflict with the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Vincent […]
Injuries to airport and airline workers
Port Authority police officers and a flight attendant suffered injuries at the Newark Airport. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by airport and airline workers on a daily basis. The incident allegedly began when a passenger banged on the cockpit door. The passenger allegedly attacked a flight attendant who tried to […]
Using the inability to understand English as a ground for total disability under the odd-lot doctrine
New Jersey workers’ compensation law allows judges to use the odd-lot doctrine to consider factors beyond physical and neuropsychiatric impairments to find a worker permanently and totally disabled. The issue was before the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey in a case in which the injured employee argued her limited English should […]
Fast-food restaurant employees at high risk for on-the-job injuries
About 12.19 million people work in the restaurant industry in the United States as of 2018. Twenty-eight percent, or 3.7 million, work in fast-food establishments. Many of these workers are subject to on-the-job injuries and accidents. The injuries can result in workers’ compensation claims and benefits for injured workers. How dangerous is fast-food restaurant work? […]
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 […]
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 […]