DISPUTED NJ WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CASES UNDER SECTION 20
Some employee claims for workers’ compensation benefits are disputed by the employer through it’s insurance carrier. If the new jersey injured worker’s claim for benefits is disputed either for liability (is the employer responsible) or causation (did the injury occur at work) then the parties can agree to settle the claim under section 20 (short for N.J.S.A. 34:15-20). Under a section 20 settlement, the employer is NOT responsible for any of the employee/worker’s medical bills (past or present) and/or any future claims for benefits (absolute release of rights and claims against the employer). Therefore, a injured employee/worker should be absolutely certain that he/she has no case before accepting a section 20 offer.
Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq. is the Managing Member and Lead Partner at Beninato & Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC, a New Jersey-based personal injury law firm with offices in Elizabeth and East Brunswick. With over two decades of experience representing clients in complex matters—including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases—he has recovered over $100 million on behalf of his clients and is known for securing significant results. He has also helped shape New Jersey personal injury law through notable Appellate Division decisions such as Hardison v. King and Frenklakh v. Lojek, with his litigation work featured in the New Jersey Law Journal, underscoring his authority in the field.
Mr. Matrafajlo was recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Stars honoree from 2012 to 2017 and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for attorneys who have achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Combining deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach, he provides strategic, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
