New Jersey Worker’s Compensation: Pre-Existing Conditions
New Jersey workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, a common question that injured workers have is whether they are entitled to benefits for aggravated pre-existing injuries or medical conditions as a result of their employment or as a result of a new injury or illness suffered during the course of employment.
Although generally the answer is “yes,” each case is different and thus you should consult with a New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer for further information.
New Jersey Workers’ Comp Laws
Under the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation program, if you suffered from a pre-existing disability and later suffer a compensable work-related accident or injury that further aggravates that initial injury, you may be entitled to benefits from the Second Injury Fund.
More specifically, under N.J.S.A 34:15-95, if a pre-existing disability is aggravated, your employ is liable to pay for only that degree of disability which flows from the previous compensable accident and the Second Injury Fund is responsible and will pay for the balance of your total disability.
Your New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer can provide you with more information with regard to the Second Injury Fund as it applies to your workers’ compensation case.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Workers’ Comp Lawyer
For more information about your eligibility to receive a benefits for a pre-existing disability that is aggravated by a compensable work-related injury or accident under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation law, call the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404 to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced New Jersey workers’ comp lawyer. We have offices in Elizabeth, North Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey to better serve you