Construction Season Is Here: Know Your Rights After a Job Site Injury in NJ

May 21, 2025

As warmer weather arrives, construction season ramps up across New Jersey. From roadwork to building projects, job sites are buzzing with activity – and with that comes a higher risk of workplace injuries. At Bramnick Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand how overwhelming a construction site accident can be. If you’ve been injured on the job, knowing your rights and what steps to take next can make all the difference in your recovery.

Why Construction Accidents Increase in Warmer Months

Spring and summer bring longer workdays, tighter deadlines, and more workers on-site. These seasonal changes often lead to more frequent – and more serious – job site accidents due to:

Crowded Work Zones: More crews and machinery increase the chance of mistakes.
Fatigue: Long hours in the heat can lead to lapses in concentration.
Rushed Timelines: When employers push to finish projects quickly, safety can suffer.

Whether it’s a fall, equipment malfunction, or exposure to a hazardous substance, injuries can happen fast – and leave you dealing with physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Common Construction Site Injuries in New Jersey

The construction industry consistently ranks among the most dangerous fields. A few of the most frequent injuries we see in workers’ compensation claims include:

Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops.
Equipment accidents involving forklifts, nail guns, or power tools.
Being struck by falling objects.
Electrocution from exposed wires or power lines.
Injuries from repetitive motion or heavy lifting.

No matter the type of injury, it’s important to understand your legal options.

How Workers’ Compensation Works in NJ

New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured workers receive benefits – regardless of who was at fault. If you’re hurt on the job, you could be entitled to:

Medical care for injury-related treatment.
Temporary disability benefits if you can’t work during recovery.
Permanent disability benefits if your injury leads to long-term impairment.
Survivor benefits for dependents if a fatal accident occurs.

That said, the process can be confusing – especially if your employer or their insurance company challenges your claim.

What to Do After a Construction Site Injury

Acting quickly after a workplace accident can help protect your health and your rights. Here’s what to do:

Report the Injury Immediately

Tell your supervisor or employer what happened. Be specific, and don’t delay. Waiting too long can lead to a denied claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injury seems minor, get checked out. Workers’ comp claims require prompt documentation. Your employer may refer you to an approved provider.

Document the Scene

If you’re able, take photos, gather names of witnesses, and make notes about what occurred. These details may be important later – especially if your claim is disputed.

Follow Up on Your Claim

Your employer should report your injury to their workers’ comp insurer, but don’t assume it’s been done. Request confirmation and keep a record.

Speak With a Construction Injury Lawyer

If your claim is denied, delayed, or undervalued – or if another party caused your injury – you may need an attorney to help protect your rights.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in NJ?

In New Jersey, injured workers generally have two years from the date of injury (or from the last workers’ comp payment) to file a formal claim petition. However, reporting your injury to your employer should happen much sooner – ideally within 14 days, and no later than 90 days. Missing these deadlines can affect your right to benefits, so don’t wait to take action.

Can You File a Third-Party Lawsuit?

In some cases, injured construction workers may be able to pursue additional compensation through a third-party personal injury claim. For example:

If a defective tool or machine caused your injury, you may have a product liability case.
If another contractor on-site acted negligently, they could be held responsible.

Unlike workers’ comp, these claims can include pain and suffering, future lost income, and other damages.

Why Legal Support Matters

Construction injury cases can be complicated. A skilled attorney can help by:

Investigating what really happened.
Ensuring your claim is properly filed and supported.
Challenging unfair denials or lowball settlements.
Identifying opportunities for additional compensation beyond workers’ comp.

At Bramnick Law, we’ve helped injured workers across New Jersey stand up to insurance companies and protect their futures.

Understanding How Legal Support Can Help in Work Injury Cases

Let’s say a worker on a construction site in Morristown experiences a fall due to faulty safety equipment, like a defective harness. After the injury, the worker may face challenges when the employer’s insurer argues that the injury was due to a preexisting condition. In situations like this, having the right legal support can make a significant difference.

At Bramnick Law, we would guide the worker through the process of gathering medical records, speaking with witnesses, and collecting evidence such as photos of the defective equipment. With these steps, we aim to ensure the worker receives the full benefits they’re entitled to under workers’ compensation laws, while also exploring the possibility of holding other parties – like the manufacturer of the harness – accountable through a third-party claim.

Know Your Rights as a New Jersey Worker

By law, New Jersey employers must provide a safe work environment and carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’re hurt on the job, you have the right to:

Receive medical treatment.
Collect temporary or permanent disability benefits.
Appeal a denied claim.
Consult an attorney at any time.

Injured on the Job? Contact Bramnick Law Today

If you’ve been hurt on a construction site in New Jersey, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. At Bramnick Law, we’re here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We represent injured workers in Scotch Plains, Westfield, Morristown, East Brunswick, Clifton, Cherry Hill, Newark, and across the state. Call us today at 866-845-5571 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please contact Bramnick Law directly.