How New Jersey’s Workers’ Compensation Laws Support First Responders and Essential Workers

Guide to Claiming Benefits After a Job-Related Injury or Illness

First responders and essential workers are the backbone of our communities. Whether you’re responding to emergencies, fighting fires, providing medical care, or maintaining public safety, you face risks every day that most people never encounter in their jobs.

But what happens if you’re injured while doing that critical work?

New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws recognize the sacrifices made by these critical workers and offer special protections to help them get the care and financial support they need after an injury or illness. Unfortunately, even with these laws in place, many workers still struggle to receive timely benefits – especially when insurance companies delay or deny legitimate claims.

This guide explains how New Jersey protects first responders and essential workers through its workers’ compensation system, what steps to take after an injury, and how legal support can help you secure the benefits you deserve.

The Unique Risks of Being a First Responder or Essential Worker

Unlike employees in office or retail jobs, first responders and essential workers often operate in dangerous environments. You might be running into burning buildings, responding to violent scenes, handling hazardous materials, or working long shifts in hospitals or emergency rooms. The risks are real – and they can lead to serious physical or emotional harm.

Common job-related injuries and conditions include:

• Burns, broken bones, sprains, and other traumatic injuries
• Exposure to hazardous substances, smoke, or infectious diseases
• Psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression
• Chronic injuries like back pain or joint issues from repetitive strain

Because of these heightened dangers, New Jersey law provides added protections to make it easier for you to access workers’ compensation benefits when you need them most.

Key Legal Protections Under New Jersey Law (2025 Update)

1. Presumption of Job-Related Injury

For police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, New Jersey law assumes that certain injuries or illnesses are caused by the job. This is known as a “presumption of compensability.”

For example, if a firefighter develops lung problems after years of smoke exposure, or an EMT experiences PTSD after responding to traumatic scenes, the law presumes these conditions are work-related. You don’t need to jump through hoops to prove it – this presumption shifts the burden away from you.

2. Coverage for Occupational Diseases and COVID-19

Essential workers, especially healthcare providers, are often exposed to viruses and illnesses at work. As of April 2025, New Jersey law continues to recognize COVID-19 and other infectious diseases as valid occupational illnesses for essential workers. That means if you contract a disease while on the job, you may qualify for medical coverage and wage replacement without needing extensive proof of exposure.

3. Benefits for Heart, Lung, and Cancer Conditions

First responders are more likely to develop certain long-term health conditions because of the nature of their jobs. New Jersey allows police officers and firefighters to seek workers’ compensation for issues like heart attacks, lung disease, and cancers that may be linked to exposure during service.

This ensures that if a job-related medical condition appears years after exposure, you still have access to benefits.

4. Mental Health Coverage for PTSD and Trauma

Dealing with traumatic situations is part of the job for many first responders – but it comes at a cost. Thankfully, New Jersey law now recognizes psychological injuries, including PTSD, as valid workers’ compensation claims.

If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, or depression due to work-related events, you may be eligible for therapy, medications, and wage loss benefits. This is a critical protection for those in emotionally demanding roles.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in New Jersey

If you’ve been hurt or diagnosed with a work-related illness, it’s important to act quickly and follow the right steps:

• Report the injury or illness immediately to your supervisor. Delaying could hurt your claim.
• Seek medical treatment through a provider authorized by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
• File a formal workers’ compensation claim through your employer or with the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation.
• Keep all documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and communication with your employer or insurer.
• Speak with a workers’ compensation attorney if your claim is denied, delayed, or undervalued.

Having legal guidance can help protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly throughout the process.

Why You Should Work with a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorney

While the law is designed to protect workers, the system doesn’t always work the way it should. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries, delay your benefits, or deny your claim entirely – especially when the injury involves long-term care or psychological trauma.

An experienced attorney can help by:

• Making sure your injury is properly documented and supported
• Helping you get full medical coverage and wage benefits
• Appealing denied or delayed claims
• Fighting for compensation if your injury results in long-term disability
• Ensuring you aren’t pressured into accepting less than you’re entitled to

At Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza, we know the challenges first responders and essential workers face. Our team is here to stand by your side, so you can focus on healing while we focus on your claim.

Talk to a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Who Understands First Responders’ Needs – Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza

If you’re a police officer, firefighter, EMT, nurse, or other essential worker who’s been hurt on the job, don’t go through the claims process alone. The team at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza has decades of experience handling New Jersey workers’ compensation cases – and we’re ready to help you.

With offices conveniently located in New Brunswick, Hazlet, and Red Bank, we proudly serve injured workers throughout Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties, including Freehold, Edison, East Brunswick, Toms River, Brick, Middletown, Asbury Park, and surrounding areas.

Call us today at 732-264-4400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight to protect your health, your livelihood, and your future.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. Each case is unique – please contact Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza to discuss your specific situation.