When Snow and Ice Lead to Workplace Injuries: Your Legal Options

Winter weather in New Jersey can transform a typical workday into a dangerous situation. Snow and ice create slippery surfaces, low visibility, and other hazards that significantly increase the risk of workplace injuries. Whether you work outdoors or need to navigate icy parking lots and walkways to get to your job, a slip-and-fall accident or related injury can disrupt your life in many ways.

If you’ve been injured at work due to winter conditions and are new to the workers’ compensation system, understanding your rights and options is critical. This guide explains what to do after an injury, how to file a workers’ compensation claim, and the importance of consulting a workers’ comp lawyer to protect your interests.

Common Workplace Injuries Caused by Snow and Ice

Snow and ice can lead to a variety of workplace injuries, from minor bruises to severe trauma. Common injuries include:

• Slip and Falls: The most frequent type of accident, these can cause fractures, concussions, and back injuries.

• Vehicle-Related Accidents: Snowy roads and poor visibility may lead to crashes involving delivery trucks, snowplows, or other work vehicles.

• Overexertion: Shoveling snow or pushing stuck vehicles can result in muscle strains or heart-related issues.

• Falling Objects: Snow or ice buildup on roofs or equipment can dislodge, causing injuries to workers below.

For example, a warehouse employee may slip on an icy loading dock while moving inventory, sustaining a fractured ankle. This type of injury can lead to medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about how to navigate the workers’ compensation system.

Does New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Cover Snow and Ice Injuries?

In New Jersey, the workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. This includes injuries caused by snow and ice, provided the incident occurred while performing job-related duties.

Examples of covered scenarios include:

• Slipping on ice in a workplace parking lot or walkway
• Falling on icy steps while entering or exiting the workplace
• Sustaining injuries from an icy surface while making deliveries
• Accidents involving work vehicles during snowy conditions

It’s important to note that injuries sustained during a commute, such as driving from home to work, are generally not covered unless specific exceptions apply, like traveling between work-related sites.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in New Jersey

If you’ve been injured at work due to snow or ice, taking the right steps can protect your health and your ability to file a workers’ compensation claim:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Report your injury to your employer immediately and seek care from an approved medical provider.

• Document the Scene: Take photos of the snow or ice hazard that caused your injury. Collect witness information if others saw the incident.

• File an Accident Report: Notify your employer in writing about the accident as soon as possible. Under New Jersey law, you must report workplace injuries within 90 days. However, it’s usually recommended that you report the injury sooner — preferably within 14 days to avoid any complications with your claim. 

• Keep Records: Save copies of medical reports, receipts, and correspondence related to your injury. These will be important for your workers’ compensation claim.

• Consult a Workers’ Comp Lawyer: An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring you meet deadlines and receive the full benefits you’re entitled to under the law.

For instance, a delivery driver who slips on an icy driveway while carrying packages in Hamilton may initially think the injury isn’t serious. However, failing to report the incident promptly or seeing an unapproved doctor could jeopardize their claim.

Benefits Available Through New Jersey’s Workers’ Compensation System

Workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits to injured employees in New Jersey. These include:

• Medical Benefits: Coverage for treatment, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.

• Temporary Disability Benefits: Partial wage replacement while you’re unable to work due to your injury.

• Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for long-term impairments resulting from the injury.

• Death Benefits: For families of workers fatally injured on the job.

It’s important to understand that your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance determines the approved providers for your care. Going outside the network without permission can result in denied claims.

Challenges First-Time Workers’ Compensation Claimants Face

For employees new to the workers’ compensation system, the process can feel overwhelming. Common challenges include:

• Claim Denials: Insurers may argue that the injury didn’t occur at work or wasn’t serious enough to qualify for benefits.

• Employer Pushback: Some employers may downplay your injury or delay filing the claim.

• Confusing Procedures: Knowing which forms to file, meeting deadlines, and understanding benefit limits can be daunting.

Hiring an experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you navigate these challenges. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to under New Jersey law.

How a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Help

An experienced workers’ comp lawyer is an invaluable resource for injured workers, especially those navigating the system for the first time. Here’s how they can assist:

• Filing Your Claim: Ensuring all paperwork is accurate and submitted on time.

• Proving Your Case: Gathering evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and medical records, to support your claim.

• Appealing Denials: If your claim is denied, your lawyer can represent you in appeals or hearings.

• Maximizing Benefits: Ensuring you receive all the compensation you’re entitled to, including future medical expenses or disability payments.

For example, a retail employee who fractures their wrist after slipping on ice outside their store may initially receive pushback from their employer about the incident’s eligibility. A skilled workers’ comp lawyer can intervene to ensure proper documentation and benefits are provided.

Avoiding Workplace Injuries During the Winter

While not all accidents are preventable during the winter season, taking precautions can reduce your risk of injury on the job:

• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Use non-slip shoes or boots designed for icy conditions.

• Report Hazards Promptly: Notify your employer about icy walkways or poorly cleared parking lots.

• Take Extra Time: Rushing on icy surfaces increases your chances of falling.

• Follow Employer Safety Protocols: Many workplaces provide guidelines for handling winter hazards—be sure to follow them.

Employers are also responsible for maintaining safe conditions, such as clearing ice and snow promptly and providing adequate safety equipment.

Don’t Let Winter Injuries in New Jersey Derail Your Life – Contact Hartman Duff to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim 

When workplace injuries caused by snow and ice leave you struggling, our experienced workers’ comp lawyers at Hartman Duff are ready to fight for your rights. 

Serving clients in Hamilton, Toms River, Trenton, and throughout New Jersey, we’re committed to helping injured workers recover the compensation they need. Call us today at 609-853-5579 for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.