Workers' Compensation: NJ Division of Workers' Compensation COVID-19 Closing Extended to May 11, 2020

Notice to the Bar April 22, 2020

This notice announces additional statewide steps by the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation to address the ongoing public health crisis surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey.

In accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders to slow the spread of the virus, all N.J. workers’ compensation courts shall continue to be closed to the public and to non- essential court personnel until May 11, 2020.

All Administrative Supervisory Judges and Supervising Judges shall continue to be designated by the N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the N.J. Division of Workers’ Compensation as essential personnel and shall hear as many Workers’ Compensation matters as possible in their home vicinage by telephonic conferencing, and if possible by video conferencing, including all emergent matters and the following non- emergent matters, pre-trial conferences, general motions for medical and temporary benefits, and settlements by affidavit.

There will be no in-person Workers’ Compensation Court proceedings (except for extremely limited emergent matters and certain ongoing motions for medical and temporary benefits and trials, in which case social distancing will be enforced).

Court offices will remain closed for in-person submissions. Filings will continue to be accepted electronically through COURTS On-line.

Please contact each individual workers’ compensation court if you have questions about a scheduled hearing, motion, conference, or other matter by email, fax, or telephone.

Hon. Russell Wojtenko, Jr.
Director and Chief Judge of Compensation
N.J. Department of Labor & Workforce

Development Division of Workers’ Compensation

Related information:

OSHA Sued to Implement Mandatory Worker Safety Standards at Meatpacking Facilities 5/7/20

Senator Sweeney Bill Would Expand NJ Workers’ Comp Benefits for ‘Essential Workers’ Sickened in Covid Crisis 05/05/2020

Notice To The NJ Bar: Public Access To Court Events During Covid-19 - Directives #11-20 ("Supreme Court Guidelines On Media Access And Electronic Devices In The Courts") And #12-20 ("Principles And Protocols For Virtual Court Operations During The Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic") njjudiciary.com AOC 4/28/2020

A Federal Heroes Compensation Fund 4/24/2020