NJ Compensation Courts Closed to the Public Until Further Notice

The NJ Division of Workers' Compensation announced today that the Compensation Courts are closed to the public until further notice in light of the COVID Pandemic. This is not surprising in light of the steep increase in COVID cases nationally and in NJ. 

NJ initially suspended in person hearings on March 17, 2020. The State, as of July 9, 2020 has reported 174,240 COVID cases, 13,501 confirmed COVID deaths and 1,947 probable COVID deaths. Governor Pat Murphy has taken significant steps to reduce COVID transmission and has adhered to science and data in carefully and cautiously staging reopening of the State. COVID hospitalizations in NJ have been reduced dramatically since the initial peak in April, 2020.

Notice to the Bar 

July 10, 2020

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

In accordance with Governor Murphy’s previous Executive Orders, all N.J. Workers’ Compensation Courts shall continue to be closed to the public until further notice. 

All Judges of Compensation shall hear as many scheduled workers’ compensation matters as possible in their assigned vicinage by telephonic and video conferencing, including emergent and non-emergent matters, such as, trials, pre-trial conferences, motions for medical and temporary benefits, general motions, and settlements. 

There will be no in-person Workers’ Compensation Court proceedings except limited ongoing trials and motions for medical and temporary benefits, in which case masks shall be worn by all parties and social distancing shall be strictly 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

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Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thomson-Reuters). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com  has been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.

Blog: Workers ' Compensation

Twitter: jongelman

LinkedIn: JonGelman

LinkedIn Group: Injured Workers Law & Advocacy Group

Author: "Workers' Compensation Law" West-Thomson-Reuters