Workers' Compensation Judges Exempt from Gun Permit Requirement

A Federal Judge, in a multifaceted decision, upheld a New Jersey law exemption that allows specific individuals to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Workers’ compensation judges actively handling cases are one of the groups of individuals who are exempt from the permit requirement. 

NJ Judges of Compensation Seek Return to State Pension System

The legislation now pending before the NJ Assembly would permit reinstatement of NJ Judges of Workers Compensation into the state pension system (A1032 3R). A similar bill has already passed the NJ Senate (S758 3R) on February 19, 2021 (29-5-5).

Appellate Court Cautions Attorneys Against Disrespectful Attacks on Judges of Compensation

Civility has an essential role in the judicial process. All parties and the court are required to both understand and conform to the role of formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech in order to both maintain decorum and confidence in the judicial process.

Judicial Enforcement is Limited in Workers’ Compensation Claims

The enforcement provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act [WCA] are strictly limited. Judges of Compensation are mandated to follow the statute, regulations and the specific facts in addressing enforcement issues.

Adopted New Code of Conduct for NJ Judges of Compensation

A public hearing on the proposed repeals, amendments, and a new rule was held on October 3, 2017, at the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, John Fitch Plaza, Trenton, New Jersey. David Fish, Executive Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, was available to preside at the hearing and to receive testimony. There were no attendees at the public hearing and the Department received no written comments. The hearing officer recommended that the Department proceed with the repeals, amendments, and new rule, without change.

Changes Urged for NJ Workers' Compensation System

The NJ 2017 Gubernatorial election results have not even been reported and major changes to the NJ Workers' Compensation system are already being urged. A leading practitioner in the workers' compensation arena is urging the adoption of a pure wage-loss system to replace the scheduled and time-limited disability benefits now embodied in the Act, and an employee choice of physician statute to replace the present employer directed system.

Guidelines for Medical Provider Claims - A Valuable Approach

While the vast majority of jurisdictions in the US have the guidance of mandatory workers' compensation medical fee schedules, New Jersey remains one of the very few with no such structure. As I reported earlier, this generates multiple issues in the claims process and creates costly delays in the adjudication of disputes.

NJ Governor Nominates Judges of Compensation and Promotes Bill to Increase Salaries

NJ Governor Chris Christie filed the following nominations with the State Senate. The Governor’s nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate. The Governor also filed the following direct appointments with the Secretary of State's Office.