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February 22, 2023

The Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Fights to Protect New Jersey Workers’ Rights!

Judge Rules Shooting is Compensable in Amazon Work Accident in New Jersey

Paul G. Paravati, Esq. of the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm successfully argued that Amazon was responsible, under New Jersey workers’ compensation law, for injuries which occurred to one of their employees due to a random shooting.

On October 11, 2020, our client, who was employed at an Amazon warehouse, was taking his lunch break outside to smoke a cigarette. While sitting a few feet from the entrance of the Amazon warehouse, an unknown individual shot him several times in the chest and arm, causing life threatening injuries and putting him in a coma temporarily. Despite the fact that this shooting had taken place mere feet from the entrance to Amazon’s warehouse, and in an area employees had been directed to smoke in by Amazon, the company refused to accept this employee’s workers’ compensation claim, denying him critical medical treatment and temporary wage benefits. Amazon denied this tragic incident was compensable.

Our firm fought for over two years that this employee was entitled to receive benefits under the workers’ compensation statute. Mr. Paravati was successful at trial and a workers’ compensation Judge in Essex County found that the employee (petitioner) was indeed in the course of his employment when he was injured and ordered Amazon to pay petitioner for all his medical treatment and past and current wages.   

In her opinion, the Judge of Compensation found that Amazon had created a “De Facto” smoke area through their actions. Amazon exercised control over a public sidewalk in the immediate vicinity of the warehouse. Amazon had placed a welcome sign, garbage can, giant ashtray all in the immediate area and had told workers this area was for them to smoke in. Furthermore, it was proven that although petitioner was injured by a criminal act of a third party, due to the fact that it had been a random attack, the police investigation revealed no connection between the petitioner and his assailant, it was a neutral risk of the job and thus compensable.

There have been multiple stories in the news over the past few years regarding the negative treatment of workers by Amazon. This case is a significant win, not just for Amazon workers, but all employees in New Jersey because it reinforces workers’ rights to compensation for injuries occurring during break times.

Get a FREE Case Evaluation from Our Team of Experienced New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

If you are seriously injured in a work-related accident, or lost a loved one, our team of experienced New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorneys can offer the advice you can trust and need during this uncertain and difficult time. Todd and his team have over 35 years of experience handling all types of serious accidents, including truck and car accidentsmotorcycle accidentsslip and fall accidentswrongful death, and workers’ compensation claims. Our firm will fight to make sure your rights are fully protected and you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Please call us now for a free, confidential consultation at our Headquarters in Denville, NJ at (973) 920-7900. To read more about our law firm’s results, please visit https://www.lawleonard.com/resultsWE PUT OUR CLIENTS FIRST!

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Todd Leonard and his staff made me feel like family.

Trust me, he will take you into his hands and take care of all your personal injury legal matters. They are friendly, professional, and go out all the way for you. Thank you Todd Leonard and staff.

- Frank O.
Mr. Leonard’s law firm constantly kept in touch

and on top of my problems. They were quick to respond to my legal needs and were very attentive and showed real concern to my issues. I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal representation.

- Leslie W.
You are the most amazing person

and I am indebted to you forever!

- P.S.
He was relentless

until the case was fully settled and all was in our favor. Thank you so much. We highly recommend his office to anyone.

- E. and M.
Todd and his staff were courteous and caring about my personal well-being.

They were knowledgeable and settled my case in an expedited manner. I really felt they were on my side the whole way. Thank you Todd and staff for excellent treatment!

- B.H.
I highly recommend using this law firm.

My lawyer Paul Paravati was always available there for me and gave me first rate service.

- Richard B.
The Leonard Law Firm is truly amazing.

They go above and beyond to make sure you get what you deserve.

- Gina V.