Horseplay injury

I live and work in New Jersey. At work, my co-worker came up from behind me to startle me. He jumped on my shoulders and jolted my neck. He was horseplaying. I was not engaged in this horseplay. I brought it to my Employers attention and he avoided the issue. He knew I was seeing Doctors and having treatment for this neck injury and he still would not fill out an accident report. I come to find out that he didn't have Workers Comp. Ins.. I have reported him as non-compliant to the state. What happens now as far as he's concerned and I'm concerned?? What will an Attorney due for me? I understand thru hearsay that he will fight me anyway and tell his Attorney that I was engaged in this horseplay which is not true. There were no witness' Thanks, Don...

What about the guy who jumped on your shoulders? Wouldn't he be a witness? If he doesn't want to go to court to back you up, maybe you should be sueing him, he IS the reason you are hurt.
Just some different things to think about.

I am an attorney who practices in the Greater Tampa, FL area. While I am unfamilar with the New Jersey w/c rules, most States consider compensable horseplay injuries which occur within the scope and course of employment. NJ probably has a statute which permits some sort of remedy against the employer. I am assuming that he was obligated to carry w/c insurance. You should have a formal consultation with an attorney. Contact your State bar, or local bar association for a referral.

Good Luck.

The above information is provided as a courtesy, without any consideration and without knowledge of the specific facts. Do not rely on this information. Seek a formal consultation with an attorney.