This bill amends the workers' compensation law in New Jersey to increase the cap on contingency attorney fees from 20 percent to 25 percent of the judgment awarded. The change is intended to better reflect the additional responsibilities and complexities that attorneys for injured workers face in their cases. The revised language specifies that the reasonable attorney fee shall not exceed 25 percent of the judgment, while also detailing the allowable fees for medical witnesses involved in the hearings.

The bill also maintains provisions regarding the approval of attorney fees by judges of compensation and outlines the circumstances under which fees for medical witnesses can be charged. It emphasizes that no fees for evaluating physicians shall be contingent on the outcome of the case, ensuring that medical professionals are compensated fairly for their services regardless of the judgment. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to all claims pending on or after the date of enactment.