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 handling these cases. The revised language specifies that the reasonable attorney fee shall not exceed 25 percent of the judgment, along with provisions for witness fees and other related costs.
Additionally, the bill outlines the fees that can be charged by medical witnesses, including specific amounts for evaluating and treating physicians, as well as conditions under which these fees may be charged. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to all claims pending on or after the date of enactment, ensuring that the updated fee structure is implemented without delay.