Legal landscape note: This article was originally published in 2015 and describes the law as it stood at that time. New Jersey law changes frequently.
Overview
The painkillers were supposed to be a short-term bridge after your work injury. Months later, the refills keep coming, and no one has talked to you about a plan to stop. For injured workers in New Jersey, this is a serious and often overlooked risk: while narcotic painkillers play a legitimate role in managing acute pain after a workplace injury, over-prescription and long-term reliance on these medications can lead to devastating dependency -- with consequences that extend far beyond the original injury.
When physicians prescribe opioid painkillers for months or years without adequately evaluating dependency risks, exploring alternatives, or tapering dosages, injured workers can find themselves battling addiction while still trying to recover physically and return to work.
The Scope of the Problem
The case of Dr. Adam Gilliss, a physician formerly based in Merchantville, New Jersey, highlights the severity of this issue. Dr. Gilliss's license was revoked after the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners found him guilty of gross negligence and professional misconduct for providing prescriptions for narcotic painkillers to patients for years at a time -- without evaluating dependency risks, making reasonable efforts to reduce dosage, or recommending alternative treatments.
While the vast majority of New Jersey physicians act responsibly, cases like this reveal how the workers' compensation system can inadvertently channel injured workers toward long-term opioid use. Pain management referrals are common in workers' compensation cases, and without vigilant oversight, what begins as short-term pain relief can evolve into long-term dependency.
How the Workers' Compensation System Affects Prescription Practices
Under New Jersey's Workers' Compensation Act, N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq., employers and their insurance carriers are responsible for providing authorized medical treatment for work-related injuries. This includes pain management and prescription medication. However, the system's focus on returning workers to employment can sometimes prioritize quick fixes over comprehensive, long-term treatment planning.
Injured workers should be aware that:
- They have the right to seek second opinions regarding their treatment plan
- Alternative pain management options -- such as physical therapy, injections, and non-narcotic medications -- may be available
- Long-term opioid use should be accompanied by regular monitoring for signs of dependency
- Workers can request a change of authorized treating physician under certain circumstances
Protecting Yourself
If you have been injured at work and are concerned about the medications you have been prescribed, consider taking these steps:
- Ask your doctor directly about the risks of dependency and how long you should expect to be on the medication
- Discuss alternative pain management strategies
- Keep a log of your medication use and any side effects
- Consult with an experienced workers' compensation attorney if you feel your medical treatment is not being managed properly
Key Takeaways
- Over-prescription of opioid painkillers is a documented risk for injured workers in New Jersey
- The New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners has taken action against physicians who over-prescribe without monitoring dependency risks
- Injured workers have rights within the workers' compensation system, including the right to seek second opinions
- Alternative pain management options may be available and should be discussed with your treating physician
- If you have concerns about your medical treatment in a workers' compensation case, consulting an attorney can help protect your health and your rights
Reviewed by Britt J. Simon, Esq., Managing Partner -- Simon Law Group, LLC -- May 2026
The content on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Every case is different. You should consult with a qualified attorney before making any legal decisions. Contacting us through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The workers' compensation benefits guide explains how authorized treatment and disability payments fit within a claim.