New York Workplace Injury Lawyer

Everyday, employees in New York suffer work-related injuries or illnesses and face mounting expenses as a result. New York’s workers’ compensation laws provide employees some relief when suffering work-related injuries and illnesses, such as neck, back, and head injuries and illnesses related to exposure to toxic chemicals. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that many employers are required to have in order to cover the expenses of injured employees and employees suffering occupational illnesses. If you were injured in while on the job, it is important to obtain the assistance of an experienced workplace injury lawyer.

Employees may receive certain workers’ compensation benefits if their employers carry workers’ compensation insurance. The various types of workers’ compensation benefits employees may receive include the following:

• Cash benefits:
  If an employee is unable to work for more than fourteen days due to the injury or illness, the employee can receive cash benefits for the days the employee is unable to work. There is a formula for calculating the cash benefits employees may receive that is based on their weekly wages and degrees of disability.
• Medical benefits:
  A worker who is eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits may receive necessary medical care so long as it relates to treating the employee’s injuries or illness. Except in the case of an emergency, New York State’s Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) must approve of the health care provider treating the employee.

Steps to Take If Injured at Work

There are several steps employees should take if they are injured at work. First, employees should seek medical attention for their injuries as soon as possible, informing the doctor of how they were hurt. If the employer does not dispute the employee’s workers’ compensation claim, the cost of medical services should be covered by the employer or the employer’s insurance carrier.

Next, the employee should notify his or her supervisor regarding the injury immediately. Employees who fail to notify their employer, in writing, within 30 days of the accident risk losing the right to workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, workers must file claims with the Board within two years of the accident date.

Notably, workers’ compensation laws can be very complex and extensive, which emphasizes the importance of obtaining legal advice from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. The Law Firm of Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. has handled many workers’ compensation matters and can advise clients of their options and advise them of the Board’s procedures for filing workers’ compensation claims.

Other Avenues of Recovery

Sometimes, workers’ compensation benefits are insufficient at compensating employees for their medical costs and other expenses. When this occurs, some clients have the option of seeking recovery against a third party who was partly responsible for causing the injury. Third parties may include manufacturers, who created the defective or poorly designed product or equipment that caused the plaintiff’s injuries.

If you have been injured on the job or suffered a work-related illness, have an experienced attorney maximize your potential recovery. An attorney can assist you in filing a workers’ compensation claim, filing a lawsuit against a negligent third party if appropriate, and can ensure that your rights are protected. For an experienced workplace injury lawyer, contact the Law Firm of Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. today.