Workers’ compensation is a complex area of law. So, it makes sense that most New York workers wouldn’t have the specialized knowledge and experience to know what to do if an on-the-job injury occurred. This is why it’s important to know about New York State workers’ compensation benefits and what you’re entitled to as an injured employee.
Then you’ll want to seek the assistance of experienced workers’ compensation lawyers, worker compensation law firms, or worker compensation attorneys. Why? These legal professionals can help you navigate the often-confusing process of filing a workers’ compensation claim and ensure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.
New York State Worker’s Compensation Benefits
In New York State, workers’ compensation benefits are provided to employees who are injured or become at work. This assistance can cover medical expenses and lost wages. They can also cover any costs associated with an employee’s injury.
If you are injured on the job in the Penn Yan, Geneva, Auburn, or Ithaca, NY, areas contact Littman & Babiarz since you may be entitled to a variety of benefits. These generally fall into the 
following categories:
- Medical benefits
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Death benefits
We’ll get into each of these New York State worker’s compensation benefits a little further down. But just know that to receive these benefits, you must first file a workers’ compensation claim with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
Sound stressful? It can be. This complex and time-consuming process is usually better handled by an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, worker compensation law firm, or worker compensation attorney.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the process of filing a claim. They will also help with gathering evidence and presenting your case to the Workers’ Compensation Board. They will also ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. On top of this, Ithaca, NY, and other Central New York workers’ compensation lawyers can provide valuable advice and guidance on other legal issues related to your injury. For example, if your injury was caused by a third party, such as a negligent driver, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
What Should You Do if You’re Injured on the Job?
Let’s take Jordan’s case as an example. A construction worker in New York State, Jordan, was injured while working on a construction site. After accidentally falling from a riser, Jordan was rushed to the nearest hospital.
What would he need to do?
Upon arriving at the hospital, Jordan should immediately inform the medical staff that his injury was work-related. This is important because, in New York State, all employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees’ medical expenses. The same is true for lost wages due to work-related injuries.
Once John is stabilized, he should inform his employer about the incident and complete an incident report. It’s crucial to document the accident as soon as possible to ensure that he can claim compensation for his injury. These are a part of New York state Worker’s compensation benefits.
Next, Jordan should file a workers’ compensation claim with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. He can either do this online or by contacting the board directly. He must provide all necessary information, such as the date and location of the incident, the extent of his injury, and medical records.
Before doing this, Jordan might consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure that his rights are protected and that he receives the full benefits he’s entitled to under the law. This will include things like paying for all necessary medical expenses like doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and even physical therapy. If you are unable to work due to your injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for lost wages. How much you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and how long you are unable to work. This is a benefit area where having a workman’s compensation attorney is so important since they are able to negotiate more.
If your injury results in a permanent disability, you may be entitled to receive disability benefits. The number of disability benefits you receive will depend on the nature and extent of your disability. The same is true for those killed in a work-related incident. If a worker is killed on the job, the worker’s family may be entitled to death benefits. These benefits can help cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing financial support to the workers’ dependents.
If you’re a New York worker who has been injured, contact personal injury attorneys Littman & Babiarz today. A personal injury attorney from our firm can provide legal expertise, advocacy, evidence gathering, and a contingency fee arrangement to help injured workers receive the compensation they deserve.