According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hundreds of thousands of workers are injured yearly while on the clock. From strains to sprains, lacerations to punctures, many workers avoid reporting these kinds of injuries at first. This is a huge mistake.
Why?
Even if your accident seems simple or you think it didn’t cause permanent damage, you should file a report with your employer. What seems like a minor injury in the beginning often worsens without treatment. You’re more likely to receive quick treatment when you report an incident or accident right after it occurs. You’ll also set yourself up to qualify for worker’s compensation financial assistance.
You have options if you’ve been injured while at work in Geneva, Auburn, Ithaca, Pen Yan, or anywhere else in Central New York State. These include hiring Littman and Babiarz, one of the best New York worker compensation law firms to handle your case.
Not sure if your injury is serious enough? Read on.
Worker’s Compensation Lawyers: Injury Data and Facts
Over 200,000 workers are hurt each year in New York State while on the clock. Many of these accidents result in death, especially in the following industries:
- Construction
- Government
- Agriculture
- Transportation
- Warehousing
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Utilities
Although the national average of workplace fatalities has remained relatively stable, this number continues to rise in New York. Statistics show that seventy-five percent of injuries that involve lost work time occur in low-wage industries. This means that the employees who need to work the most are often left without pay or the ability to do their jobs.
In New York State, almost all employees can access worker’s compensation benefits. Even remote workers are protected under state law. The only real exception to this relates to contract
workers.
Regardless, you only have thirty days to notify your employer of a work-related injury. This short time frame makes quick reporting critical.
Worker Compensation Attorneys Weigh in: When is an Injury Serious?
According to the top employment lawyers in Geneva, NY, and Auburn, NY, all injuries should be reported.
Any of the following may qualify you for some kind of compensation:
- A workplace injury that required medical treatment
- An on-the-job injury that could worsen over time
- A workplace injury that caused you to lose pay
- A workplace injury that caused you to take time off from work
Even if you think your injury is “no big deal,” it should be reported. Best case scenario, you heal quickly, and life goes on as usual. If the worst happens and your injury has long term effects, having filed an initial report will allow you to get compensation from your employer with less hassle.
Although your employer can usually provide you with the Workers’ Compensation Board form that you’ll need to start the process, they might not always be helpful. In fact, many times, an employer might try to impede the process and skate responsibility.
This is why consulting with Workers compensation law firms or worker’s compensation lawyers is often a necessary route.
Other Examples of on-the-Job Injuries
According to the top Geneva, Auburn, Ithaca, and Pen Yan, NY worker’s compensation attorneys, you should request a consult for these kinds of situations:
- Lifting something heavy and suffering a strain
- Tripping over something and spraining an ankle
- Electrocution or a fall that causes injury
- Completing a task and suffering from a slipped disc or another back injury
Exposure to harmful substances, transportation accidents, and even workplace violence are all events that can qualify one for benefits.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Injured on the Job?
First, you should contact an experienced worker’s compensation attorney immediately. Many people see this as a last resort, but waiting is precisely what the responsible parties want you to do!
According to our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers, you only have a limited amount of time to file a complaint, so it’s best to act immediately. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should be compensated for these job-related traumas. This is why it’s crucial to have the support of an employment law attorney who knows how to win these types of cases.
The Littman & Babiarz law office is an experienced law firm with expert knowledge of worker’s compensation laws. We provide knowledgeable representation to clients. If you need help with your worker’s compensation case around Geneva, Auburn, Pen Yan, or Ithaca, NY, we will be happy to help.