As a New York City bus driver, you are responsible for getting people around one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. You take your job seriously and make safety a top priority, but accidents and injuries can happen to anyone.
If you are hurt on the job, you should be able to rely on Workers’ Compensation to get you through a tough time. Unfortunately, the application can be daunting, and an error can mean a delay in benefits. A New York City bus drivers’ Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help.
Our team at O’Connor Law has assisted thousands of injured workers in getting the benefits they need. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and find out how our New York City Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Workers’ Compensation Case?
Many New York City bus drivers are employees of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bus Company and are covered under their self-administered Workers’ Compensation program. Other bus drivers, such as school bus drivers, may be employed by privately owned companies that operate in New York City.
Your employer may offer guidance after you are injured, but it’s a good idea to speak with us as soon as possible. While it is important to follow your employer‘s procedures, remember that any advice they give you is in their best interest, and not always yours.
Your employer or insurer might provide a care coordinator for your medical appointments. You are not obligated to accept their assistance or interact with them beyond what’s necessary. Instead, refer them to your NYC Bus Drivers’ Workers’ Compensation attorney.
How a Bus Accident Lawyer Can Help
While every claim is different, some of the ways our attorneys can help get the Workers’ Compensation benefits you need include:
Legal Advice
We’ll help you understand your rights and how the Workers’ Compensation procedure works. While we will always offer our best legal advice, when you know the process, it means you can make informed decisions regarding your case.
File Your Claim
We can make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time, and include all necessary paperwork, such as medical documentation and incident reports. We can prevent you from making common errors that can harm your claim and make sure you meet important deadlines.
Maximize Your Benefits
We will help you understand what you’re owed. Then, we’ll fight to ensure you receive all the benefits you‘re entitled to, such as medical treatment coverage and lost wage compensation.
Handle Appeals
If your employer disputes your claim, we’ll help you appeal. We can gather evidence to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries, represent you in hearings, and advocate before a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge to secure the benefits you need.
Seek Additional Compensation
In addition to Workers’ Compensation, we may be able to explore additional benefits such as Social Security Disability, union disability benefits, or a personal injury lawsuit (especially in the case of a motor vehicle accident).
New York City Bus Drivers Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
What Should You Do if You are an Injured New York City Bus Driver?
To keep your Workers’ Compensation claim in good standing, you must follow certain steps and avoid others. Your bus drivers’ Workers’ Compensation lawyers in New York City can advise you through the process to minimize mistakes and prevent delays to your benefits.
Report Your Injury
While you have 30 days to report your injury in writing, it is a good idea to report and complete the necessary forms with your employer as soon as possible. Failure to do so can mean a delay or denial of your claim.
The paperwork may be extensive and complicated, and the guidance of a skilled attorney is tremendously helpful.
Contact an Attorney
As soon as you are able, and before speaking with any representative from your employer regarding your claim, reach out to a lawyer who understands Workers’ Compensation law. We can help protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly.
Get Medical Care
If you didn’t require emergency care at the time of your injury, see your doctor immediately. Your treating physician may be required to fill out specific forms that address the nature and extent of your injuries.
Limit Communication with Your Employer’s Insurance Company
Of course, you need to comply with their directives regarding your claim, but it is wise to leave most of the communication to your attorneys. We know the process, and we understand how to represent your interests with your employer or their insurance company.
Keep Case Details to Yourself
Don’t broadcast your injuries on social media, or tell everyone you work with what’s going on. It’s important to avoid accidentally saying or doing something that your employer can interpret as flippant or disregard for your injury and status.
Common Injuries Bus Drivers Experience on the Job
Whenever you suffer an injury due to your employment, it is important to report it and get medical attention. Then, speak with an attorney about your options. Some of the common injuries experienced by bus drivers in New York City include:
- Back, neck, shoulder, and knee injuries due to hitting potholes on the city streets or having to stop short and apply airbrakes
- Slips and falls on bus steps or outside surfaces
- Injuries caused by accidents, such as head trauma, whiplash, or internal injuries
- Injuries due to assault or attacks from violent passengers
- Injury or illness caused by exposure to harmful substances, such as exhaust fumes
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Get Help from a New York City Bus Drivers’ Workers’ Compensation Attorney
It is never a good feeling when you are hurt or sick, especially when your condition prevents you from working. You are entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits so you can get the care you need and pay your expenses.
Unfortunately, the process isn’t always easy. Complicated forms and applications can cause delays, and your claim may even be denied. When you’re hurt and struggling, a New York City bus drivers’ Workers’ Compensation attorney can be your advocate.
At O’Connor Law, we’ve been standing up for injured workers in New York since 2009. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.
