Suffering a serious hip injury while on the job can be physically and financially devastating. In such situations, having a Bronx hip injuries lawyer by your side who will prioritize your best interests can be an invaluable resource to protect your rights and help you secure the benefits you’re entitled to under New York State law.
At O’Connor Law, we’ve been advocating for injured workers across the Bronx since 2009. We’ll handle every part of your claim, from filing initial paperwork to negotiating with your employer’s insurance provider.
Some hip injuries may result in permanent damage that qualifies for a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award. As Bronx Schedule Loss of Use lawyers, we help injured workers understand how SLU is calculated and what it could mean for their compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free case review and begin the path toward recovery and compensation.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim with the Help of a Hip Injuries Attorney in the Bronx
If you’ve suffered a hip injury at work, whether from a fall, an accident involving heavy machinery, or years of repetitive strain, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights. New York Workers’ Compensation law has strict guidelines, and failure to follow them can result in denied claims.
The first step is notifying your employer in writing within 30 days of the incident. This written notice should include detailed information about:
- When and where your injury occurred
- The circumstances that led to the accident
- The nature of your injury, including symptoms and severity
- Any witnesses who saw what happened
Creating a paper trail from the very beginning is essential. Thorough documentation of your accident and resulting injuries is often what separates approved claims from denied ones.
Don’t delay after suffering an on-the-job hip injury. Missing the 30-day notification window could mean losing your right to Workers’ Compensation altogether.
Our experienced Bronx Workers’ Compensation lawyers can guide you through this process, making sure every step is handled with care and accuracy. Contacting us as soon as possible is the best way to ensure you meet all the deadlines that may apply.
Medical Evidence is the Cornerstone of a Successful Claim
After a workplace hip injury, seeing a doctor immediately is vital, not only for your health but also for your Workers’ Compensation claim. Your employer’s insurance company will not accept your claim without medical documentation from a licensed physician.
To support your Workers’ Compensation claim, your doctor must confirm:
- The diagnosis and severity of your hip injury
- That the injury is work-related
- The recommended course of treatment
- Your anticipated recovery time
As well as seeing a doctor as soon as possible, it’s critical that you follow their treatment plan to the letter. Failing to do so can severely damage your case.
Insurance companies often argue that a claimant’s condition worsened or healing was delayed because they didn’t comply with medical advice. Don’t give them that opportunity.
Bronx Hip Injuries Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Can Recover for Hip Injuries
Hip injuries can significantly impact your mobility, your ability to perform your job, and your overall quality of life. That’s why New York’s Workers’ Compensation system provides specific benefits to help injured workers manage both the medical and financial consequences of such injuries.
Understanding the damages you can claim through Workers’ Compensation and the damages that are excluded from this coverage can help ensure there are no surprises.
While a variety of economic and non-economic damages can be recovered through a standard personal injury lawsuit, only limited economic damages are available in a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Medical Bills
Workers’ Compensation covers all necessary medical expenses, as long as you comply with strict guidelines when receiving medical care.
Some of the common costs that are covered include:
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs)
- Surgery or joint replacement
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Prescription medications
To ensure your treatments are covered, you must receive care from a doctor authorized to accept Workers’ Compensation insurance. These providers will bill the insurer directly so that you won’t face out-of-pocket costs like co-pays or deductibles.
Lost Wages
If your hip injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you may be entitled to cash benefits for lost income. However, it is important to understand that the compensation you receive for lost wages will not be equivalent to your full income.
Damages for lost income are generally calculated at two–thirds of your average weekly wage, which is determined based on your earnings for the 52 weeks prior to your injury date, up to a state-mandated maximum.
Reduced Benefits
You need to be mindful of the fact that if you return to work before the date recommended by your doctor, or carry out any other work before returning to your regular employment, the benefits you receive through Workers’ Compensation will be reduced or suspended.
Furthermore, your employer is not permitted to compel you to return to work early. If you feel your employer is trying to force you back to work early, our knowledgeable Bronx hip injuries lawyers are here to defend your rights.
Mistakes to Avoid When in a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Avoiding common mistakes is just as important as understanding the actions you should take when pursuing Workers’ Compensation.
Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company Alone
Insurers are not on your side. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts, not ensure you get fair treatment. If an adjuster or insurance representative reaches out, do not engage. Refer them directly to your hip injuries attorney serving the Bronx.
Don’t Accept a “Care Coordinator” or “Nurse Advocate”
While these roles sound helpful, these individuals work for the insurance company. Their real objective is to monitor your treatment and gather evidence to limit your claim. You are under no obligation to accept their involvement.
Don’t Pay Out-of-Pocket for Medical Treatment
If a provider asks for private insurance or direct payment, you are likely seeing someone who does not accept Workers’ Compensation. Politely decline and contact a qualified physician who does. You should not incur any medical expenses out of your own pocket for a work-related hip injury.
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Understanding the Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) Process for Hip Injuries
If you’ve suffered a permanent hip injury at work, you may qualify for a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) award, which is compensation for lasting damage to a limb. To pursue SLU payment, your doctor must determine that you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), meaning your condition is stable and not expected to improve further with treatment.
Once you reach MMI, your physician will assess the percentage of permanent loss of use in your hip. This rating determines how many weeks of compensation you’re entitled to under New York law.
If the insurance company disagrees with your doctor’s evaluation, they may request an Independent Medical Exam (IME), which can result in a lower rating and reduced benefits.
Disputes over SLU ratings are common, and the outcome can greatly affect your compensation. An experienced Bronx Workers’ Compensation attorney can advocate on your behalf and help you challenge unfair assessments. If you receive an SLU award, payments from your employer or their insurer while out on Workers’ Compensation will be deducted from your SLU payment.
Reach Out to an Experienced Hip Injuries Lawyer Serving the Bronx
With so much at stake after suffering a hip injury while working, having a skilled Bronx hip injuries attorney on your side can be the key to a successful claim.
With over 35 years of combined experience, the team at O’Connor Law knows how to deal with stubborn insurance companies and the red tape that so often gets in the way of recovery.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your free case review. When you work with us, you will never pay any money out of pocket for our services.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only collect payment if you recover damages. This means there is no risk in getting the legal help you need. The insurance company has a legal team; why don’t you?
