A workplace injury can leave you without income and facing medical bills you did not expect. If you qualify for benefits under your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance, O’Connor Law can help.
Our Bronx attorneys handle every part of the claims process and work to secure the full amount you are entitled to under New York law. Backed by 35 years of combined experience, our accomplished New York attorneys have a track record of securing over $25 million in non-medical benefits every year.
Don’t settle for less than what your claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits is worth. We offer a free consultation, so contact our law firm today.
How Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Handle Your Claim
When you get hurt or become sick while working in the Bronx, it can have immediate and potentially long-term consequences across your life.
If you’re unable to work, it can potentially put you and your family in a really difficult financial situation. In these situations, Workers’ Compensation benefits can be a critical lifeline.
However, don’t expect your employer’s insurance company to put your best interests front and center. They might try to downplay your injuries, argue that your injuries are not work-related, or even try to misclassify you as an independent contractor.
If you want to force them to take your claim seriously and issue all of the benefits to which you’re entitled under New York state law, you’ll need to level the playing field by hiring an experienced Bronx personal injury lawyer to represent you. O’Connor Law is ready to stand up for you.
Take the time you need to recover from your injuries and let us handle your claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits. We will:
- Conduct an independent investigation into your Workers’ Compensation case
- Help you seek the necessary medical care that your employer’s insurance policy will cover
- Gather medical records, wage statements, tax returns, and other documentation needed to calculate your benefits
- Make sure your injuries are reported to your employer within the requisite timeframe and that your claim for benefits satisfies all procedural requirements
- Represent you during preliminary negotiations with the employer’s insurance company
- Advocate for you during appeals and/or at trial, if necessary
Hiring an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney in the Bronx can help you maximize your recovery.
Our Bronx law firm can explain more about the claims process and our legal services. We’re always available to answer your call—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How Common Are Workers’ Compensation Claims in the Bronx?
Employer-reported workplace injuries and illnesses in New York included 138,900 non-fatal workplace injuries across the state in 2022. Unfortunately, fatal work injuries in New York City in 2023 totaled 83 workers.
Recently, the New York Workers’ Compensation Board received nearly 150,000 Workers’ Compensation claims. The Board challenged over 16,000 of those claims.
Bronx Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
Understanding the New York Workers’ Compensation Process
Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides automatic benefits to injured workers. In exchange, workers give up the right to sue their employer.
You may qualify to recover benefits from your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance policy if:
- Your employer is legally required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance under NY law
- You suffer a work-related injury or illness, and
- You are classified as an employee (full-time, part-time, seasonal), not an independent contractor.
An injury or illness is considered “work-related” when it’s sustained in the course of performing job-related tasks or responsibilities while you’re on the clock.
For instance, you’d be covered by Workers’ Compensation if you got into a car accident while driving a truckload of materials to or from a worksite, but not if you got into a fender-bender on your day off.
What Is My Bronx Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
Various factors can affect a claim, including the severity of injuries. For example, construction injuries can prove severe due to high-powered machinery. Healthcare worker injuries can lead to chronic conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, due to repetitive stress injuries.
However, the amount you receive for average weekly wage replacement is capped by state law. The maximum weekly benefit cap is $1,222.42 for accidents occurring after July 1, 2025, meaning you can’t receive more than that for lost wages each week.
Workers’ Compensation wage loss benefits are calculated based on your average earnings during the 52 weeks leading up to the date of your accident.
You’re also entitled to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary medical expenses. To determine the potential value of employee benefits, consult an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney in the Bronx.
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What Types of Benefits Are Available Under New York Workers’ Compensation Laws?
Workers’ Compensation is intended to help you cope with the financial costs and losses you experience after a workplace injury. However, benefits are limited in type and scope. Only economic damages can be awarded.
Non-economic damages can only be sought through a related personal injury claim. Broadly speaking, you’ll only be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.
Medical Expenses
Your employer will be liable for all of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses, which might include:
- Surgery
- Medically necessary drugs
- Assistive devices
- Rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy
You have the right to choose your own doctor as long as they accept NYS Workers’ Compensation insurance. If you need diagnostic tests or prescription medications, the insurance company may send you a notice about a designated network. Be sure to keep this information, as you’ll need to schedule tests and fill prescriptions through that network.
Temporary Total Benefits
If your workplace injury prevents you from working for more than 14 days, you’ll qualify for Temporary Total Benefits. If you suffered temporary total disability, you are entitled to the full wage benefits, subject to statutory maximums.
If you sustained temporary partial disability, you will recover a smaller weekly benefit.
Permanent Partial Benefits
If your injuries are so severe that they cause a permanent impairment, you may qualify for Permanent Partial Benefits. Benefits are paid for “scheduled” or “non-scheduled” losses.
Scheduled losses include the loss of use of certain body parts or senses, including the hand, arm, fingers, leg, foot, toes, eye, or hearing.
Non-scheduled losses involve losses related to other parts of the body or systems. Benefits are directly related to your specific loss.
If you received payments from your employer or the insurance carrier while you were out on Workers’ Compensation, those payments will be deducted from your SLU award.
Permanent Total Benefits
Permanent Total Benefits can be paid when your injuries prevent you from returning to any job in any capacity. You should be able to recover the full wage benefit, subject to statutory limitations, for life.
Death Benefits
When an employee suffers fatal workplace injuries in the Bronx, surviving family members may qualify for Workers’ Compensation death benefits.
Hurt at Work: What to Do After an Accident?
A workplace injury can be overwhelming. Still, there are certain actions you must take to preserve your right to Workers’ Compensation benefits.
To maximize your claim for benefits, you should:
- Notify your employer: As discussed below, New York law requires injured employees to report their injuries in writing within 30 days of the accident. This step protects your right to full benefits.
- Provide detailed information about your injury: The more information you provide, the better. A detailed description of your injuries will make it easier to connect your medical expenses and lost wages to the accident.
- Get medical attention: This step will help you receive prompt treatment for your injuries, putting you on the path to the quickest recovery. It will also give you records for your Workers’ Compensation claim.
- File an official Workers‘ Compensation claim: You should file a Workers’ Compensation claim after you’ve notified your employer of the injury and have satisfied other relevant conditions of filing a claim.
You should hire an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney in the Bronx to help you handle all aspects of your claim for benefits. We can advise you on the process for filing a claim and help you avoid mistakes that could reduce your benefits.
The experienced attorneys at O’Connor Law are here to handle the legal process from start to finish.
Can I Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits if I’m Being Blamed for a Work Accident in New York?
In New York, Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system. This means you can recover benefits even if you are partly or fully responsible for your workplace injuries or illness.
New York’s pure comparative negligence statute will not apply to your claim for benefits.
Why Choose Our Bronx Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
At O’Connor Law, we understand how overwhelming the Workers’ Compensation process can be. Our Bronx Workers’ Compensation lawyers provide personalized attention and are dedicated to helping you secure the rightful benefits you deserve.
With a record of success and a focus on achieving fair compensation, we are here to guide you through every step of the claim–filing process and fight for the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Flexible Consultation Options
We offer consultations designed to fit your busy schedule:
- In person: We are available by appointment at our office.
- Virtual: You can meet with us via Zoom for convenience.
- Phone: You can speak to a lawyer without leaving your home.
Transparent Fee Structure
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive money if you receive money. You pay nothing up front.
Proven Experience and Results
Our team brings extensive experience and a record of success with:
- 15 years in business
- 35 years of combined experience
- Thousands of clients served
- Over $25 million annually recovered in non-medical benefits for injured workers
We offer experienced, compassionate guidance so you can approach the claims process with confidence.
Everyday Lawyers for Everyday People
At O’Connor Law, we pride ourselves on being approachable and relatable. When you hire us, you get a team that speaks your language, not legal jargon.
Our Workers’ Compensation attorneys in the Bronx provide compassionate representation from a firm that understands family life, with many of our staff being parents themselves.
We are a woman–owned, multicultural firm with bilingual staff, fluent in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, and Cebuano.
Unique Insight into Insurance Company Tactics
Our founding attorney’s prior experience working for insurance carriers gives us a strategic advantage. We understand the tactics they use to minimize payouts and use that knowledge to fight for your rightful benefits.
Advanced Technology for Maximum Accessibility
We use cutting-edge technology to simplify the legal procedures:
- An advanced case management system to keep your case moving efficiently
- A mobile app for real-time updates and communication
- A tech–savvy team ready to assist you with any questions or concerns
This technology helps streamline your case and keep you updated as it progresses.
Comprehensive Support Throughout the Claim Process
We go beyond legal representation to provide the utmost care for injured workers by providing social worker resources to help you cope with the challenges of being out of work.
By choosing our Bronx Workers’ Compensation lawyers, you’re not just hiring legal representation; you’re gaining a team that will stand by you with unwavering dedication.
Our Bronx Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
O’Connor Law has experience recovering Workers’ Compensation benefits for all types of work-related injuries and illnesses. Our Bronx Workers’ Compensation attorney frequently recovers top benefit awards for employees who have sustained:
- Amputation injuries
- Arm, hand, leg, and orthopedic injuries
- Elbow, hip, and knee injuries
- ACL or meniscus tears in the knee
- Bicep tears
- Neck injuries requiring surgery
- Back injuries requiring surgery
- Shoulder injuries, such as torn rotator cuffs
- Wrongful death of a family member
Whether you are a municipal employee, construction worker, corrections officer, first responder, or other blue-collar worker, our Workers’ Compensation attorney in the Bronx can provide the legal representation you need after your workplace injury or illness.
What Causes Most Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in the Bronx, New York?
Workplace injuries can happen in any industry. They can also have many causes (sometimes more than one). The following accidents are responsible for most on-the-job injuries and illnesses:
- Falls from heights
- Caught in/between objects
- Crushed-by accidents
- Truck accidents
- Transportation accidents
- Accidents involving heavy machinery
- Fires and explosions
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Manufacturing accidents
- Warehouse accidents
- Construction accidents
If you’ve been injured or diagnosed with an occupational disease while working in the Bronx, it’s important to explore your legal options.
Our Bronx Workers’ Compensation attorneys can determine what types of benefits you may be able to recover from your employer’s insurance policy.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Workplace Accident or Injury in New York?
To get workers’ comp benefits, you must notify your employer in writing within 30 days of the accident. From there, New York has a two-year statute of limitations for Workers’ Compensation claims.
You must file your claim within two years of the date of your workplace injury or loved one’s death to reserve the right to recover benefits.
New York Workers’ Compensation does not follow the discovery rule. However, there is an exception to the two-year statute of limitations for occupational or repetitive stress injuries. The time limit begins when the worker knew or reasonably should have known about their injury.
Some exceptions could adjust the time limit for your claim, so call our Workers’ Compensation lawyers in the Bronx for help right away.
Contact a Bronx Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Workplace injuries can affect every aspect of your life. Don’t struggle with the burdens of your injury on your own. Call O’Connor Law, and ask our Bronx Workers’ Compensation lawyers to help you exercise your right to benefits for medical bills, wage replacement, and other benefits.
We offer a free initial case evaluation, so call our law offices in the Bronx for help today.
