As a school bus driver, you have a lot of responsibility, and parents trust you to get their children safely to school and back, no matter what obstacles you face. But an injury can sideline you for weeks or months and keep you away from the people who depend on you.
Even worse, the people who rely on you at home might also be suffering. If you can’t work, you can’t pay your bills or care for your family. When times are tough, our school bus drivers’ Workers’ Compensation lawyers in New York City can help you get the benefits you need.
Our team at O’Connor Law has over 35 years of combined experience advocating for injured workers and helping them get the benefits they need. Learn how our New York City Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help when you call for a free case review.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
It’s always wise to consult an attorney whenever you are injured in a workplace accident. While it’s nice to think that your employer and their insurance company will take care of you in your time of need, they are often more concerned about their bottom line, not your well-being.
They might even offer suggestions and directions on how to best handle your case. They may assign a nurse case manager to attend appointments with you. You are not required to accept their help. In fact, it‘s best not to speak to the insurance company without an attorney present.
Our school bus drivers’ Workers’ Compensation attorneys in New York City can be your advocates. When the insurance company calls, you can refer them to us. We’ll make sure you are treated fairly, and we will work to get you the benefits you are entitled to.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance that offers medical treatment and financial aid to employees who are injured or become sick due to their job. In New York City, as across the entire state, most employers are legally obligated to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance.
The program is part of the New York State Workers’ Compensation system and is managed by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Eligible employees may receive a range of benefits, including:
- Medical Care: Coverage for essential medical treatment, including doctor visits and surgeries related to the workplace injury or illness.
- Wage Replacement: Employees unable to work because of their injury may receive up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage from the 52 weeks before their injury, capped at a maximum amount established by the state.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: If a permanent injury, like losing a limb, prevents an employee from returning to work, they may qualify for long-term compensation.
- Death Benefits: If a worker dies from a work-related incident, their dependents might qualify for financial assistance, including funeral costs and ongoing benefits.
New York City School Bus Drivers’ Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
What to Do if You Have Been Injured at Work
If you have suffered a work-related injury, there are a few important things you need to do, and some actions you should be sure to avoid. Making the right choices after your injury can reduce the chances of delays or denials.
Report Your Injury
For a Workers’ Compensation claim, you have 30 days to report your injury to your employer. However, you should do so as soon as possible. Make your report in writing and keep copies for your records.
Seek Medical Treatment
You have the right to see any doctor you choose, as long as they accept New York State Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Get medical care as soon as possible. If you received emergency care at the time of the injury, be sure to follow up with your doctor.
Consult an Attorney
Our New York City school bus drivers’ Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help you understand your benefits, the application process, and what to expect every step of the way. We can interact with insurance providers on your behalf and represent you if your claim is denied.
Avoid Communication With Insurance Providers
You don’t need to talk to the adjusters, claim representatives, or anyone else working for your employer’s insurance company. Once you retain our services, just let them know you have legal representation and refer them to us.
Do Not Pay for Your Medical Treatment
You don’t need to pay for any care required due to your workplace injury, and you do not need to provide an alternative payment source when the doctor’s office requests one. If you choose a doctor who participates in the New York State Workers’ Compensation insurance program, you are covered.
Don’t Overshare
Your friends, family, and coworkers may want updates on your condition. Avoid sharing too much about your case, especially on social media. Insurance providers may take your comments out of context or intentionally use them to deny your claim.
Get Help From a School Bus Drivers’ Workers’ Compensation Attorney in New York City
In the best-case scenario, when you get hurt at work, you can rely on New York’s Workers’ Compensation program to help you get the medical care you need and pay your bills while you recover. Hopefully, you’ll be back behind the wheel of your school bus in no time.
But things don’t always go to plan, and the process of applying for Workers’ Compensation can be confusing. You can depend on our school bus drivers’ Workers’ Compensation attorneys in New York City to advocate for your best interests, even when the insurance company doesn’t.
O’Connor Law has been standing up for injured workers in New York City for more than 15 years. Contact us today to schedule a free case review and tell us about your injury. The insurance company has a legal team. Why don’t you?
