Getting hurt while working on the MTA subway system brings a lot of stress. You might be asking yourself, “What do I do now?” You might be wondering why your paycheck was stopped or why the process feels different from regular health insurance. We have the answers and will help you.
A subway Workers’ Compensation lawyer in New York City from our firm will handle your claim or claim denial and guide you through this process with care. O’Connor Law has helped thousands of injured workers, including Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employees, get the support they need after serious injuries.
With more than 35 years of combined experience and over $25 million recovered in non-medical benefits, we focus only on Workers’ Compensation. Our New York City Workers’ Compensation lawyer is ready to listen and get to work for you. Call us for a free consultation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in New York City?
Workers’ Compensation is insurance that is supposed to help you if you get hurt while doing your job.In New York City, MTA employees working on the subway system who get injured on the job can receive:
- Medical care fully paid by the insurance company if approved in advance
- Lost wages (based on your average weekly wage over the past 52 weeks before the date of the accident)
You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. You also need to file Form C-3 with the Workers’ Compensation Board in New York within two years of your injury. You risk losing your benefits if you do not meet these deadlines.
Which NYC Transit Workers Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
Employees in many roles across New York City’s subway system may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits if they get hurt at work. This includes workers in a wide variety of roles, such as:
- Train operators
- Conductors
- Station agents
- Track workers
- Signal maintainers
- Car inspectors
- Transit cleaners
- Maintenance of Way (MOW) employees
- Power maintainers
- Car equipment maintainers
- Structure maintainers
- Transit electronic equipment maintainers
- Other NYC Transit employees supporting subway operations
If you are employed by the MTA or NYC Transit and perform work related to the subway system, you may qualify for benefits if you have a work-related injury.
New York City Subway Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
Our Subway Workers’ Compensation Attorney in NYC Will Handle Your Claim While You Heal
We know how the system works because we used to work for insurance companies. Now, we use that experience to fight for workers like you. The insurance company has a legal team looking out for its interests. Why don’t you?
Our Workers’ Compensation attorney who handles subway injuries in New York City will:
- Represent you at no upfront cost. We only receive money if you receive money.
- Explain your rights in plain language.
- Fill out paperwork and avoid common mistakes.
- Speak with the insurance company so you can focus on feeling better.
- Help you prepare for Independent Medical Exams (IMEs).
- Keep you updated using our mobile app or in-person meetings.
We also have a multilingual team that speaks Spanish, Creole, Tagalog, and Cebuano. We are everyday lawyers for everyday people and are here to help you. Call us now to review your legal options during a free consultation.
What if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied?
Getting a denial letter in the mail can feel like a punch in the gut, especially when you’re already hurt and trying to get back on your feet. Don’t panic. A denied claim doesn’t mean the end of the road. It just means it’s time to fight back, and that’s where we come in.
At O’Connor Law, we know how to challenge claim denials. If your benefits have been denied, we will:
- Find out exactly why the insurance company denied your claim
- Gather strong medical evidence to support your case
- Request a hearing in front of a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge (WCLJ)
- Speak on your behalf during the hearing so your voice is heard
- Keep you informed through every step, using simple language and regular updates
Even if your claim was denied, you still have options. But deadlines matter. Call us right away so we can review your case and help you move forward with confidence.
Why don’t you?Free Case Consultation
What Job-Related Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
We help subway workers recover benefits for injuries covered by Workers’ Compensation in New York, including:
- Torn rotator cuff or shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries like ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or meniscus tears
- Back injuries that need surgery
- Neck injuries that require surgery
- Torn biceps, elbow injuries, and hip injuries
- Any injury that happened while doing your job
If your job made an existing injury worse, that may count, too. When filing a Workers’ Compensation claim, you don’t have to prove anyone did something wrong. You just have to show that your injury happened because of your job.
Why Am I Not Getting My Full Pay Since I Got Hurt at Work?
This is a common question. Many subway workers think they will keep getting full pay while they recover. However, that’s not how Workers’ Compensation works in New York.
Instead, you get part of your average weekly wage from the year before your injury. How much depends on your injury and how much you can still work (if at all).
While it may seem like payments should come regularly, Workers’ Compensation benefits are typically due within 25 days of when they are owed. We can advise you about this matter when we review your situation.
How Can Union Benefits Help Cover the Rest of My Pay?
Most workers on Workers’ Compensation only get part of their pay while they recover. However, many NYC Transit workers belong to a union that helps protect their pay. If you are a member of TWU Local 100 or another transit union, you may get what is called differential pay for a certain period of time.
Differential pay is extra pay from your employer that helps make up the difference between your Workers’ Compensation check and your normal paycheck. This is an important benefit, especially if you are out of work for a long time.
How much differential pay you receive, and for how long, depends on your union contract and your job title. Be sure to check with your union representative or your HR department so you know what to expect.
What Should I Do After a Subway Injury on the Job?
If you got hurt while working for the subway, you should take these steps now:
- Tell your supervisor right away: You have 30 days to report a work-related injury. If you wait too long, it could hurt your case. Report your injury in writing, and get a copy of the report for your files.
- Get medical care from an approved provider: Some NYC Transit workers must see a doctor chosen by the insurance carrier for the first 30 days. After that, you must use a Board-authorized Workers’ Compensation doctor. Always tell the doctor this is a work injury.
- Fill out Form C–3: This is your official report to the New York Workers’ Compensation Board.
- Call us: We will help you file the right paperwork and protect your rights from the start.
The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.
FAQs About Subway Workers’ Compensation in New York City
Still have questions? You’re not alone. Below are a few more things subway workers commonly want to know about Workers’ Compensation. If you want legal counsel on your specific situation, we can advise you today during a free consultation.
What if the Insurance Company Says I’m Fine, But I’m Not?
This can happen after an Independent Medical Exam (IME). The insurance company may use that exam to stop or reduce your benefits. We will fight back with strong medical evidence and challenge any unfair decisions.
What if My Injury Got Worse Over Time?
You can still file a claim. Many subway workers don’t get hurt in one moment—it builds up from years of heavy lifting, climbing, or bending. These are known as repetitive stress injuries, and they may still qualify.
What if My Job Can’t Take Me Back?
You may still be able to receive lost wage payments. Our lawyer for subway job injuries in New York City will help you explore other options under the Workers’ Compensation system if you can’t return to your old duties.
Our NYC Subway Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Will Help You
Day after day, you’ve shown up to keep the subway moving and riders safe. Now it’s our turn to work hard for you. If you were hurt while working for the subway, don’t wait to get help.
Our subway Workers’ Compensation lawyer in New York City will lead talks with the insurance company and handle your claim while you recover. Call O’Connor Law for a free consultation.
We can meet in person (by appointment), over Zoom, or by phone. You won’t pay anything unless we win.
