As a delivery driver for UPS, you spend your days out on the road making sure people get the packages they need. You have to deal with the stress and potential dangers of traffic, and you must handle large, unwieldy, and heavy boxes.
Work-related injuries can happen. When they do, you must get the help you need so you can pay your bills while you recover. A New York City UPS drivers’ Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help you through the process.
At O’Connor Law, our team of New York City Workers’ Compensation lawyers has helped thousands of injured workers get the benefits they need. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Workers’ Compensation in New York
Injured UPS drivers are eligible for New York State‘s Workers’ Compensation program. This entitles you to benefits for job-related injuries and illnesses. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive:
- Medical care, such as doctor’s visits, surgery, or physical rehabilitation, as necessary for your recovery from your illness or injury
- Wage replacement of two-thirds of your average weekly salary, capped at a maximum amount set by the state
- Survivor benefits that cover ongoing support and funeral expenses if a work-related injury or illness results in your unfortunate death
If you are sick or injured because of your job, a UPS drivers’ Workers’ Compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and get the benefits you need.
Reporting Your Injury
You can apply for Workers’ Compensation by filing Form C–3 (the Employee Claim Form) with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. To keep your benefits in good standing, it is important to follow the correct procedure.
The first step is to report your injury to UPS. You must do this in writing within 30 days. However, it’s smart to report your injury or illness immediately or as soon as you become aware of it. Your report should be in writing; telling your supervisor verbally is not sufficient.
Fill out any accident or incident reports while the details of the incident are still fresh in your mind. If you are unsure of the process, reach out to a New York City UPS drivers’ Workers’ Compensation attorney for guidance.
New York City UPS Drivers Lawyer Near Me (914) 595-4502
Getting Medical Treatment
You may have received emergency medical care when the accident occurred. If not, see your doctor as soon as possible. The most important thing is to start receiving the treatment you need. However, seeking and complying with medical advice also establishes a record of your condition.
You have the right to see whichever doctor you wish, as long as they accept New York Workers’ Compensation insurance. They may request that you pay for treatment at the time of service, but that is not necessary. Workers’ Compensation will cover your care.
Your company’s Workers’ Compensation insurance provider may assign a care coordinator to attend your appointments or assist with your treatment. You are not required to accept this assistance, and you should consider limiting your interactions with the insurance provider.
Contacting an Attorney
The insurance company has a legal team, so it makes sense that you do as well. To protect your rights, it’s always smart to contact a lawyer when you are dealing with Workers’ Compensation issues.
UPS may offer advice on how to handle your case, and it is important to follow their procedures. However, remember that they are worried about their interests, not necessarily yours.
Your UPS Workers’ Compensation lawyer in New York City is your advocate. We can make sure you get the claims process correct, deal with appeals if necessary, and work to ensure that you are getting the maximum possible compensation.
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What if My Claim is Denied?
If your claim is denied, and you haven’t hired an attorney until this point, now is the time to consider getting help. Sometimes, denials happen because of a failure to follow the correct procedures, such as including sufficient documentation.
Simple errors can be addressed by an attorney who understands the process. You can resubmit your claim with corrections as long as you are still within the filing process. However, if your claim is rejected for less obvious reasons, you have the right to file an appeal.
You must do so within 30 days, using the Application for Board Review form. The form is complicated and requires in-depth information about your claim. Your attorney can guide you to make sure there are no errors, and you can begin getting benefits.
How Long Do You have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in New York?
The statute of limitations for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim in New York is two years from the date of the injury. In some cases, the clock starts upon discovery of your condition. Missing this timeframe could lead you to lose your rights to pursue benefits.
Whether you believe you will need to file a claim or not, you must report any injuries or illnesses to UPS within 30 days of discovery. Then, get the medical attention you need to recover, and create a record of your injury.
Get Help from a New York City UPS Drivers’ Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you are a UPS driver who is hurt at work, you may have a long way to go before you can get back to such a physically demanding job. Workers’ Compensation benefits can help you pay your bills and care for the people who depend on you while you heal.
Unfortunately, the application process can be confusing, and a mistake can mean a delay or a denial. Our New York City UPS drivers’ Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help you apply for benefits and appeal if your application claim is denied.
At O’Connor Law, we’ve been standing up for injured workers in New York City since 2009. Call today to set up a free consultation and find out how we can help.
