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If you’re a NY resident and you’ve been injured on the job, we’re on your side. Hire a top-rated New York workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure you’re fairly reimbursed for your pain, suffering, and all associated expenses. You only have 30 days to notify your employer of your injuries. Act quickly to claim your benefits.

At O’Connor Law, our top priority is getting New York residents the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. Don’t allow your employer to take advantage of you. Our team of dedicated workplace accident attorneys stands ready to fight for justice on your behalf.

You work hard and your workplace has an obligation to provide a safe work environment for you. Even if you cannot prove that your employer was at fault, you may still be able to receive benefits. Contact a New York workers’ compensation lawyer to determine your employer’s liability and initiate a claim.

Get Answers from a New York Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

The workers’ compensation system in New York can be complicated and confusing. Without the right guidance, you may end up being short-changed or bullied by your employer. Get the facts by meeting with an expert who can answer all your questions.

Which Kinds of Workers Can Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits in New York?

At O’Connor Law, we’ve served hardworking New Yorkers across many industries. Nearly all employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but some workers are more likely to be injured on the job than others.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Construction Workers in New York

Construction workers make up 5% of New York’s total workforce but account for nearly 30% of work-related fatalities in the state. This rate is higher than in any other area of the country.

Construction workers in New York are entitled to compensation regardless of fault. Contact a New York workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your options.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Correctional Officers in New York

Correctional officers work hard to keep us safe but are often subjected to an unsafe work environment. Workers may be injured due to falls, being attacked by inmates, or lifting heavy loads. Correctional officers may also be exposed to toxic mold. asbestos and other dangerous substances. Correctional officers in New York are entitled to compensation regardless of fault. Schedule a consultation with a New York workers’ compensation lawyer to claim the benefits you deserve.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Home Health Aides in New York

Home health aides help incapacitated or elderly individuals with daily tasks such as personal care, hygiene, and medication administration. They may also be called to perform housekeeping and meal preparation tasks and other odd jobs around the house. More physically demanding aspects of the job include lifting patients out of bed and into bathtubs and carrying loads that are too heavy for the patient. During emergencies, aides may be required to perform life-saving CPR or the Heimlich maneuver. Home health aides are particularly susceptible to shoulder injuries including dislocations and tendonitis. We are passionate about restoring your quality of life after a workplace injury.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Hospital Workers in New York

Hospital workers are our heroes. Unfortunately, these essential workers are among those most likely to be injured on the job.

Muscle strains and sprains are common since hospital workers are often lifting considerable weight such as medical equipment and patients. Over time, this can result in chronic neck, back, and arm pain. Of course, hospital workers are constantly exposed to diseases, particularly those who routinely encounter biowaste. Hospital employees may also face physical attacks from patients themselves, as well as relatives and friends of patients. If you’re a healthcare worker who was injured on the job, a trusted New York workers’ compensation lawyer will fight to protect your rights.

Wondering if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in New York?

Workers’ compensation covers nearly all New York workers who are classified as employees—including full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. Coverage begins on the first day of employment.

The workers’ compensation system does not require you to prove your employer is at fault for your injuries. You can receive benefits even if your own inexperience or inattentiveness caused your accident. However, you lose your right to benefits if your accident occurred due to drug or alcohol use or intentional self-harm.

What to Do When You’re Injured at Work In New York

Any on-the-job injuries should be reported to your employer as soon as possible. Do not wait to see if the injury gets better on its own. The law allows you 30 days to notify your employer, in writing, of the accident that caused your injury. You should receive a notice of your legal rights within 14 days of reporting your injury to your employer.

In New York, all medical care must be from a provider authorized by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board—except in an emergency situation. Follow your doctor’s care instructions precisely, since failure to listen to medical advice may cause your claim to be disputed. Your doctor will be required to submit progress reports to the Workers’ Compensation Board every 45 days until you return to work and are no longer receiving benefits.

Once you’ve notified your employer and obtained medical care, you need to apply for workers’ compensation benefits formally. To file a claim, you must complete Form C-3 and mail it to the nearest office of the Workers’ Compensation Board.

What kind of benefits can I receive after being injured at work in New York?

Workers’ compensation includes the following benefits:

  • Wage replacement. Workers who are unable to return to their jobs receive cash payments that are equivalent to 2/3 of their average weekly wage, up to the state-approved maximum payment that changes each year based on inflation. Workers who are returning to lower-paying jobs can receive a payment that is equivalent to 2/3 of the difference between their new wage and their previous earnings, up to the state-approved maximum.
  • Medical care. Workers’ compensation pays for hospital stays, doctor visits, surgical care, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other necessary medical treatment related to your injury.
  • Vocational rehabilitation. If you are unable to return to your previous employment due to your injury, you may be eligible for job placement or training benefits.
  • Schedule loss of use (SLU). An SLU award provides monetary compensation for your loss of earning power if you’ve suffered a permanent injury to a body part. This includes injuries to the arm, hand, fingers, leg, foot, or toes, as well as disfigurement, loss of vision, or loss of hearing.
  • Death benefits. When a workplace accident results in fatal injury, surviving family members can receive death benefits equivalent to 2/3 of the average weekly wage of the deceased worker. Payments for funeral expenses are also available.

How a New York Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You

Claims for minor injuries such as a sprained ankle or a cut requiring a few stitches can typically be handled without legal representation. However, you should consult an attorney if:

  • Your employer is disputing your claim by claiming you weren’t injured at work or that your injuries are not as serious as you believe.
  • You’ve been the victim of retaliation related to your workers’ compensation claim, such as a cut in work hours, demotion, or pay reduction.
  • You’ve been offered a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses.
  • You can return to work, but your employer isn’t willing to accommodate your restrictions.
  • You now have a permanent disability and wish to apply for Social Security disability benefits in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.

O’Connor Law PLLC’s experienced workers’ compensation attorneys will fight for your right to a fair settlement so you can focus on recovering from your injuries and moving forward with your life. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Our offices are convenient to residents of Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Putnam, and Orange counties, as well as those living in White Plains, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Larchmont, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan.

 

 

 

Experience

Our legal team has a detailed knowledge of New York workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law, including a unique perspective gained from our founder’s past experience serving as defense counsel for dozens of workers’ compensation insurance firms. You can rest easy knowing that we have the skills necessary to handle your claim.

Reputation

Our firm’s reputation is unparalleled throughout the Big Apple. When you choose to work with us, you’re getting the benefit of respected representation from one of the leading workers’ compensation and Social Security disability firms in the state.

Commitment

At O’Connor Law, we understand how vital our work is to your future. We’re committed to fighting for your right to benefits while providing you with the support you need to navigate this difficult time in your life. You will always feel like you are our top priority.

Results

We’re compassionate and empathetic, but far from being a pushover. We’re an iron fist in a velvet glove and will aggressively advocate for your interests—even if that means litigation is necessary to protect your right to benefits.

Protecting New Yorkers is what we do.

Types of Injuries

Our Process

Discuss your case (for free)

  • Meet briefly to learn more
  • Discuss your injuries or disability
  • Determine if we can help

We file your claim

  • Pay nothing upfront
  • No fee until you win
  • Feel confident with a legal team in your corner

We deal with the insurance company

  • We respond to requests and negotiate on your behalf
  • If they don’t play ball, we fight it out in court

You get the outcome you deserve

  • Get the compensation you’re entitled to
  • Ditch the stress
  • Get back to normal and living your life
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