Workers Comp FAQs

Accidents at work are never planned.  Despite safety procedures and precautions, though, accidents do happen.  Hard-working individuals are often injured on the job and unable to get back to work.  Such people may be left to navigate the complex and adversarial Workers’ Compensation system on their own.  Knowing your rights and responsibilities is vital to ensure that you are protected, should you ever get hurt at work.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation is a “no fault” benefit.  This means that what a person receives is not affected by carelessness or fault, whether that of the employee or the employer.  Filing for Workers’ Compensation is not the same as suing your employer (which is not generally a legal option in New York).

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board is the state agency that administers all claims for Workers’ Compensation benefits.  Benefits under the system may include financial payments and medical care, which are usually provided by your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier.  Injuries sustained as a result of an accident, as well as conditions that develop over time because of your work duties, may be compensable.

What should I do if I am hurt at work?

If you are hurt at work, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.  Following an accident, go to an emergency room, urgent care center, or make an appointment with a doctor.  Advise the doctor how you were hurt at work and provide a detailed summary of all of your physical complaints. The physician must be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board, unless it is an emergency situation.

Do I need to notify my employer of an accident at work?

You should complete and file an accident report with your employer within thirty (30) days of your injury.  If your employer does not provide an accident report, you should still send written notice to your employer within 30 days.  The notice should detail your injuries and how they occurred.  It is best to keep a copy of this report or notice for your records.  Be aware, however, that filing an accident report is not the same as filing a claim.

How do I file a claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits?

A C-3 Employee Claim Form must be timely filed with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board in order to protect your rights and satisfy the statute of limitations.  The sooner your claim is filed, the sooner the Board will be able to process it.  In our experience, the faster the appropriate forms are completed, the quicker your benefits will begin.

How much money will I get if I pursue a Workers’ Compensation claim?

Every case is unique and the amount you will receive depends upon whether your claim is accepted or denied, the types of injuries you sustained, how much you were making in the year prior to your accident, the applicable minimum and maximum rates set by law, and the medical evidence regarding your disability status.

Why do I need an attorney to represent me before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board?

The Workers’ Compensation system has strict rules and timelines that must be followed in order to ensure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.  An attorney will be able to help you navigate the complex intricacies of the Workers’ Compensation system and handle issues such as:

• attending hearings,
• litigating the compensability of your claim,
• setting your proper average weekly wage,
• addressing concurrent employment,
• medical depositions regarding your degree of disability,
• labor market attachment trials,
• treatment disputes,
• your permanent impairment level,
• reimbursement for mileage and out-of-pocket expenses,
• drafting and filing appeals and rebuttals, and
• negotiating a potential settlement of your claim.

What does it cost me to hire Harding Mazzotti as my Worker’s Compensation attorney?

You never pay a Workers’ Compensation attorney directly, as all fees are “contingent.”  This means that the attorney does not receive a fee unless you receive an award.  Generally, fees equate to approximately 15% of an award and must be approved by a Law Judge.  The insurance company will withhold the fee from your award and issue it to your attorney directly, as directed by the Judge.

I am currently represented by a different law firm, but I would like you to represent me. What should I do?

You only need to call 1-800-LAW-1010 and tell us about your claim.  If we believe we can assist you, we’ll send you the forms to sign and then ensure everything is filed with the Workers’ Compensation Board to place us on notice as your attorney of record.

What am I entitled to receive under the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law?

If your claim is established, you may be entitled to medical benefits and lost wage payments, as directed by the Workers’ Compensation Board.  In certain instances, you may be entitled to a Schedule Loss of Use award or payments for your Loss of Wage Earning Capacity and  a settlement may be negotiated to completely resolve your claim via a lump sum payment.

Can I be reimbursed for my travel (i.e., mileage) expenses to and from my medical visits (e.g., Doctor, Physical Therapy, Chiropractor, etc.)?

Yes, by filing a C-257 Form: Claimant’s Record of Medical and Travel Expenses and Request for Reimbursement.  It is important that you keep track of each appointment you attend so that you can claim all of the reimbursement to which you are entitled.

Who will pay my medical expenses?

If your claim is established, your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier is responsible for the payment of all treatment authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board, subject to the rates set in the New York State “Fee Schedule.”

Get Help From a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Finally, if you have an attorney, you should follow his or her instructions, as the Workers’ Compensation system has strict rules and timelines that must be followed in order to ensure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.  Your attorney will be able to help you navigate the complex intricacies of the Workers’ Compensation system and handle issues such as:

• Attending hearings,
• Litigating the compensability of your claim,
• Setting your proper average weekly wage,
• Addressing concurrent employment,
• Medical depositions regarding your degree of disability,
• Labor market attachment trials,
• Treatment disputes,
• Your permanent impairment level,
• Reimbursement for mileage and out-of-pocket expenses,
• Drafting and filing appeals and rebuttals, and
• Negotiating a potential settlement of your claim.