- February 11, 2025
- Tucker Law
- Work Injury
Suffering an injury at work can send you into a spiral of worry. Will you be able to return to your job soon? Will you need extensive medical care? Most people can’t afford to lose more than a day or two of work, so feeling stressed and anxious is understandable. There are things you can do to help yourself, though, beginning with filing a workers’ compensation claim. Understanding the types of compensation available and knowing how to maximize your settlement can be tough, however, if you’re going through this process on your own.
At Tucker Lawyers, our team of experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can help you begin the claim process so that you have the chance to receive a fair settlement.
Contact us at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free consultation with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Understanding the Types of Compensation Available
One of the first things our New York workers’ compensation lawyers want clients to know is what expenses will be covered. Medical expenses are at the top of the list. Compensation can cover a variety of medical care as long as the provider is authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board.
You are also entitled to a portion of your wages. This applies if the injuries keep you from working for more than seven days or if your wages are reduced because you’re working fewer hours or a different job.
If a loved one dies in a work accident, workers’ compensation can provide survivor benefits. It’s possible to receive weekly cash benefits that make up two-thirds of your loved one’s average salary. Compensation will also cover funeral expenses.
At Tucker Lawyers, we put our clients’ needs first. That’s why we perform a needs assessment during our case evaluation to ensure medical care is prioritized.
Crucial Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury
Before you do anything else, get medical treatment. You may not even realize how seriously you’re injured at first, so having professionals assess you is essential. Doing this also creates official records of the injury that you can use when you file your claim.
You should then let your employer know you were injured in an accident. The best way of doing this is in writing. To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you must let your employer know of the accident within 30 days. Offer a detailed account of what happened, and include whether there were any witnesses.
It’s also important to maintain thorough medical records as you receive treatment. It can be helpful to keep a journal of the pain or mobility issues you’re experiencing and anything else that shows how the injuries have impacted your life. As you receive treatment, make certain you follow all medical recommendations. While doing so, keep track of all expenses, too, and save all receipts you receive.
Next, you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to file a claim. You can file the claim yourself, but it makes a difference to have a lawyer by your side to help you understand what evidence to present. If any issues arise, your lawyer can handle them for you.
Tips for Maximizing Your Settlement
Being able to receive a fair settlement doesn’t depend only on you, but there are steps you can take to help your claim.
Document Everything
The more documentation you can offer with your claim, the better the chances of not only getting it approved but also receiving the settlement you deserve. Start taking pictures right after the accident. If you’re too injured to do so, have someone you trust do it. Keep all paperwork and communications from your employer and any medical professionals you see for treatment.
Follow All Medical Instructions
Make sure you complete all of your treatments and follow any care instructions from your doctor. Not doing so can give insurance companies a reason to deny your claim.
Hire Experienced Representation
These claims might seem straightforward, but they can be complicated if you have never filed one before. Not including necessary evidence, not providing the correct information, and a variety of other errors could delay the process. By having a lawyer helping you, you can avoid mistakes and have assistance if the claim is denied.
Be Mindful of Timelines
You don’t have unlimited time to tell your employer about the injuries or to file a claim. Being aware of the timelines protects your claim. Even if you don’t miss the deadline, delaying in telling your employer can raise questions that put your claim into question. You should do everything possible to avoid any doubt about whether the injuries are as serious as you claim, so act quickly.
The Role of an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Why You Should Have Legal Representation
You’re not required to have a lawyer to file a claim, but it is always in your best interests to do so. Not only do personal injury lawyers make the process easier on you and help you avoid delays, but they also do one more vital thing — help you with third-party claims. Although you can’t file a lawsuit against your employer, you can file one against a third party that played a role in the accident.
If a machine malfunctioned, for example, and caused your injuries, you could file a claim against the manufacturer or those in charge of maintaining the machine. Your lawyer can help you identify any possible third parties to file against and can manage both of these claims for you so that you can focus on healing.
Get Dependable Guidance From Tucker Lawyers
Dealing with injuries that keep you from working is stressful, but you don’t have to go through the claims process on your own. At Tucker Lawyers, we have spent decades helping people throughout New York City recover losses they sustained at worksite accidents. With dependable lawyers by your side, you can increase your chance of receiving a fair settlement.
Contact Tucker Lawyers by calling us at (516) 399-2364.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]