- January 10, 2025
- Tucker Law
- Work Injury
Suffering an injury at work can leave you battling physical and emotional trauma while at the same time putting financial strain on you. One of the remedies available for people who’ve been in an accident on the job is workers’ compensation. The types of injuries covered by workers’ compensation vary, but in all cases, they have to be directly connected to your work.
At Tucker Lawyers, we represent people throughout New York who have suffered losses because of a work-related injury. With decades of experience at our disposal, we can help you effectively navigate the workers’ compensation process and fight for the maximum possible benefits.
Contact Tucker Lawyers at (516) 399-2364 to speak with one of our NYC workers’ comp attorneys today.
Types of Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Knowing When You Have a Claim
When you speak to our New York workers’ compensation lawyers, one of the first steps we typically take is determining whether you have a valid claim. For example, you must be an employee to be covered by workers’ compensation. If you are, then you have the right to claim this assistance for the majority of work-related injuries or illnesses.
Some of the most frequent workplace injuries include:
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Lacerations, cuts, or punctures
- Spinal injuries
- Bone fractures
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Burns.
In some instances, fatalities can also occur. If a tragedy happens, the family of the deceased has the right to claim survivor benefits for their losses.
Injuries That May Not Be Covered
Not all injuries that take place at work fit under the umbrella of workers’ compensation, however. If you acted outside the scope of your employment and suffered an injury, you’re likely not covered. Examples of injuries that may not allow you to claim benefits are those that result from:
- Engaging in unlawful activities
- Being intoxicated at work
- Disregarding safety rules or company policy
- Acting outside of company time
- Intentionally harming yourself.
Workers’ compensation will also not cover contractors and subcontractors, so if you are one of these types of workers, the only option you may have is to pursue civil litigation.
At Tucker Lawyers, we offer free and prompt consultations so that you can quickly begin getting the help you deserve.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
The moment you’re in a work-related accident, you need to get fast medical care. Seeking medical attention is important not only because it ensures that you receive the assistance that you need, but it also starts creating a clear record of the injuries. In some cases, you may not realize you have suffered an injury until months or even years later. The moment you discover you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness, start getting medical care.
Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
It’s crucial to know the steps you need to take when you suffer a work-related injury or illness, from filing a claim to potentially appealing it.
Filing a Claim
After receiving medical care, you need to let your employer know of the accident and the injuries you suffered. You must do this within 30 days of the injury or the moment when you discover the injury.
Your employer then has to give you a form to fill out. It’s always a good idea to have a lawyer help you complete this form because it can be complex, and making a mistake may result in months of delays. A lawyer can make the entire process of filing a workers’ compensation claim easier.
The form will need to be filed with the appropriate district office of the New York Workers’ Compensation Board.
Undergoing Claim Adjudication
The Workers’ Compensation Board will then assess your claim. They may also schedule hearings. Always attend these hearings, and do so with an attorney. This can be one of the most important ways to prevent a claim denial. Make sure to provide the documents or other information that the board requires.
Appealing a Denial
Claim denials are very common, especially if you don’t have a lawyer help you fill out the necessary forms and gather the right evidence. Don’t be discouraged if this happens. You have the right to appeal. The appeal process is even more complicated than the original claim, however, so you never want to tackle this without a workers’ compensation lawyer by your side.
The Role of a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers’ compensation lawyers are allies who can give you a chance to receive the maximum benefits you’re entitled to. Our team of lawyers begins by assessing your claim so that we can start gathering the necessary evidence that proves you suffered a work-related injury or illness. If your employer drags their feet when getting you the right forms or in beginning their own part of the claim process, we can ensure they respect your rights and do what they need to do.
We can also help you fill out all of the forms correctly. If the Workers’ Compensation Board requests hearings, we can be present at all of these to fight for your rights.
Another important role of a workers’ compensation attorney is that we can help you identify whether there are other compensatory options you can take. In some cases, filing a civil lawsuit against the person who caused or contributed to your injuries is something you can pursue. It’s usually impossible to sue your employer because they’re protected by workers’ compensation insurance, but it can be possible to hold third parties responsible.
If a contractor or subcontractor caused your injuries, for example, you can pursue both workers’ compensation and a third-party lawsuit. We can guide you with both of these options so that you can maximize the assistance you receive for your losses.
Tucker Lawyers: Bringing Tireless Assistance to Injured NYC Workers
Trusted and Tenacious Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
If you’ve suffered an injury or illness at work, you may be unsure of what your next steps should be or what options you have to get help with medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. By contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer, you can receive help without having to stress over the legal process.
At Tucker Lawyers, we bring years of experience to the table. We can advocate for your rights and interests every step of the way.
Don’t hesitate to seek the compensation you are entitled to for what you’ve suffered. Schedule a free consultation by calling Tucker Lawyers at (516) 399-2364 today.
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 ]