We spend a large portion of our time each day on the job. No matter how careful we are, people across New York suffer workplace accidents every day, with some of them suffering life-changing injuries that at times warrant extensive medical treatment. If you ever find yourself the victim of a job injury in Brooklyn or NYC, you might be entitled to compensation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation (or worker’s comp for short) provides financial compensation for injured workers, essentially operating as a type of disability benefit. It is important to note that in order to be eligible for workers’ comp, the employee must have sustained his/her injury while on the job. It is mandatory for most employers in Brooklyn, New York to carry this type of insurance for their workers.
If you qualify for workers’ compensation, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your injuries from your employer. Specifically, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills associated with your work related-injury, a weekly portion of your pre-injury salary, and if the employee dies, survivor benefits for loved ones. Workers’ compensation law (which is really a subset of personal injury law) is a complex area of New York state law. Given this, it is in your interests to seek out an experienced attorney who can walk you through the next steps in the legal process.
And if a third party (not your employer alone) was responsible for your injuries, you may be able to collect compensation above and beyond your workers compensation benefits.
What Are Some Common Types of Workplace Injuries in Brooklyn?
Unfortunately, serious injuries can occur to employees in just about any industry and in just about any type of work environment.
Here are some of the more common types of workplace injuries that occur here in Brooklyn (and in New York City more generally):
- Slip or trip and fall accidents. This can take place on a construction site, in a grocery store aisle, in the lobby of a hotel, or walking down the stairs, just to name a few.
- Overexertion and bodily reaction. This involves physical strain or repetitive stress–brought on by repetitive motions, pushing, lifting, pulling, or carrying.
- Being struck, crushed, or trapped by an object or piece of equipment.
As you can imagine, some of these accidents may only cause mild injuries, while others may change the victim’s life forever, and still others may be fatal. Because the types of injuries we see with workplace accidents can vary so widely, every case is different.
What Should I Do After a Brooklyn Work-Related Accident?
If you have sustained a workplace injury, the right attorney will help you obtain the benefits you deserve as part of your workers’ comp claim. However, there are also several key steps New Yorkers can take on your own to help expedite the claims process and maximize the amount of your financial recovery:
- You should report your illness or injury to your employer immediately. You can make this report verbally initially, but you will need to provide a written report within 30 days of your injury. The report should contain information such as your name, the date and time of the accident, the nature of your illness or injury, and where it occurred.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible. One age-old tactic for attempting to deny a workers’ compensation claim is to either claim that the injury was a pre-existing injury or to claim that it did not occur at work. The longer you wait between when you are injured and when you seek medical care, the more room you give the insurance company to try to deny your claim. Keep in mind that some serious injuries do not surface until hours or even days after an accident, so seek medical care as soon as possible after your injury.
- File a claim with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. You can file your claim in person at a Board office, online, or via regular mail.
- Follow up with your employer to ensure it has reported your injury to its insurance company and to the New York Workers’ Compensation Board.
- Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Brooklyn personal injury lawyer. The right legal representation can help you expedite the claims process and maximize the financial compensation that you deserve. You should consult with a personal injury attorney because in some cases you may be entitled to bring a Third Party personal injury claim to collect compensation above and beyond your workers’ compensation benefits. Each case is unique and demands the personal attention of an experienced attorney who is well-versed in the legal issues and how New York law applies to your case.
How Can I Help My Brooklyn Workers’ Compensation Claim?
While choosing the right attorney is essential for your claim, you can also play a vital role in the ultimate outcome of your workers’ compensation claim. You can help your attorney investigate and build your case if you follow some simple steps in the immediate aftermath of your accident:
- Take pictures or videos of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Collect the contact information of anyone who witnessed all or part of your accident.
- Gather all medical records and medical expenses pertaining to the injuries you suffered at work.
- Gather information regarding your employer.
- Save all receipts for other expenses related to your injuries.
Keep in mind that taking even just some of these steps could drastically influence how a workers’ compensation case is ultimately resolved.
How Brooklyn Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help You
New York worker’s compensation attorneys fully understand how overwhelmed you may be in the aftermath of a workplace accident. The physical, emotional, and financial trauma you and your family may be experiencing is brutal. And navigating New York workers’ comp laws can be extremely difficult if done on your own. Moreover, you may be entitled to bring a third party personal injury claim if an entity other than your employer was responsible for your work injury.
We also understand that workers’ compensation insurance providers are businesses that are focused on the bottom line, so they may do everything possible to delay – or even altogether deny – your claim. New Yorkers deserve better. Thankfully, the lawyers at the Rothenberg Law Firm are well equipped to take on any insurance company on your behalf.
We’re prepared to enter any courtroom in Brooklyn to advocate for your interests and the interests of your loved ones if need be. With a law office in Brooklyn, our attorneys are uniquely positioned to work with Brooklynites and New Yorkers who seek out help.
We take pride in our track record of fighting for justice on behalf of injured workers and their loved ones. We strive to get money in their pocket as soon as possible, and zealously attempt to maximize their financial compensation.
Book Your Complimentary Case Evaluation Today
If you have been injured at work here in Brooklyn (or anywhere in New York City), call The Rothenberg Law Firm today at our phone number 1-800-624-8888 to schedule a free consultation. We will handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you will not pay us anything unless and until we win your case.
