If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our workers’ compensation lawyers have decades of experience helping injured workers throughout the greater NYC area. As the largest workplace injury law firm on Staten Island, we’ve represented clients in all types of work injury claims. Knowing what to do if you’ve been hurt at work can help protect your rights and make it easier to obtain the full amount of benefits you deserve.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention should be your top priority after a workplace injury. Going to the emergency room or seeing a doctor right away ensures you receive the care you need and provides valuable documentation of workplace injuries. This information is vital when filing a workers’ compensation claim. Unless it’s an emergency, you must see a doctor or healthcare provider authorized by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board or your employer’s Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
Notify Your Employer
Inform your supervisor about your injury as soon as possible. Although you have 30 days to notify your employer of workplace injuries in writing, it’s best to do it promptly. Include a detailed explanation of your injury, how and where it occurred, and the date and time of the incident. For occupational disease claims, you have two years from the date when you became aware of your illness to notify your employer.
Document the Scene and Your Workplace Injuries
You should also document your injuries and the scene where the accident occurred by taking photos and videos and talking to any witnesses who may have seen what happened. Attorneys recommend that you do this to gather as much evidence as possible to back up the facts of your workplace injury claim.
Talk to an NYC Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
To get your claim started, you must file an Employee Claim (Form C-3) with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. However, it’s a good idea to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney before filing a claim, as the application process can be confusing. A workplace injury lawyer can evaluate your case, guide you through the process, and act as your advocate to help you obtain the benefits you need. Insurance companies often try to minimize workers’ injuries or deny claims. Experienced attorneys are familiar with their tactics and fight to protect your interests.
The last thing you want is to make a mistake that could jeopardize your claim. Having an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer ensures the proper information is included in all the paperwork and that important deadlines are met. Having a work injury attorney by your side also takes some of the weight off your shoulders and allows you to focus on your recovery. If you’ve already filed a claim that has been denied, a workers’ compensation lawyer can assist you with an appeal.
Third-Party Work Injury Claims
When workplace injuries are caused by someone who is not your employer, you may be able to file a claim for damages against any liable parties. For example, if a defective tool caused you to injure your hand, the designer and manufacturer of the product could be liable for damages. These types of claims are complex and can affect the total amount you receive in a workers’ compensation claim. Your workers’ compensation attorney and personal injury lawyer can determine whether a third-party claim is advisable in your case.
Contact a New York Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our workers’ compensation lawyers provide professional, compassionate legal counsel you can trust. Our workplace injury law firm has represented thousands of injured workers in the greater NYC area for more than 30 years. Attorney Rolando Cubela is proud to serve our Spanish-speaking clients. If you need assistance with a workers’ compensation or disability claim, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us to schedule a free consultation
