Thousands of people are supported by worker’s compensation each year in New York when they are injured while working. It’s a great thing to rely on, but it can be a complex matter to navigate, especially when trying to recover from an injury.
If you have recently suffered an accident at work – or you know someone who has and who wants to apply for worker’s compensation – there’s a lot to know. Here is the process for obtaining workers comp and how to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.
How to Get Workers Compensation in New York
It’s important for every employee, no matter what field you’re in, to understand the process of getting workers compensation in New York. You should follow these steps if you think you may need to file:
Report the Accident
This is a crucial first step, so don’t skip it! Always report any type of injury in the workplace to your manager or supervisor as soon as you can after the injury occurred. If you delay this step, then it can be used against you later when applying for workers compensation.
Check Your Insurance Provider
It’s a good idea to check to make sure the provider of your medical insurance is authorized by the workers compensation board in the state. Most are, but this is an important step that is easy to find out by contacting your insurance company.
Understand the Process
It’s up to your employer to report any injury or illness you sustain at work to the New York Workers Compensation Board. They also need to make a report of your illness or injury to the insurance carrier that they use for workers compensation.
The statute of limitations for workers compensation in New York is two years, so you will have that time to make sure a claim is filed on your behalf. If the deadlines are missed, then you risk being denied workers compensation.
Find a Lawyer
You don’t have to get a lawyer when trying to procure workers compensation, but it is a step that is recommended to push your case through faster. This will help to maximize the benefits you receive as well as reduce the amount of time you have to wait to get them.
File the Correct Forms
There are forms that must be filed with the workers compensation board in your area. Form C-3 is the official claim that must be filed within two years of the date of your injury or sickness. All the forms must be filled out correctly and on time, or it can impact your ability to get proper compensation.
An experienced attorney can also help with this step. They’ll make sure all the information is correct and the important forms are completely filled out in the proper timeframe.
How Much Compensation Can You Obtain in NY?
A common question is: How much does workers compensation pay? This is an answer that depends on a few important details, such as:
- How much you are paid by your employer
- How long your injuries or illness kept you from work
- How severe your illness or injuries were
- The costs of any medical care you needed in direct relation to your illness or injury
You can normally receive cash benefits, supplemental benefits, and medical benefits from worker’s compensation claims. The total you get depends on the answer to the above factors.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- Is There a Time Limit to Start an Injury Case?
- Third-Party Claims: Maximizing Compensation Beyond NY Workers’ Comp