When you become injured or ill during the normal course of your employment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Most employers are mandated by state law to carry this no-fault insurance program, which provides employees with benefits that cover medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses when an on-the-job injury prevents them from performing their normal work duties. The experienced attorneys at The Law Firm of Cheryl Kitton help workers get fair compensation for injuries and illnesses sustained on the job by assisting with applications and appealing denials. We are committed to helping you get the payments you need when you need them.
While workers’ compensation benefits are provided by employers’ insurance companies, those benefits are mandated by state law, with some exceptions that may depend on the company’s size, type of business, and work done by employees. While benefits vary by jurisdiction, they most often cover:
It’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible after you’ve sustained an on-the-job injury. Neglecting to do so could affect your ability to claim the benefits you deserve.
The companies who underwrite workers’ comp policies are like all insurance carriers: their goal is to limit liability and pay as little as possible in claim benefits. That’s why it’s essential you’re represented by an experienced workers’ comp attorney who knows the laws governing workers’ comp in New York and can help you appeal a denied claim for workers’ comp. You have a limited time to appeal the decision, so it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. We will investigate the reasons for your denial and guide you through the often complicated process of appealing the decision, which may involve appearing with you at hearings before the state’s workers’ compensation board.
If you are eligible for benefits under the workers’ compensation system, you cannot file a separate negligence action against your employer. Workers’ compensation coverage reimburses victims for medical costs, lost wages and rehabilitation expenses. It does not pay for other types of damages available in personal injury actions, such as compensation for pain and suffering. When you believe that someone besides your employer bears some fault for your work-related injury, such as the manufacturer in a defective product case, we can advise whether you may have a third-party claim that will allow you to seek damages in addition to your workers’ comp benefits.
The Law Firm of Cheryl Kitton in Bellmore helps employees throughout New York file workers’ comp claims and appeal workers’ comp denials so they can access the benefits they need. To schedule a consultation, call us at 516-240-2949 or contact us online.