As New Yorkers, we pride ourselves on working long, hard hours to earn a living. Unfortunately though, accidents can happen at any time. If you have been injured or become sick as a result of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
Workers’ compensation is a program that provides wage benefits and medical benefits if you are unable to work or if you are earning less because of your injuries or illness. Your employer is responsible for having workers’ compensation insurance coverage and can face stiff penalties and fines without it under New York state law.
You can file a workers’ compensation claim regardless of who was at fault for how the accident or illness occurred. However, the workers’ compensation board can deny your claim if you were intoxicated, on drugs, or if you intentionally harmed yourself or someone else.
Workers’ compensation benefits are only available through your employer. However, if you believe another party, otherwise known as a third-party, is responsible for causing your accident or illness, talk to us immediately about starting a separate action for a possible personal injury lawsuit.
For more on how the workers’ compensation process works, check out the resources from the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board:
