Suffering a workplace injury can be a life-altering experience, especially when medical bills pile up and income is lost while an injured worker heals. Fortunately, injured workers can receive financial compensation by filing for workers’ compensation, or “workers’ comp.” A skilled workers' compensation lawyer Queens can help you navigate the complex process of applying for and obtaining benefits. However, finding the right lawyer can be a challenge. There are several factors to consider when choosing a workers’ compensation lawyer in New York.
When comparing attorneys, be sure to consider their track record of success, communication, and fee structure. While a successful track record does not guarantee that a lawyer will win your case, it is a good indicator of their proficiency in workers’ comp law. In addition, be sure to compare how many years of workers’ compensation experience each attorney has. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens with extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of NY workers’ compensation laws will be a valuable asset in your case.
During the initial consultation, pay attention to how well an attorney communicates with you. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens should take the time to answer your questions in a clear and understandable manner. This will help you feel confident in their ability to represent your best interests throughout the legal process.
One of the most important steps in securing workers’ comp is to report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident or diagnosis of your illness. Failure to do this can cause delay in your application and prevent you from receiving the full amount of benefits you need. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens can assist you in timely reporting and ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed.
Another critical step is to seek medical treatment immediately, even if the injury or illness does not seem severe. Getting a medical evaluation will also help you establish a clear connection between your job-related injuries or illnesses and any losses you may have suffered. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens can guide you to the appropriate medical providers and help coordinate the documentation needed for your claim.
Workers’ comp benefits can cover a wide range of costs, including prescription medications, physical therapy, surgery, and other treatments. Some states even provide a percentage of your average weekly wage while you are unable to work. However, some employers or insurance companies try to deny claims or reduce the amount of compensation a worker is entitled to. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens is crucial in these situations to advocate on your behalf and challenge any unfair denials or reductions of your claims.
A workers’ compensation claim may be denied if an injury or illness was caused by drinking alcohol, failing to get medical treatment immediately after an accident or ignoring safety rules. However, it is rare for a claim to be denied because of a workplace injury or illness. If you find yourself facing a denial, a workers' compensation lawyer Queens can help you appeal the decision and fight for your right to compensation.
The state of New York mandates that employers carry workers’ compensation insurance to pay for medical and financial benefits to employees who become injured on the job. However, the system can be complex and claims are often denied on the initial application. A skilled workers' compensation lawyer Queens can meticulously follow the progress of your claim and make sure that you receive all benefits to which you are entitled.
Injured workers are entitled to receive reimbursement for travel costs to and from doctor visits. The amount of reimbursement per mile is determined by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and is adjusted each year. The workers’ compensation laws also provide a fixed payment for all necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the diagnosis and treatment of a work-related injury or illness. This includes any x-rays needed to diagnose or treat your injury. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens can help ensure that you are reimbursed for these costs.
It is important that you report your work injury or illness to your supervisor as soon as possible and visit a doctor immediately to get started on treatment. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you are filing a workers’ comp claim. In addition, you should send your medical bills directly to the workers’ compensation insurance carrier so that they can be processed and paid. Consulting with a workers' compensation lawyer Queens can provide assistance with these administrative tasks.
Generally, workers’ compensation benefits include the cost of reasonable and necessary medical care for your work-related injury, two-thirds of your average weekly wage (subject to a minimum and maximum), and funeral expenses. In addition, depending on the severity of your injury, you may be eligible for additional benefits including a lump-sum award for permanent partial disability and schedule loss benefits. Schedule loss benefits are payments for permanent injuries such as limb losses, blindness or loss of hearing. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens can explain these benefits in detail and help you secure them.
In some cases, if your injury was caused by a third party, you can file a lawsuit against that third-party. This is called a third-party case and it is not subject to the exclusive remedies provision of New York’s workers’ compensation law. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens can guide you through the process of filing a third-party lawsuit if applicable.
New York’s pioneering workers’ compensation laws stemmed from the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that killed 146 people in 1911. The fire led to sweeping reforms to workplace safety and worker rights. New York workers are fortunate to have the most robust and comprehensive workers’ compensation laws in the country. With the help of a dedicated workers' compensation lawyer Queens, injured workers can be confident that their claims are being handled properly and that they will receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. If you have questions about a workers’ compensation matter, contact a trusted workers' compensation lawyer Queens for a free consultation.
Every case is different, and no one can guarantee a specific amount of money you will receive from a workers’ compensation settlement. There are too many factors at play – including the state of your medical condition, the length of time you will need to recover from your injury, and whether you will be able to return to work with restrictions (at least in some capacity). You will also likely need approval from a workers’ comp judge before a settlement becomes final, which can complicate matters. This means that it’s important to work with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer Queens who can evaluate your situation and guide you through the negotiation process.
The workers’ comp insurance company will be looking to minimize its payout by presenting you with the lowest offer possible. They may also use aggressive tactics, such as lowballing your damages and claiming that the judge will not approve of your claim if you reject their offer. While these pressure tactics are common, they do not hold up under scrutiny. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens can help protect you from these tactics by leveraging their skills to negotiate a fair settlement.
In fact, studies show that on average, people who try to handle their own case without a workers’ comp lawyer receive an average of $18,000 in compensation, while those who hire an attorney get over $26,000, which is nearly a 15% increase. While it is certainly possible to settle your workers’ compensation claim on your own, this can be a difficult and frustrating process, especially when you are trying to cover your living expenses while recovering from a serious injury. Consulting with a workers' compensation lawyer Queens can significantly influence the outcome.
As a general rule, the workers’ compensation system only pays for medical costs and lost wages. Insurers do not have to pay for pain and suffering, which can significantly increase the money awards in personal injury cases, but which is not available under workers’ comp. This can make it even more difficult to determine how much your case is worth and the best way to settle. A workers' compensation lawyer Queens has the necessary experience to accurately estimate the value of your claim.
An experienced workers’ comp lawyer will be familiar with all of the state laws and regulations regarding your case, as well as a range of different strategies that they can employ during negotiations. These strategies can include presenting your medical history, conducting depositions, and gathering supporting reports from your physicians (orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, pain management specialist, etc.). In addition, a workers' compensation lawyer Queens will know how to present your case and its value in a way that appeals to the court, which can help to maximize your settlement. Finally, a New York workers’ compensation attorney can assist you in evaluating the offer made by the insurance company to ensure that it will be adequate to cover your medical expenses and provide for your future needs.
K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. | Construction Accident Attorney and Car Accident Lawyer
3763 83rd St #1m, Queens, NY 11372, United States
(646) 701-7990