If you’re injured on the job in New York, you may be entitled to coverage by workers’ compensation. To protect your potential right to workers’ compensation, follow these steps if you are injured on the job:
First, seek medical attention. If you need emergency medical care, get it as soon as possible. Otherwise, apply first aid and seek treatment from a provider authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board. Your employer should be able to provide a list of authorized providers.
Next, tell your supervisor about your injury and how it occurred. Tell your employer as soon as possible. Within 30 days, follow up with a written description of your injury and how it happened. If you suffer an occupation-related disease, tell your employer within two years after you become disabled or within two years of the date you learned you had a work-related disease, whichever is later.
Finally, fill out Form C-3 and mail it to the nearest Workers’ Compensation Board office. This form should be filed as quickly as possible. If it is not filed within two years, you may lose your right to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Once your form is filed, continue to see your doctors for scheduled follow-up appointments, and follow their instructions regarding medication, testing, therapy, and other treatments. Go back to work as soon as you are able, and attend an Independent Medical Examination and any hearings you are required to attend.
The experienced New York work injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP can help you protect your right to workers’ compensation and obtain the full amount of benefits to which you are entitled. For a free and confidential consultation, contact us today.