Under New York's Workers' Compensation Law, any employee who sustains an injury which arises out of and in the course of employment, regardless of what caused the injury, is entitled to Workers' Compensation benefits. However, it is often difficult to obtain workers' compensation benefits because the claims process is complicated and insurance companies will try to deny your claim in an effort to avoid paying up. Additionally, the application process can become quite complicated and deadlines must be met which can sometimes make things difficult. If you were injured on the job and want to learn more about your rights, contact Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C., for a free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The three most important things you should do immediately following a workplace injury include:
- Notifying your employer verbally or in writing with the details of the work related accident
- Seek medical attention for any and all injuries you sustained. Even if you feel it’s a minor injury, an injury is an injury! Documentation is very important.
- Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
NO, Under New York State Law an employer may not fire or in any way discriminate against an employee for the filing of a Workers' Compensation claim, after all, that’s what insurance is for. If you are in a situation where you were fired after being injured on the job, you may have legal options and even options to collect monetary benefits in addition to Workers' Compensation. It’s important you know what you are entitled to and if you are in a position to take other legal action! As your legal advocates, you can count on us to protect your rights.
Consultations are free. You will NEVER have to pay an attorney directly. Attorney fees in Workers’ Compensation cases are set by the Judge and paid by the insurance company from awards to the injured worker. You will never receive a bill from our firm. You’ve suffered enough; now it's time to take action. Contact us today.
Workers’ Compensation pays for all related medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages. There is no “pain and suffering” award. There are monetary awards for permanent injuries that affect your earning capacity.
In all cases, an attempt to settle a claim can be made with the insurance company to settle a Workers’ Compensation Claim. If your on-the-job injury or work related illness results in a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to a settlement, even if you do not lose time from work. The amount of the settlement and method of determining and approving the settlement depend on the specific details of your injury and facts of your case.
An aggravation of a pre-existing injury is covered by workers' compensation. If you had no functional job restrictions due to your pre-existing injury prior to your new work-related accident, you are eligible for the same benefits as someone who was injured on the job for the first time.
Yes. A heart attack or stroke caused by the physical or mental stress of your job is generally covered by Workers' Compensation. The heart attack or stroke generally must happen at work or soon thereafter. Even if you had a prior heart condition or other risk factors not related to your work, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Heart attack and stroke claims are some of the most difficult claims to establish at the Workers' Compensation Board, so you should consult an experienced workers comp lawyer as soon as possible
Q&A For Social Security Disability
If you are suffering from a serious illness or injury and predict you will be out of work for at least a year, you should consult with an attorney about filing a claim.
You should file a Social Security claim as soon as possible to avoid ANY gap in benefits.
Yes. However, the amount of Social Security Disability you receive can sometimes be lowered to offset your Workers’ Compensation benefits. When you are receiving both benefits, it is of utmost importance to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure you are receiving the maximum benefit you are entitled to.
You are not required to have representation when applying for SSDI or SSI benefits; however, it is HIGHLY recommended. Without representation you may run the risk of filing incomplete applications or missing important deadlines. By retaining an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security income, you immediately increase your chances of filing a successful claim.
Q&A For Municipal Pension
Yes. However, the type of pension you are entitled to and the amount of your pension will depend on your tier status, the manner in which you were injured, and the number of years you have in the Retirement System.
Yes. The Retirement System does provide for an ordinary disability pension, but the amount of this pension will depend on tier status.
Yes, but the amount of your Workers’ Compensation payments will be deducted dollar for dollar from your pension payment.
Yes, because the law requires that you do so. If you do not file for Workers’ Compensation benefits, the penalty is that your accidental disability pension payment will be reduced by the amount of Workers’ Compensation benefits you would have been entitled to.
Yes, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are payable in addition to disability pension benefits, except for certain very limited circumstances.
Yes, you can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in addition to your ordinary disability pension.
Yes, you can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in addition to your service retirement pension.
No, accidental disability retirement benefits are tax free.
No, only accidental and performance of duty disability pensions are tax free.
Yes, there are very strict time limits in which you must file for disability retirement pensions, which vary depending on tier status, job title, and type of disability pension.