Work injuries are, unfortunately, not uncommon. When someone is unable to return to work because of an injury, their problem is twofold–they are hurt and have high medical bills, but their injury prevents them from returning to work (at least temporarily) to help them pay off those bills. Fortunately, injured workers in New York often have legal recourse available. Continue reading and contact a New York City work injury lawyer from our firm to learn more about work injury claims and how our firm can fight for you.
Work Injury Lawyer Serving Clients in New York City
Though we tend to think that work injuries occur primarily in jobs involving physical labor, this isn’t always the case. In fact, frequently, work injuries can occur in virtually any profession due to unsafe conditions. For example, even an office worker can sustain a serious injury if the building he or she works in is unsafe in some way, or if he or she is hurt due to a slip and fall caused by spills left unattended. No matter the cause of your injury, however, if you were hurt on the job, you should hire a New York City personal injury attorney who can help you recover the compensation you deserve and need.
The Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of no-fault insurance designed to compensate injured employees, regardless of who caused the accident. Workers’ compensation covers a portion of the employee’s lost wages, as well as the cost of their medical bills.
That said, in some cases, employees may receive a greater amount of compensation via third-party claims, as there is no predetermined cap on how much you can recover. Third-party claims can also compensate a person for certain non-economic damages they’ve incurred because of an accident, such as pain and suffering, the loss of enjoyment of life, and more. You should note, however, that to win a third-party claim, you will have to prove that a third party who is not your employer is responsible for your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Work Injury Claims
The statute of limitations for most workers’ compensation claims in New York is two years, giving you two years from the date of your work-related injury to file your claim. That said, here in New York State, you’re required to notify your employer of your injuries within 30 days in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits. You should also note that to bring a third-party claim, you must do so within three years of the date of your accident. Regardless of how your accident happened or who is responsible, however, it’s always best to simply bring your claim to the attention of a competent New York City work injury lawyer as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Contact a Work Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt on the job, you’re in the right place. The Law Offices of Brian J. Elbaum are dedicated to fighting for injured workers, and we are prepared to bring that fight to you. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation with our skilled legal team.