What Should You Do If You Get Injured At Work?

If you were injured while working, you may not be sure what to do next. Who pays the medical bills? What about the time you need to take off from work – is that covered? Will my job be waiting for me while I recover? Nicholas Tzaneteas is an experienced work injury lawyer who understands that you need assurance and peace in the process and brings years of experience, knowledge and compassion to your case.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 4,400 people were killed on the job in 2013 and more than 1 million people suffered injuries on the job that required them to take time off from work.

What are the most dangerous jobs? These are the careers that are considered higher risk and more prone to injuries:

• Commercial and home construction workers
• Iron and steel workers
• Window washers
• Factory workers
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Painters
• Sheet rock installers
• Bricklayers
• Welders

These are the most common workplace accidents which result in injuries:

• Falling from heights
• Slip and falls
• Caught between objects
• Defective or dangerous equipment
• Equipment or machinery failure

And the most common injuries are broken bones, sprains and strains, head injuries or traumatic brain injury, joint injuries, muscle and nerve damage, internal damage and bleeding, and even death.

A workplace injury occurs when there are hazardous conditions or improper safety and care taken to prevent accidents. It can be due to negligence or equipment failure, or from an unavoidable accident. Whether reasonable precautions have been taken or not, workplace injuries are covered by workers’ compensation.

Did you know that accidents that happen while an employee is commuting to or from work, or on breaks outside the workplace during the work day are all considered work-related accidents? Because of this very broad scope and definition of workplace injuries, they are the leading cause of injury in New York City.

If you have been injured during your work day, it is imperative that you contact an experienced work accident attorney because worker’s compensation adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. You need someone that is on your side to look out for your best interests and help you get compensation for lost wages, medical bills and any rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering.

Did you know that New Yorkers who have been injured on the job are entitled to all medical treatments needed for any injuries while working? New York Workers Compensation medical care insurance claims can include: medical, surgical and hospital services, dental services, crutches and orthopedic devices, hearing aids, chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, nursing care, and more and prescribed medications.

New York Workers’ Compensation cases cover a variety of work injuries ranging from sprains and cuts to total or partial permanent disability. In fact, if you have permanent or partial permanent disability with restrictions for work from your injury, you may be entitled to a settlement, which can be a monetary award covering lifetime medical care options, benefits for the disability, and even vocational rehabilitation or job re-training. This is why a professional work injury lawyer familiar with New York-specific laws is so important.

So, what are the steps to take if you are hurt at work? Here is what the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board says:

• First, make sure to get immediate medical attention. Unless it is an emergency, be aware that the health care provider must be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board. Make sure you alert your doctor that this is a workplace accident. Note: You can locate authorized providers on the NYWCB website. The costs of medical services, care, and treatment will be be paid for by your employer or their insurance, unless the case is disputed.
• Notify your supervisor about the incident and resulting injury as soon as possible. You must inform your employer in writing within 30 days of the accident. If you don’t, you could lose the right to workers’ compensation benefits.
• If there is lost time, you must fill out and mail Form C-3 to complete a claim. Mail it to the Workers’ Compensation board.
• Follow all medical instructions to make a full and complete recovery as quickly as possible.
• If asked or required to, get an independent medical examination.
• If you are notified to appear in court for any case-related hearings, make sure you do so.
• Get back to work as soon as you can.

The laws and regulations around workers’ compensation requirements change regularly, such as in 2012, when a big case was decided in appeal that affected thousands of claimants receiving partial disability payments, or in 2010, when the Workers’ Compensation Board made sweeping changes to claim procedures. So, it’s critical to hire a workplace injury attorney who is extremely familiar with the Workers’ Compensation laws in New York City.

Work accident injuries place tremendous physical, financial, and emotional stress on both the person who was injured, as well as their families. If you are injured in a New York City workplace accident or your family has lost a loved one in a work-related accident, make sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who has successfully handled similar cases.