Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
The work in New York’s correctional facilities exposes officers to traumatic situations at unpredictable times. Even on the most peaceful days, they must stay vigilant due to the constant threat of violence. One moment of weakness or inattention can lead to serious consequences, and the threat of severe injury or death remains even when you are at the top of your game.
Physical injuries from altercations with inmates can lead to physical and psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder. In recognition of these unique hazards, employees of the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you were injured on the job, the skilled correction officer workers’ compensation lawyers can help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Are Here to Help New York’s Correction Officers
We are an award-winning personal injury law firm with over $700 million recovered in case results for our clients. Unlike many law firms in New York, we handle both personal injury and workers’ compensation claims, offering comprehensive legal representation to injury victims throughout the city.
In addition to a workers’ compensation claim, you may be able to pursue a third-party lawsuit if someone outside of DOCCS contributed to your injury. We can represent you in both claims. Importantly, third-party lawsuits give injured workers access to additional compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. We can investigate your injury claim and identify all responsible parties.
We provide our clients with personalized legal counsel and representation designed to maximize their results. Our dedicated attorneys and staff redefine the level of service that you would expect from a law firm by ensuring open communication, attention to detail, and vigorous advocacy.
We are a community-centered law firm and have spent over a decade developing relationships with a network of New York healthcare providers who treat injured workers. We can help you coordinate your treatment and work with your doctors to ensure your injuries are treated properly and appropriately documented.
Correction Officer Workers Compensation Case Results from Shulman & Hill
Jordan Weinstein, a Senior Associate at our firm, has over thirteen years of experience handling correction officer workers’ compensation cases in New York. He has helped clients secure significant financial compensation and high-quality medical care for injuries they suffered at work.
Pending client information: Shulman & Hill Team, please let us know of any case results we could figure here
National Recognition for Our Outstanding Results
We have won numerous awards for how we handle workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, including the following:
- American Institute of Legal Counsel 10 Best Law Firms for Workers’ Compensation
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- The American Academy of Attorney’s Top 40 Under 40
- Attorney and Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys
Serving All of New York
We are New Yorkers representing New Yorkers. We have office locations in all five boroughs and Long Island. We are an inclusive, multilingual firm with team members fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian. We charge no upfront fees and only get paid if you do.
Ways a Lawyer Can Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Case
Our nationally recognized workers’ compensation attorneys will schedule a free consultation to review your case. Since every correction officer workers’ compensation case is unique, we will investigate the incident and provide personalized legal advice and representation based on our findings.
We understand how stressful it is to be injured at work, especially in corrections facilities. We will handle the paperwork and the legal process for you so you can rest and recover. Our services include:
- Filing a New York workers’ compensation claim
- Identifying any liable parties other than DOCCS
- Making sure you receive all the benefits and awards you are entitled to.
- Helping you receive the medical treatment you need
- Settlement/Permanency resolution negotiation
- Representing you in workers’ compensation hearings
- Representing you in any personal injury lawsuit
In most cases, workers cannot sue their employers for injuries if they are covered by workers’ compensation. However, youcan sue third parties for compensation if they contributed to your injuries.
We Help With All Types of Correction Officer Injury Claims
No matter what type of incident caused your injury in the corrections facility, our knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys are well-equipped to represent your interests. We will work to ensure you receive full and fair compensation. Among other things, attorney Jordan Weinstein and our team have the skills needed to recover compensation for correction officers injured by:
- Use of force incidents and inmate assaults
- Co-worker assaults
- Injuries sustained while carrying out other duties (e.g., heavy lifting during contraband searches, carrying incapacitated inmates…)
- Slip and falls
- Motor vehicle accidents while transporting inmates
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Recovering Damages for New York’s Boldest
Workers’ compensation in New York generally provides medical care and partial wage replacement to workers injured on the job, as well as a potential lump sum award for a permanent impairment to an extremity (Schedule Loss of Use award). However, as a correction officer injured on the job, you are entitled to receive your full salary for up to six months. If your claim period extends beyond six months, you can use your accrued leave credits to continue obtaining full pay or receive up to two-thirds of your regular weekly pay under the standard workers’ compensation system.
We may also be able to obtain additional damages through a third-party personal injury lawsuit. For example, if you were injured in a work-related car accident, a third-party driver may be liable. Compensable damages through a personal injury lawsuit may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Value of lost services, such as housekeeping and childcare
- Transportation to the doctor
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
How Much Is My Correction Office Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
Every correction officer injury claim is unique. Factors that influence compensation include the severity of your injuries and the length of your recovery.. We may be able to estimate the value of your workers’ compensation claim after we review your case.
During your free consultation, we will gather as much information as possible to give you a reasonable estimate. We may need some time after the consultation to conduct further investigation and may contact you with additional questions in the days that follow. You can count on us to leave no stone unturned.
What If My Loved One Was Killed While Working in a Corrections Facility in New York?
Our compassionate attorneys can help if your loved one was killed while working as a correction officer in New York. Workers’ compensation provides the families of deceased workers with the following survivor benefits:
- Weekly cash benefits equal to two-thirds of the decedent’s average weekly wage for the 52 weeks prior to the accident, payable to their surviving spouse, children, or dependents.
- A lump sum payment of $50,000 to the decedent’s surviving parents or estate if there are no surviving spouse, children, or dependents.
- Up to $10,500 or $12,500 in funeral expenses, depending on your county.
You may also be able to recover damages from liable third parties in a wrongful death lawsuit. Among other things, wrongful death damages may include your loved one’s pain and suffering caused by their fatal injuries and their lost financial contributions to your family. No matter the circumstances, we are here to support you and your family during this difficult time.
What Is The Time Frame for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Case as a Correction Officer?
You should report your injury to DOCCS within 30 days to avoid losing your right to file a claim. You should also file an Employee Claim Form (Form C-3) with the Workers’ Compensation Board. You have two years from the date of your injury to file this form.
Further, the New York personal injury statute of limitations normally gives three years from the date of your injury to file a third-party lawsuit. Check out our personal injury FAQs page for more information about filing deadlines.
What To Do If You’re a Correction Officer Who Has Been in a Workplace Accident
If you are injured at work as a correction officer, report the incident immediately. Include all of the details about what happened and all of your injuries. Unfortunately, due to past incidents where a few individuals fraudulently collected benefits, legitimate claims may face extra scrutiny. Our attorneys can help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim and dispel any doubts about its validity.
You must regularly provide medical documentation throughout your claim. Your medical provider should be authorized by the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board to treat injured workers. We can refer you to a doctor who can provide top-notch medical care and thoroughly document your injuries.
We can advise you of the benefits you are entitled to and work to help you procure them after we review your claim.
