Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Workers’ compensation may help cover mileage for approved medical appointments related to a work injury in New York. Trips to the doctor, physical therapy, medical tests, and other treatments can add up over time.
Even a small mileage claim can lead to questions from the insurance company. Missing records, paperwork issues, or disagreements about treatment may affect whether travel expenses are reimbursed.
If questions arise about mileage reimbursement, wage benefits, medical treatment, or a denied claim for benefits, our Manhattan workers’ compensation lawyers can explain your options.
When Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for Travel Expenses?
Workers’ compensation may pay for travel expenses when the trip is related to medical care for a work injury.
Many injured workers need transportation to:
- Doctor appointments
- Physical therapy sessions
- Medical tests
- Independent medical exams
- Specialist visits
- Surgical consultations
The appointment generally must be related to the work injury or illness. In New York, workers may be able to receive reimbursement for mileage to an appointment when they drive their vehicle there. In some situations, other travel-related expenses may qualify as well.
Keeping records of appointments, mileage, and other travel costs can help support a reimbursement request.
What Does New York Law Say About Mileage Reimbursement?
The New York Workers’ Compensation Board allows injured workers to receive pay for certain travel expenses related to their care for a work injury.
New York Workers’ Compensation Law § 13 provides benefits to workers who are injured on the job. Workers’ Compensation Board rules also allow repayment for travel that is necessary to receive medical care.
Workers are often reimbursed based on the distance traveled to and from medical appointments. The mileage rate may change over time, so workers should check the current rate before submitting a request.
How is Mileage Calculated?
Mileage reimbursement is generally based on the distance traveled to and from a covered medical appointment. Workers should keep a record showing details such as:
- The appointment date
- The name of the doctor or facility
- The address of the place where the appointment is
- The starting location
- The total number of miles traveled
Accurate records can help prevent delays or questions about a reimbursement request. Keeping receipts, appointment confirmations, and mileage logs may also help support a claim for transportation expenses.
What Records Should You Keep?
Helpful records that can show mileage include appointment cards, medical visit summaries, mileage logs, parking receipts, toll receipts, and transportation invoices. A complete record often makes it easier to show that the travel was connected to medical treatment for the work injury.
Some workers find it helpful to create a simple travel log that includes the date, destination, and the number of miles driven. Some people use a notebook to track everything, while others use a mileage-tracking app on their cellphones.
Can Parking and Tolls Be Reimbursed?
In some cases, workers may be able to recover parking fees and tolls incurred for medical appointments related to a work injury. Keeping receipts can help show the cost of these expenses.
Workers should save copies of any parking or toll receipts related to their medical visits.
What Happens if the Insurer Denies a Reimbursement Request?
Issues can come up when an insurance company questions a travel expense claim. The company may ask whether the appointment was related to the work injury, how far the worker traveled, or whether the medical visit was covered. Missing records can also cause delays.
An insurer’s denial does not always mean the repayment request is invalid. Workers may have options to challenge decisions regarding benefits, reimbursement requests, or medical treatment.
Submitting additional records can resolve some disputes. If not, further review through the workers’ compensation process may be required.
Can You Receive Mileage Reimbursement if You Continue Working?
Continuing to work does not automatically prevent a worker from receiving mileage reimbursement. A worker may remain on the job, attend medical appointments related to the injury, and still qualify for reimbursement of eligible travel expenses.
What if a Third Party Caused the Injury?
If a third party caused a work-related injury, an employee may be able to file two separate claims: a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim. This can happen in construction accidents, vehicle crashes, defective equipment cases, and other situations involving a third party.
Our Manhattan personal injury lawyers handle both types of claims for clients. We review the facts of an accident and explain the legal options available to them.
Common Mistakes That Can Affect Mileage Reimbursement
Several issues can create problems when seeking repayment for appointment-related travel expenses, such as:
- Waiting too long to submit records
- Losing receipts
- Failing to track mileage
- Attending appointments without keeping careful records
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate information
- Requesting reimbursement for travel unrelated to the work injury
A consistent record of attending your appointments and traveling can help avoid many of these issues.
Get Help With Workers’ Compensation Mileage to Appointments in New York
Travel expenses may not seem like much at first. But after multiple doctor’s office visits, therapy sessions, and medical tests, those costs can become a significant part of recovery costs. If an insurance company questions mileage reimbursement or other benefits, Shulman & Hill will help.
Our firm represents injured workers across New York in workers’ compensation and related injury claims. Since 2013, we have recovered more than $1 billion and helped more than 26,000 people throughout New York.
With over 200 years of combined experience, our team helps injured workers address workers’ compensation issues and related injury claims. Contact us today for a free consultation. New York, We Got You.
