Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Getting hurt at work can raise many questions in a short time. You may be trying to get medical care, keep up with household expenses, and figure out whether your benefits will cover what you need. Our Islip workers’ compensation lawyers will protect your right to benefits under New York law.
Shulman & Hill represents injured workers across Long Island and throughout New York. Since 2013, our firm has recovered more than $1 billion for clients and served more than 26,000 injured New Yorkers. Our attorney team brings over 200 years of combined experience to workers’ compensation claims, construction accident cases, and other related injury matters.
If your injuries involve more than a workers’ compensation claim, we can handle that, too. Our Islip personal injury lawyers can determine when another party may share responsibility for your injuries and whether additional financial recovery may be available through a separate lawsuit.
How Our Islip Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Handle Claims
Workplace injuries leave more than physical pain behind. People who get hurt on the job may have to miss time at work and attend medical appointments while trying to understand what benefits they qualify for.
At Shulman & Hill, we help clients through each stage of the claims process and address problems before they become bigger issues. We assist workers with reporting workplace injuries, filing claims, gathering medical records, and communicating with insurance companies.
We also monitor deadlines, prepare clients for hearings when necessary, and work to secure the full benefits available under New York law. When a benefits claim is denied, we help clients who want to challenge the decision.
Looking Beyond Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Our Islip work accident lawyers also look beyond the workers’ compensation claim itself. Some workplace accidents involve negligent drivers, contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers.
When another party may be responsible, we will evaluate whether we can pursue a personal injury lawsuit in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. Our clients receive guidance on all their legal options in one place. This is especially valuable in construction accident cases and other serious workplace injury claims involving New York Labor Law protections.
We have offices across New York, travel to meet clients when needed, and handle cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront attorney fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Every Borough, Every Block, New York, We Got You. Contact us today and review your next steps during a free consultation.
How to Use the Workers’ Compensation System in Islip, New York
Workers’ compensation is an insurance system that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In most cases, workers do not need to prove that an employer did something wrong. Benefits may be available if the injury happened during their employment.
Workers’ compensation may provide:
- Medical treatment
- Wage replacement benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Temporary disability benefits
- Death benefits for surviving family members (in cases involving fatalities)
- Travel reimbursement for certain medical appointments
Some people assume they must miss work to qualify for benefits, but this is not true for everyone. Some injured workers continue working while receiving medical care or other benefits in the workers’ compensation program.
How Shulman & Hill Helps Injured Workers
Many of our clients work in jobs that keep New York moving every day. We represent:
- Construction workers
- Laborers and tradespeople
- Transit workers
- Department of Transportation employees
- Corrections officers
- Traffic enforcement officers
- Home health aides
- Nurses
- School support staff
- Taxi drivers
- Other public-sector and private-sector workers
Our Islip work injury attorneys conduct detailed investigations, gather evidence, review accident reports, and work closely with clients throughout the process.
Common Workplace Injuries in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Shulman & Hill handles cases across various industries. Some of those we handle involve:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Burns
- Fractures
- Crush injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Vision and hearing loss
- Occupational illnesses (illnesses linked to chemicals, dust, or other workplace hazards)
Even injuries that seem small at first can become serious over time. Medical treatment and documentation often play a major role in establishing eligibility for benefits.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Work Injury?
New York generally requires injured workers to notify their employer about a work-related injury within 30 days. Notice can become an issue in many claims. Reporting the injury as soon as possible often helps avoid disputes later.
Workers should also seek medical care promptly and explain that the injury occurred at work. If questions arise about whether proper notice was given, our Islip workers’ compensation claim attorneys will review the circumstances and explain available options.
How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Under New York workers’ compensation rules, injured workers generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for benefits. Different rules may apply in cases involving occupational illnesses or conditions that develop over time.
Missing deadlines can place benefits at risk. Early legal guidance often helps workers avoid procedural problems that could affect their claims.
Can You Sue Someone After a Workplace Injury in Islip?
Employees who receive workers’ compensation benefits generally cannot sue their employers for a workplace injury. If another person or company contributed to the accident, a separate lawsuit may be possible. This type of case is often called a third-party lawsuit.
For example, a delivery driver struck by another motorist may have a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Parties who could be involved in a third-party lawsuit include:
- Negligent drivers
- Property owners
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Product manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
You generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, per NY CPLR § 214(5). The timeline is not the same for every case, and some cases may require shorter notice. You can speak with Shulman & Hill to learn which deadlines apply to your case.
New York Labor Law Claims and Construction Accidents
Construction sites can be dangerous places to work. Falls from ladders, scaffold accidents, falling objects, and other hazards can cause serious injuries.
In some situations, an injured construction worker may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation benefits. New York Labor Law may apply when a worker is hurt because of unsafe conditions on a job site or a fall from a height.
A successful Labor Law claim may provide recovery beyond the benefits available through workers’ compensation. Shulman & Hill regularly handles construction accident cases and claims involving New York Labor Law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation
When injured workers come to Shulman & Hill for help, they are trying to make sense of deadlines, medical care, benefit payments, and other concerns. Below are a few questions our Islip workers’ compensation law firm hears from clients.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation if I Was Partly At Fault for the Accident?
Workers’ compensation is generally a no-fault system, so benefits may still be available even if you made a mistake that contributed to the accident.
What Happens if My Employer Disputes My Claim?
It is common for employers to challenge claims about how an accident occurred or whether an injury is work-related. We can use medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to support your claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Not always, but having one is extremely beneficial. Consider legal guidance if your benefits have been denied, there are questions about your disability status, or you need help with a hearing request or third-party claim.
Get Help From Our Islip Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Many injured workers contact an attorney because something about the process does not feel right. Shulman & Hill helps workers make sense of what is happening and the options that may be available under New York law.
Our team represents injured workers, including construction workers, public employees, healthcare workers, transportation workers, and other members of the workforce who keep our communities safe and running.
If you were hurt on the job in Islip, speak with our team about your situation during a free case review. We offer free consultations, and there are no fees unless we recover money for you. New York, We Got You.