Workers' compensation insurance in New York is designed to help cover your medical bills, pay for some of your lost earnings, and assist you in getting back to work. If you meet the criteria to qualify, you can expect tax-free reimbursement and compensation for nearly every financial loss and expense related to your injury or illness.
Let's break down the main components of what New York Workers' Compensation covers, including cash benefits, medical benefits, permanent disability, and death benefits.
If your injury or illness keeps you off the job for more than seven days or causes you to work fewer hours and earn less money, New York workers’ comp covers part of your lost wages through cash benefits.
For more details on how to figure out your weekly cash benefits, check out my other video where I break down how New York workers’ comp payments work.
All medical expenses related to your injury or illness are covered by your employer’s insurance. This includes:
If you need immediate medical attention after sustaining an injury, you can visit any health care provider, and your treatment will be covered. However, for ongoing care, ensure your doctor is authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board to have your expenses reimbursed.
Additionally, you can be reimbursed for travel expenses related to your treatment, such as mileage and public transportation. Remember to keep your receipts for these expenses.
Workers' comp also covers the permanent effects of an injury or illness.
In the unfortunate event that a worker passes away due to a work-related injury or illness, their surviving spouse, minor children, and any dependents may receive death benefits. This amount is typically two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage for the previous year.
If there are no surviving heirs, the worker's estate might be eligible for a lump-sum payment of $50,000. New York workers' comp will also reimburse funeral costs up to a maximum amount.
It's important to note that just because all these costs and expenses are covered doesn’t guarantee that your claim will be approved or that you will be awarded the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies frequently deny claims or reduce benefits to save money.
For instance, one of my clients was initially looking at a payout of around $47,000. After working with me, we were able to secure $117,000—more than twice the original amount!
If you need to file a New York Workers’ Comp claim and want a lawyer who will fight for what you deserve, feel free to contact me at 212-406-8989 to schedule a free consultation. I can also assist with Personal Injury Matters, Social Security Disability, and Labor & Employment Issues.
For a detailed explanation on calculating cash benefits and permanent disability, watch the linked video here.
Stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
.jpg)
