The Lawyer You Use In A Workers’ Compensation Case Can Make A Difference
Construction, demolition, excavation and manufacturing work sites are some of the most dangerous working conditions facing workers today. Serious and catastrophic work-related injuries at these work sites occur with an unfortunate frequency.
If you were injured in a workplace accident, your employer must provide insurance coverage called workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp is designed to pay your medical bills and partly replace your lost income when you are unable to return to work. Part-time jobs and independent contractors are generally covered. It may not matter that you caused the accident in which you were injured since workers’ compensation benefits are awarded regardless of fault.
Unfortunately, because workers’ compensation insurance rates are based on the number of claims an employer’s insurer has paid, employers and their insurers have an incentive to delay and deny claims. Insurance companies will also wrongfully insist that you see a doctor of their choosing, another way they can try to deny your claim.
It is important that you consult an attorney immediately after an injury, and before you speak with anyone else. It is common for insurance company investigators to visit an injured worker in the hospital or at home right after an accident. The investigator appears friendly and says they are there to help the worker get their benefits. However, the investigator is often there to limit the liability of the insurance company to pay for the workers’ injuries.
In addition to a workers’ compensation claim, injured workers may also have a personal injury claim that can more fully compensate injured workers and their families, in addition to a social security disability claim, unemployment insurance claim, and possibly union benefits. Applying for Workers’ Compensation benefits, however, can be a confusing and complicated process. Many people are unaware that you only have a limited period of time to notify your employer of a work related injury or illness otherwise you may lose all of your benefits.
The process of receiving workers’ compensation benefits begins with reporting your injury to your employer immediately and filing a claim.Filing your claim is simple and can be done on your own by completing an Employee’s Claim for Compensation Form (C-3). Click here for an Employee’s Claim for Compensation (C-3) form (PDF).
At the Brooklyn, New York, law firm of Lozner & Mastropietro, our lawyers represent clients so they do not have to face their work injury matters alone. We help clients and their families navigate the complicated and diverse avenues of compensation. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined legal experience handling cases for injured individuals across the state. Contact Us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced compensation lawyers.
There are no up-front costs for fees because Workers’ Comp attorneys are paid only if you win your worker’s compensation case; and the judge who presides over your case sets the fee. An experienced Worker’s Compensation attorney will:
- Work closely with you to establish evidence to support your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits
- Protect your right to see the doctor of your choice
- Protect your right to all hearings and appeals provided by law
- Seek workers’ compensation benefits in “independent contractor” situations where you have most or all of the rights and responsibilities of employees
- Ensure that your doctor completes and files all necessary forms to allow you to recover for lost wages, medical expenses and partial or full disability
Meet With Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
At Lozner & Mastropietro, our Brooklyn attorneys are dedicated to helping workers get the compensation they deserve for the work-related injuries they have suffered. If you have been injured on the job; at a construction, demolition, excavation, or manufacturing site, or you simply need more information, please call us at 917-920-9431.