New York provides workers’ compensation benefits for workers who are injured while on the job. These benefits can help you receive payments while you recover from your injury.
Taking certain steps after your workplace injury can increase your chance of qualifying for workers’ compensation benefits.
Tell your employer
The first thing you should do is tell your employer about your injury. It is important to do this as soon as possible, because if you do not tell your employer about your injury within 30 days, you might be ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
After you tell your employer, see a doctor about your injury. The doctor must be a board-certified physician.
Your primary care doctor might be a board-certified physician. Some employers are part of a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). If your employer is part of a PPO, you will receive a written list of doctors and you must use one of those doctors.
Tell your doctor
When you visit the doctor, tell them your employer’s name and specify that your injury is work-related. You should also give this information to any of your other health care providers, so they are aware of the situation.
You should not be asked to pay for any of the medical treatment or services related to your workplace injury or use your health insurance for these costs. Your employer or their workers’ compensation carrier pays for these.
Save all documentation
If you are asked to pay for any of these costs, do not pay them. Keep records and receipts of everything involving your workplace injury. You could potentially receive reimbursement for these.
The process of filing a worker’s compensation claim can be complicated, so when you are ready to file, working with an attorney can be helpful.