White Plains Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
Were you injured in a work-related accident in New York? Have your injuries left you unable to work and without a reliable source of income? Are you worried about your recovery and your future financial well-being? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could benefit from the skill and knowledge of a White Plains workers’ compensation lawyer. At the Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC, our attorneys fight on behalf of injured workers to ensure that they obtain the compensation they need to recover in comfort. Mr. Varon has more than 20 years of legal experience, most of which have been focused on the areas of workers’ comp and Social Security Disability (SSD). Retain the help of our skilled law firm by calling our office today.
Going through any type of legal process can seem overwhelming, especially when you do not have an advocate on your side. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer will understand the procedural elements of your case, when to expect potential challenges and what needs to be done in order to present your claim in the strongest way possible.
Understanding the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
It is not enough to prove that you sustained injuries in your work-related accident. The workers’ compensation claims process, like the standard personal injury claims process, involves a lot of paperwork and legalities, and proving that your injuries are, in fact, work-related. If you fail to provide sufficient evidence or to fill your paperwork accurately, you risk forfeiting your settlement. Our workers’ compensation lawyers will not let that happen. We provide valuable assistance during the claims process and unwavering support until you have fully recovered. Part of what we do is advise clients on what to expect from the process in general. Below is an outline of what you can expect and what you can do on your end to make the process go more smoothly:
-
Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. In New York, you must report the accident within 30 days, otherwise you may forfeit your right to compensation entirely.
-
Visit an employer-designated physician within the requisite time frame. If you see your own doctor, you may not be compensated for your injuries.
-
In the meantime, your employer is required to submit your report to the workers’ compensation employer. Ask for documentation to ensure that the report was, in fact, submitted. Look for documentation that explains your rights and responsibilities throughout the process.
-
Do not be discouraged by a denial. Denials are common with workers’ compensation claims. You can prevent denial by working with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney from the very beginning of the process.
-
Look out for your benefits. Benefits may include medical care, wage replacement, and temporary disability.
Appealing a Denial
If your claim was denied, you do not have to accept the denial as final. Injured workers have the right to appeal a decision made by the Workers’ Compensation Board and to get a decision reversed. If you do choose to appeal a decision, your case will go before a judge, who will review the evidence, take testimony, and make a final determination. If you are not satisfied with the judge’s verdict, you can appeal it as well by taking the decision to a three-member board panel.
If you do decide to appeal either the first or second decision, you should strongly consider hiring an attorney, if you have not already. Appealing a workers’ compensation denial can be tricky, and if you do not approach the situation with care, you risk losing your right to compensation entirely. A lawyer can advise you on what information you need to present to ensure the best possible outcome and what additional information you should obtain.
Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim: Why You Need An Attorney
Everything matters when it comes to your workers’ compensation claim. This includes the actual application, which has to be filed within two years, when you report your claim to your employer and when you seek treatment. Reporting injuries at work is very important and should be done within 30 days of the incident, if possible. You should seek treatment for your injuries from a doctor/medical professional who is registered to take workers’ comp claims, and you should never have to pay for treatment for your workplace injury.
While our attorney is able to step into the process at any time to evaluate your legal situation, it is in your best interests to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer early in the game. This gives your claim consistency and assures that someone who knows the law is helping to guide the process. We have a successful track record and offer the level of personal service you need to help you move ahead, after suffering an on-the-job injury.
Contact a New York Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Today
If you were injured at work, contact the Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon, PLLC, right away. The longer you wait to take action, the weaker your case becomes. Contact our White Plains workers’ compensation lawyers today to discuss what you need to do to maximize your settlement and obtain the best possible outcome.
