New York Workers’ Compensation Claims Drop Slightly in 2024
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board’s (NYS WCB) 2024 Annual Report reveals a notable decline in workers’ compensation claims compared to previous years. With 165,320 workers’ compensation claims assembled in 2024, the data suggests a leveling off in claim filings after several years of post-pandemic increases. The shift toward digital processing, workplace safety measures, and industry trends may have contributed to this decline.
How did the number of claims change in 2024?
In 2024, the Board received over 9 million claims documents, a significant reduction of more than 2 million compared to 2022. This decline aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize the claims process and reduce paperwork through OnBoard, the state’s digital filing system.
While 165,320 claims were assembled in 2024, this marks a slight drop from 2023, which suggests that the steady increase in claims over the past few years may be stabilizing. This shift follows the lowest recorded claim count in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced workplace injuries due to remote work and business closures.
Which industries saw the most workers’ comp claims?
Despite the overall decline, certain industries continued to report high numbers of workplace injuries. In 2024, healthcare and social assistance, public administration, and transportation and warehousing led in total claims filed. The top 10 industries accounted for 85.7% of all claims, including:
- Healthcare and social assistance – 27,919 claims
- Public administration – 25,299 claims
- Transportation and warehousing – 17,207 claims
- Retail trade – 17,098 claims
- Educational services – 14,367 claims
- Manufacturing – 11,768 claims
- Accommodation and food services – 8,907 claims
- Construction – 8,526 claims
- Administrative, support, and waste management services – 5,843 claims
- Wholesale trade – 4,788 claims
What factors contributed to the decline in workers’ comp claims?
Several factors may have influenced the decrease in workers’ compensation claims in 2024, including:
- OnBoard’s digital processing: The transition from paper-based submissions to electronic claims may have streamlined the system, which reduces redundancies and filters incomplete claims before they are officially recorded.
- Stabilizing post-pandemic workforce trends: Following years of fluctuating employment and safety risks, industries have adjusted to new workplace standards.
- Workplace safety initiatives: Statewide employer safety programs and training initiatives may have helped reduce injury rates.
- More workers staying on the job: Early data suggests fewer employees are missing time due to workplace injuries, though long-term trends will determine if this continues.
How did workers’ comp claims with lost time compare to previous years?
While the full breakdown of claims with and without lost time is still maturing, early trends show a decline in the number of claims with lost time compared to prior years. Historically, as claims mature and additional documentation is provided, more cases are classified as lost time claims.
However, from 2020 to 2024, workers’ compensation claims with lost time have remained a significant portion of total claims, but early indications from 2024 suggest a shift in this trend. For example:
- In 2024, 144,754 claims had no lost time, while 20,566 claims reported lost time.
- Lost time claims in 2024 were significantly lower than in 2023 when 43,204 claims included lost time.
- The percentage of lost time claims has declined year over year, with 2024 recording the lowest proportion of lost time cases in recent years.
What does this decline mean for the future of workers’ compensation in New York?
The decline in claims suggests a positive shift for the New York workers’ compensation system, but the long-term impact remains uncertain. While fewer claims could indicate improved safety and efficiency, factors such as underreporting, changes in employment trends, and administrative processing improvements should also be considered.
Moving forward, the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board will continue monitoring trends to ensure workers receive timely benefits while maintaining a fair system for employers. As OnBoard expands and workplace safety programs evolve, future reports will determine if this decline represents a lasting trend or a temporary fluctuation in claims filings.
How do I get wage benefits if I can’t return to work?
If you suffered an injury on the job, you may be eligible for wage benefits (in addition to medical reimbursement). To receive these benefits, you must follow a few key steps, including reporting your injury to your employer. It’s important to notify them as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the work accident, injury, or illness. Be sure to provide details about how and when the injury occurred. If you fail to report it within this timeframe, you could lose your right to benefits.
Next, you’ll need to seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider authorized by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. Inform your doctor that your injury is work-related so they can file a medical report on your behalf. Following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan will also help support your claim and ensure you receive the necessary care.
Once you’ve received medical attention, the next step is to file a workers’ compensation claim. You’ll need to complete and submit Form C-3 to the board. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at a local WCB office. Remember that you must file your claim within two years of the injury or the date you discovered a work-related illness.
After you submit your claim, your employer’s insurance carrier will review it. By law, your employer must report the injury to their insurer within 10 days of your notification. If your claim is approved and you cannot work for more than seven days, you may receive cash benefits for lost wages. Workers’ compensation covers two-thirds of your average weekly wage, based on your pre-injury earnings, up to a state-set maximum.
However, if your claim is denied or disputed, you have the right to request a hearing before a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge. You may need to provide additional medical evidence or appeal the decision through the WCB. If you’re facing a denial, speaking with an experienced New York workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Injured at work? Our New York workers’ comp lawyers are ready to fight for you
If you suffered a workplace injury in New York, you may be in pain, unable to work, and struggling with medical bills, all while dealing with a complicated workers’ compensation system. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t offer much help. If you try to handle your claim alone, you could find yourself out of benefits.
That’s where the New York workers’ comp lawyers at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP come in. We have been fighting for hard-working New Yorkers for over 90 years and ensuring they receive the medical care, lost wages, and financial compensation they deserve. We handle everything from paperwork to hearings so you can focus on your recovery.
Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also offer free consultations so that you can get answers about your claim without financial risk.
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in New York, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We have 12 offices located throughout the state, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Brentwood, Garden City, Middletown, New City, New Windsor, White Plains, and Albany.
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