Rockland County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Work-Related Injury in Rockland County? Count on a Fierce Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
For over 90 years, Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP has helped Rockland County workplace injury victims who need medical treatment, surgeries, or occupational therapy or have become disabled due to their job injury and can’t return to work. Perhaps you have a debilitating job-related illness or injury from a construction site accident, hospital injury, or repetitive stress injury.
We are known for our relentless, knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys, who offer decades of winning significant workers’ compensation claim settlements for clients. If you were hurt in a job accident injury or contracted one of the many long-term workplace illnesses or occupational diseases New Yorkers often report, we are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
“I had to use them on 4 different occasions (cases), and they never disappointed me. Very professional and reliable. Highly recommend.” – Mike T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQs About Workers’ Compensation Claims in Rockland County, NY
- What Types of Injuries Do Workers Suffer in Rockland County?
- What Should I Do Immediately After Being Injured at Work in Rockland County?
- What Are My Rights After a Workplace Injury?
- Can I Choose My Own Doctor for a Work-Related Injury in Rockland County?
- What Happens if I Can’t Afford Medical Treatment After a Work Injury?
- What Industries in Rockland County, NY, See the Most Workers’ Compensation Claims?
- How Can I Prove My Injury Happened at Work in Rockland County?
- How Long Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
- How Does New York Workers’ Compensation Handle Pre-Existing Conditions?
- What Should I Do If My Employer Doesn’t Report My Work Injury?
- How Do I Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Denial?
- What If My Injury Was Caused by a Third Party While I Was Working?
- Can I Work a Different Job While Receiving Workers’ Compensation in Rockland County?
- Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits If I Am a Part-Time or Seasonal Worker?
- What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Benefits Stop Before I’m Ready to Return to Work?
- How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me Get Benefits?
What Types of Injuries Do Workers Suffer in Rockland County?
Workplace accidents happen frequently, and workers can be left seriously hurt. The specific types and frequency of injuries may vary depending on the industry, workplace conditions, and nature of the job. But common types of workplace injuries include:
- Sprains and Strains: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments often caused by overexertion, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements.
- Cuts and lacerations – Cuts or tears in the skin due to contact with sharp objects or machinery.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: These can result from falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery.
- Back and Neck Injuries: Strains, sprains, herniated discs, and other injuries caused by lifting, falls, or repetitive motions.
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or skull fractures caused by falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving vehicles.
- Burns: Thermal burns from fire, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces, as well as chemical burns from exposure to hazardous substances.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or bursitis caused by repetitive motions or poor ergonomics.
- Respiratory Conditions: Occupational diseases such as asthma, silicosis, or pneumoconiosis caused by exposure to harmful substances or poor air quality.
- Eye Injuries: Damage to the eyes caused by flying objects, chemical splashes, or exposure to bright lights or lasers.
If you’ve been hurt in a workplace accident, you deserve workers’ compensation benefits that can cover your medical treatment and provide you with partial lost wages. However, the claims process can be complicated.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Injured at Work in Rockland County?
After a workplace injury, your immediate actions can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the Injury: Notify your employer as soon as possible. New York law requires injuries to be reported within 30 days, but it’s best to do so immediately.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injury seems minor, get it checked by a doctor and make sure the doctor knows it’s work-related.
- Consult a Lawyer: Working with a workers’ compensation attorney ensures that you follow the correct steps and meet deadlines to avoid losing out on benefits.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of the injury, the accident site, and any contributing hazards. If possible, gather witness statements.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Your employer should provide the necessary forms to file. Complete them as soon as you can to start the process.
Taking these steps promptly can make all the difference in the success of your claim.
What Are My Rights After a Workplace Injury?
If you’re injured at work, New York law provides important protections for you as an employee. Key rights include:
- Right to Medical Care: You are entitled to full coverage of your medical expenses related to the injury.
- Right to Lost Wages: If your injury keeps you from working, you can receive wage replacement for a portion of your lost income.
- Right to Disability Benefits: You may be entitled to temporary or permanent disability benefits if your injury affects your ability to work long-term.
- Right to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: You cannot be fired or punished for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
- Right to a Safe Workplace: Your employer is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment, following safety protocols, and addressing hazards.
Understanding these rights is the foundation of a strong workers’ compensation claim. A lawyer can help you navigate the process and uphold your rights.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor for a Work-Related Injury in Rockland County?
In New York, you are required to choose a doctor authorized by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board to treat your work-related injury. You cannot seek treatment from any doctor outside of this list unless it’s an emergency. However, you can change doctors within the network if you are unsatisfied with your treatment. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for medical treatment.
What Happens if I Can’t Afford Medical Treatment After a Work Injury?
If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, your employer’s insurance company is responsible for covering the cost of your medical treatment related to the work injury. If your claim is delayed or denied, you may have to seek medical care using your health insurance or paying out of pocket until the issue is resolved. A lawyer can help expedite the approval of your claim or fight a denial so that you don’t have to bear the financial burden.
What Industries in Rockland County, NY, See the Most Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Certain industries in Rockland County are more prone to workplace injuries. These include:
- Construction: Falls from scaffolding, machinery accidents, and injuries from falling objects are frequent.
- Healthcare: Nurses, aides, and medical workers face risks of overexertion, needlestick injuries, and slips or falls.
- Manufacturing: Workers face risks of machinery accidents, exposure to hazardous materials, and repetitive motion injuries.
- Retail and Hospitality: Overexertion, slips, and incidents from lifting heavy objects are common.
- Warehousing and Transportation: Workers frequently encounter vehicle-related injuries, falling objects, and equipment accidents.
If you work in any of these industries and have been injured, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case.
How Can I Prove My Injury Happened at Work in Rockland County?
To prove your injury happened at work, you will need to provide documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. It’s important to report your injury to your employer immediately and seek medical attention to create a clear record of the incident. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you gather and present the necessary evidence to prove your injury is work-related and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
How Long Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The duration of your workers’ compensation benefits depends on the severity and permanence of your injury. Temporary disability benefits last until you are able to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement. In contrast, permanent disability benefits can continue for several years or life, depending on your case. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand how long your benefits should last based on your injury and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
How Does New York Workers’ Compensation Handle Pre-Existing Conditions?
If you have a pre-existing condition, workers’ compensation in New York may still cover your injury if your workplace accident aggravated or worsened the condition. It’s important to prove that your job contributed to the worsening of your condition, which can be challenging without medical evidence. Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of pre-existing conditions when aggravated by work-related activities, including:
- Back Injuries or Degenerative Disc Disease
- Arthritis or Joint Problems
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Heart Conditions or High Blood Pressure
- Asthma or Other Respiratory Issues
If you’re dealing with a pre-existing condition and a work injury, it’s essential to consult a lawyer who can help you present the necessary medical documentation to ensure your injury is covered.
What Should I Do If My Employer Doesn’t Report My Work Injury?
If your employer fails to report your work injury, you can file your claim directly with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Your employer is legally required to report the injury within 10 days, but if they don’t, you shouldn’t delay taking action yourself. A lawyer can assist you in filing your claim and hold your employer accountable for not following the proper procedures.
How Do I Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Denial?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision through the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. The first step is to request a hearing before a workers’ compensation law judge, who will review the evidence and make a decision. Having a lawyer to represent you during this process can significantly improve your chances of a successful appeal by ensuring all necessary documents and evidence are presented correctly.
What If My Injury Was Caused by a Third Party While I Was Working?
If a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, caused your injury while you were working, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. This allows you to seek additional compensation, including pain and suffering, which is not covered by workers’ compensation. A lawyer can help you pursue both claims simultaneously and ensure you maximize your financial recovery. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Can I Work a Different Job While Receiving Workers’ Compensation in Rockland County?
You may be able to work a different job while receiving workers’ compensation, but it depends on the type of work and the nature of your injury. Taking a job that affects your recovery or contradicts your injury claim could negatively impact your benefits. It’s important to consult with a lawyer to ensure you’re not jeopardizing your workers’ compensation claim by accepting another job.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits If I Am a Part-Time or Seasonal Worker?
Yes, part-time and seasonal workers are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in New York if they are classified as employees rather than independent contractors. Your status as a part-time worker does not impact your eligibility for benefits, although the amount of wage replacement benefits will be based on your average weekly earnings. Consulting with a lawyer can help clarify your employment classification and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, regardless of your part-time or seasonal status.
What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Benefits Stop Before I’m Ready to Return to Work?
If your workers’ compensation benefits are cut off before you’re ready to return to work, you should immediately contact your lawyer. Benefits may be stopped due to a medical evaluation stating that you are fit to return or an administrative error. A lawyer can help you challenge the decision by gathering medical evidence and advocating on your behalf to reinstate your benefits until you’re truly ready to return to work.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me Get Benefits?
There’s a lot that can go wrong in the claims process, and it can be difficult to deal with your claim while you are still recovering from your injury. A workers’ compensation lawyer can:
- Ensure that all necessary forms and documentation are completed accurately and submitted within the required timeframes
- Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and any other documentation that strengthens the case
- Help you prepare for an independent medical examination
- Handle all communications with the insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that meets your needs
- Represent you at all hearings
- Help you file an appeal if your claim is denied
A workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the process every step of the way, keep you updated on the progress of your claim, and answer any questions you have.
Tough Rockland County Work Accident Lawyers Who Don’t Back Down
As seasoned Rockland County work accident attorneys, we frequently go up against insurance adjusters who offer low-ball settlements to our clients. They know we don’t back down, so they typically go to a far higher number rather than face us in court. We also handle civil service disability pension claims for New York state, city, and municipal workers, such as transit workers, law enforcement, or sanitation employees. We also help union members who are injured on the job. We also have extensive experience handling Social Security Disability claims and appeals.
Call a Powerful Rockland County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Don’t take on a Rockland County workers’ compensation case alone. If you were injured, let the relentless personal injury attorneys at the Rockland County Law Offices of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP help you recover the compensation that is rightfully yours. Call us today at (845) 262-4834 or contact us online for a free evaluation. Every conversation is completely personalized and confidential, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
369 South Main Street
New City, NY 10956
(845) 369-3200
Google Average Rating: 4.3/5 stars, 25 reviews
Directions:
By Car: Exit 13N on New York State Thruway (Palisades Parkway). Head North on Palisades to Exit 10. Head North on County Road 33 (S. Little Tor Road) to County Road 76 (Collyer Avenue). Make right on Collyer Avenue to South Main Street. Make right on South Main Street, 369 is on right.