Staten Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace injuries are a matter of everyday life in a city the size of New York, including on Staten Island. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 129,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses statewide in a single year —and that’s only for private employers. There were also 59 fatal work injuries reported in New York City that same year.

If you’ve been injured on the job in Staten Island, contact The Perecman Firm, right away. Our firm has more than 40 years of experience defending the rights of injured workers across many industries. We’ve recovered over half a billion dollars in total compensation for our clients, giving us widespread recognition for our success in landmark cases.

Our compassionate legal team will leverage our years of experience to advocate aggressively for your interests and pursue the best outcome possible. Get in touch today for your free initial consultation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers.

When Do You Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Comp Claim?

New York’s workers’ compensation system gives injured employees a way to get the money they need if they’re hurt on the job. In exchange for giving up their right to sue employers following a workplace injury, workers are supposed to have access to no-fault benefits they can rely on to get them through a crisis.

Unfortunately, the workers’ compensation system doesn’t always work as it should. Many employers unfairly deny workers’ claims or minimize their benefits. While you may be able to handle a workers’ compensation claim on your own, you should seek help from an attorney if:

• Your injuries are so severe that you cannot return to work for an extended period
• Your injuries have left you with a permanent or long-term disability
• You have a pre-existing condition that may affect your case
• Your employer or their workers’ comp provider tells you your injuries are not covered
• Your employer is ignoring or delaying action on your claim
• Your benefits are not enough to cover your medical bills or lost wages
• You believe you may have a personal injury claim against someone other than your employer
• Your employer retaliates by demoting you, laying you off, or cutting your hours
• Your employer has illegally neglected to provide workers’ compensation coverage
• You are not confident you can navigate the claims process on your own

Why Trust Your Case to Our Staten Island Workers’ Comp Lawyers?

The attorney you choose to represent you can make a significant difference in your workers’ compensation claim. But with so many workers’ compensation lawyers in Staten Island, it can be difficult to tell what sets one firm apart from another. Here are a few reasons to choose The Perecman Firm, for your workers' compensation case:

• Our experience – We have more than 40 years of experience helping injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation and personal injury claim processes.
• Our record of success – We have recovered more than $500 million in total compensation for our clients, including several cases with seven-figure settlements. Our efforts have even helped improve local laws to protect injury victims.
• Our peers’ respect – We have been honored many times for our exceptional legal services. Among our many awards, founding attorney David Perecman was named the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Long Island by Best Lawyers.
• Our resources – We know New York labor law inside and out, which is one reason why other workers’ compensation firms refer their toughest cases to us. Our close relationships with experts, highly-rated legal team, and extensive resources can assist with your case.
• Our clients are our top priority – A law firm is nothing without its clients, so we place a premium on client satisfaction. We are a full-service firm that can handle all aspects of your workers' compensation case while you focus on your recovery.

A Message From Founder, David Perecman, On Our Proven Approach:

What Do Workers’ Comp Benefits Cover?

If you qualify for benefits under New York’s workers’ compensation system, you may be able to receive money for the following:

• Medical costs related to treating your work injury
• Incidental costs related to your medical treatment, such as the cost of traveling to your appointments
• A portion of your lost wages if you miss more than seven days of work, though these benefits are subject to certain limits set by state law
• Vocational rehabilitation or retraining services to help you find a new job, if necessary
• Survivors’ benefits, which will go to your family if your injuries are fatal

How Long Does It Take To Receive Your Benefits?

It’s frustrating to wait for your workers’ compensation benefits to kick in as your medical bills and other expenses accumulate. While your medical bills should be covered from the date of your injury, you’ll have to wait for your employer’s workers’ compensation provider to approve your claim before you can receive your benefits.

You must notify your employer of your work injury within 30 days. They will then have 10 days to notify their insurance if you require medical treatment or miss at least one day from work beyond the date of the injury.

If the insurance company is contesting your claim, they will have either 18 days from the date of the injury or 10 days from learning of the injury to notify you, whichever is later. Once your claim is approved, you should receive a check for your wage-replacement benefits promptly and then every two weeks for as long as your disability persists.

When You Deserve More Than Workers’ Comp

Workers’ compensation does not cover certain losses that you would be able to receive through a personal injury claim, such as your pain and suffering. However, you may still be able to recover additional compensation through a personal injury claim against someone other than your employer.

After a work-related injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against a third party responsible for the accident that injured you. For example, you may have a third-party claim if:

• You were injured by a defective product or piece of equipment
• You were injured in a work-related car accident that was the fault of a negligent driver or the manufacturer of a defective part
• You were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property

Deadlines for Workplace Injury Claims

There are a few key deadlines to keep in mind if you have been injured at work and want to file a workers’ comp claim or lawsuit:

• In New York, you have 30 days to notify your employer of a work-related injury or you could lose your chance to claim any benefits.
• You must file a workers’ compensation claim within two years of the date of your injury or the date you discovered it if you want to claim any benefits.
• You must file a personal injury lawsuit related to a work-related injury within three years of the accident date or your case will likely be dismissed.

Tips for Protecting Your Rights After an Injury at Work

If you have been hurt in a work-related accident, there are a few important things you can do to protect your rights:

• Seek medical attention promptly, and be sure to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment.
• Make sure to report the injury to your employer within 30 days, and keep a written record of your report.
• Hold on to any evidence that could be helpful, such as photos from the accident scene, the clothes you were wearing when the accident occurred, and statements from eyewitnesses.
• Keep your medical bills, receipts, and any other proof of your financial losses related to your injuries.
• File your workers’ compensation claim within two years of the date you were injured.
• Get in touch with a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

How To File a Workers’ Comp Claim After a Jobsite Accident in NY

Once you have notified your employer in writing about your injury, here are the next steps to file a workers’ compensation claim:

• File an employee claim by filling out a copy of Form C-3 from the state Workers’ Compensation Board.
• You can submit the forms online, by mailing them to the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, or at the nearest Workers' Compensation Board Office.
• After submitting your forms, you can keep track of your case using the state’s eCase

Common Workplace Injury Cases We Can Help With

Our firm has helped employees who have suffered a wide range of serious injuries, including workers’ compensation claims for the following:

We Fight for Workers in Staten Island

Our Staten Island workers’ compensation attorneys have helped injured employees in many different industries, including the following:

How Our Staten Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help You

The workers’ compensation claim process can be a lot of work. But we want to make it as easy as possible for you. While you focus on your recovery, we can start gathering evidence to support your claim. We will also handle all the necessary paperwork and communication with your employer’s workers’ comp provider.

The Perecman Firm, is committed to helping injured workers rebuild their lives and recover their rightful benefits. Contact us today for your free initial consultation with one of our knowledgeable workers' compensation lawyers in Staten Island.