Workers Compensation
Krinsky & Musumeci can help you recover Worker's Compensation.
What is Worker's Compensation?
Originally known as "workman's compensation," workers' compensation is a system implemented on a state-by-state basis throughout the U.S., offering benefits to workers who have been injured in work accidents or have been diagnosed with occupational diseases. According to the New York Workers' Compensation Board, the government agency responsible for processes workers' comp claims in the state, "Workers' compensation is insurance that provides cash benefits and/or medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job." Considering the millions of workers that are injured in the United States each year, workers' comp systems play an important role in providing an organized way for injured workers to recover the benefits they need while avoiding the need for litigation.
Krinsky & Musumeci is dedicated to helping you understand valuable information about the workers' compensation system that is currently in place in New York. You are also always welcome to contact our office to schedule a free consultation with one of our legal professionals.
Types of Workers' Compensation Claims
Workers' comp benefits may be available to workers who have suffered virtually any type of injury or have been diagnosed with any type of illness, as long as it occurred at the workplace or is directly related to the duties associated with their job. At Krinsky & Musumeci we take on cases involving:
Work-Related Injuries
There are many different types of injures that may be considered work related. The only requirement is that they must have occurred at work or while the victim was performing the duties associated with his or her job. Some examples include slip and fall injuries, burns, vision loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, brain injuries, joint injuries and neck and back injuries.
Concrete Burns
Highly alkaline substances that may contain metals and other hazardous substances, cement and concrete can cause serious burns and may lead to health problems such as respiratory disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), silicosis and lung cancer. Inhalation of cement or concrete dust and skin or eye contact with wet cement or concrete dust can cause these injuries and illnesses. Our firm represents workers who have suffered injuries caused by concrete exposure in construction, renovations, roadway construction and other applications.
Construction Accidents
Construction is one of the most dangerous fields to work in. Workers are prone to accidents and injuries due to the physical nature of the work and the fact that they work with powerful tools and heavy machinery around electric, gas and sewage lines.
Occupational Diseases
An occupational disease may be any type of disease that is directly caused by the victim's job or job duties. For example, a worker at a manufacturing plant may develop leukemia or other forms of cancer as a result of exposure to benzene. Occupational diseases are covered by workers' compensation.
Toxic Exposure
Some workers are exposed to serious toxic substances, such as asbestos, benzene or pesticides on a regular basis. Illnesses and injuries caused by continual or one-time exposure to toxins may provide grounds for workers' comp claims.
Workplace Accidents
For any employee, an accident at work can spell disaster. Our attorneys represent workers who have been injured in any type of sudden, unexpected incident, from a slip and fall accident in an administrative building to a serious fall or heavy machinery accident at a construction site or manufacturing plant. Workers' compensation benefits are available to workers injured in any type of workplace accident in New York, regardless of fault.
Wrongful Death
At times, an accident or occupational disease may be so severe that a worker will lose his or her life. In these situations, the family may be able to recover benefits for lost earnings and funeral/burial costs.
Additional Information
You can also read helpful information about the following subjects:
Filing a Claim
There are specific steps that an injured worker should take when filing a workers' comp claim and seeking benefits. This includes reporting the incident to his or her employer and filing a claim with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.
Injured Workers' Rights
Injured workers have rights that should be protected to the fullest extent if they are to successfully recover maximum workers' compensation benefits. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and responsibilities to help you with your claim.
Workers' Comp Hearings & Appeals
In New York, an injured worker has the right to file an appeal if his or her workers' compensation claim is denied. There are hearings held by Workers' Compensation Law Judges and also appeals that can be filed with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, as well as two more levels of appeals if the claimant is not satisfied with the Board's decision. Learning about the hearings and appeals process can help a claimant get a better understanding of what to expect and what options are available in the event of a denial.
Without an attorney to protect your rights and handle your claim, you may find it increasingly difficult to recover the benefits you deserve. Allow our Krinsky & Musumeci Law to use our experience and resources on your behalf as we seek fair compensation.