Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in New York

No. You may file and pursue a New York claim without a lawyer. Representation can be useful when medical care, wages, work capacity, or settlement terms are disputed. The Workers’ Compensation Board also provides information and assistance to injured workers.

New York generally requires written notice within 30 days of a workplace accident. Report promptly and keep a copy. Exceptions can apply, but a late report can create a dispute. Occupational-disease notice and filing questions require separate attention.

Yes. File your own Employee Claim, Form C-3, promptly rather than relying only on the employer’s incident report. The general accident-claim filing deadline is two years. Reporting to the employer and protecting a claim before the New York Workers’ Compensation Board are separate steps.

Generally, you may select a Board-authorized physician, subject to exceptions such as applicable preferred-provider arrangements. Your regular doctor may qualify if authorized. Ask about authorization before nonemergency treatment; choosing a doctor does not automatically authorize every proposed service.

Identify the requested treatment, the date it was requested, and any insurer response. Some care follows the Board’s Medical Treatment Guidelines; other services require prior authorization. Your medical provider submits medical requests. Panzer Law can review the claim-related dispute and supporting records with you.

The calculation depends on average weekly wage, disability level, actual earnings where relevant, and the applicable state maximum. Temporary total disability generally uses two-thirds of average weekly wage. Partial-disability and reduced-earnings situations may differ; the system does not guarantee your full salary.

Lost-wage benefits generally do not cover the first seven days unless disability lasts more than fourteen days. When that threshold is met, the initial period may become payable. Necessary medical care is not subject to the same wage-benefit waiting period.

Yes. Average weekly wage uses gross earnings and can include overtime. Qualifying earnings from concurrent covered employment may also matter. Provide records for every job held when injured, including schedules and pay statements, so the correct calculation can be evaluated.

Yes, but it does not automatically defeat a claim. Medical evidence may establish a work-related aggravation or additional disability. The requirements depend on whether the claim concerns an accident or an occupational disease. Give your provider and lawyer an accurate history of prior symptoms and treatment.

Possibly. A qualifying occupational disease may develop through work over time. Medical evidence must connect the condition to the nature of the employment. Filing periods can depend on disablement and when you knew or should have known the condition was work-related. Do not assume every condition follows an accident-date deadline.

Keep the notice and identify the reason given. A dispute may concern work-relatedness, medical evidence, disability, or another requirement. The Board can resolve disputed benefits through the applicable process. Panzer Law can discuss initial insurer denials and unresolved benefit issues within its accepted practice.

No. Maximum medical improvement does not automatically terminate every benefit. A permanent impairment may require evaluation, and medical care may remain available. Duration and entitlement depend on the benefit category, work capacity, medical evidence, and any agreement that resolves rights.

Possibly. Covered medical care, qualifying reduced-earnings benefits, or a permanent impairment award may remain relevant. Report your work and earnings accurately. Discuss the actual duties, pay, and medical restrictions before assuming that returning to work ends every part of the claim.

No. A Schedule Loss of Use award concerns a qualifying permanent functional impairment under New York’s statutory framework. A Section 32 agreement is a negotiated resolution of all or part of a claim that requires Board approval. The rights affected and the calculations are different.

No. An agreement may resolve wage benefits, medical benefits, or both. Read the actual terms. When medical benefits are settled, understand your future treatment responsibilities and the funds allocated for care. You do not have to accept an offer merely because it was made.

The consultation is free, and no attorney’s fees or case costs are owed unless there is a recovery. New York attorney’s fees require Board approval and follow the statutory calculation for the award involved. Approved fees are generally deducted from compensation rather than paid directly by the worker.

There is no single timeline for all claims. Acceptance, medical evidence, disputed issues, hearing needs, and settlement discussions affect the process. Receiving an initial benefit payment is not the same as resolving the entire claim. Keep medical information current and respond promptly to requests for records.

Panzer Law serves injured workers throughout New York State from Albany, Long Island, Manhattan, and Syracuse. Contact the firm to discuss your claim and appointment arrangements. These are the firm’s four New York locations, not a limitation to claims arising inside those city boundaries.