The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that construction has more work-related injuries and deaths than any other industry in New York City. Over the past five years, construction site injuries in NYC have increased by 221 percent. Every day workers put their lives on the line, facing the prospect of faulty equipment, inadequate safety gear, electrocution, scaffolding collapses– to name just a few occupational hazards.

Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to financially assist people who are hurt on the job. These benefits are paid to those who are partially or fully disabled because of a workplace injury or illness.

No matter the circumstances of your construction site accident or illness, insurance companies may be reluctant to pay out for lost wages, medical expenses, and other losses.

Get the benefits you rightfully deserve after a workplace accident by seeking legal representation from an experienced New York personal injury attorney.

Benefits provided by Workers’ Compensation

In New York, employees who develop an illness or injury on the job are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits to pay for medical care costs with an authorized provider, a portion of lost earnings, and reimbursements for transportation to medical appointments.

  • Medical care benefits – You are eligible for medical care directly related to the injury or illness and the recovery from your disability. Your doctor or health care provider must be authorized by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board, except in emergencies. This coverage is extensive and includes doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, emergency services, medical equipment, and transport to and from your appointments, with no co-pays or deductibles.
  • Lost income – Workers’ compensation will pay a portion of your income during your recovery while you are disabled. This is a weekly benefit of 2/3 of your average weekly pay. The following formula is used: 2/3 of average weekly wage x % of disability = weekly benefit. If you were making $600 a week and are diagnosed as 100% disabled, your weekly benefit would be $400. If you were 50 percent disabled, your benefit would be $200 per week. If the accident occurred between July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020, the weekly maximum benefit paid is $934.11
  • Cash awards for permanent disability – Supplemental benefits may be available if you suffered any kind of permanent or total disability.  The amount of the award will be 2/3 of the difference between your previous average weekly pay and your current earning capacity. The length of time you’ll receive these benefits depends on the calculation of your lost earning capacity.
  • Vocational rehabilitation – benefits will cover the cost of retraining for a new position or job
  • Death benefits – in the event of death, the surviving dependents and spouse are entitled to weekly cash benefits equivalent to 2/3 of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage for the year before the accident.

Get the compensation you deserve

Workers’ compensation insurance is useful in that it is generally paid out quickly and without the need for proving which party – if any– was responsible. However, claimants may find themselves taken advantage of without proper legal counsel.

At Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green, we can protect your rights and help make sure that your worker’s comp claim is properly evaluated and paid out. If you feel that your claim is being rushed, or your benefits were terminated prematurely, you should speak with a New York construction accident attorney at our firm.

The benefits under worker’s compensation will depend on:

  • The nature of your injuries
  • Medical diagnosis
  • Whether you can return to work in some capacity
  • Total recovery time
  • If the injury is permanent
  • Your level or percentage of disability
  • If vocational training is needed

Legal guidance in New York City Contact Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green for a free consultation today. Our dedicated attorneys have been serving New York for over 50 years and can help you secure the cash benefits you deserve. There is no risk to exploring your options, as we offer our legal services on a contingency basis.