Workers' Compensation Lawyer Serving Staten Island

If you've been injured at work or recently were diagnosed with an illness that is related to the conditions at your workplace, it is important to involve a Staten Island workers' compensation lawyer who can work immediately to help you file your claim. You have the right to compensation, and having an attorney to properly file your claim and assist you with any hearings that arise may make all the difference in its swift and positive resolution.

The Workers' Comp Claims Process

Though every case is different, the following is a brief description of the workers' compensation claims process as it may unfold:

Immediately after an accident or injury - the injured worker should seek medical attention and inform his or her supervisor of what occurred.
Within 48 hours of the accident - the treating physician will complete a preliminary medical report, Doctor's Initial Report (C-4) form, and mail it to the proper Workers' Compensation Board District Office.
Within 30 days of the incident - the injured worker must notify his or her employer in writing of the accident or injury. The worker must also file an Employee Claim (C-3) form with the appropriate District Office of the Workers' Compensation Board. This form must be filed within two years of the date of the accident or from the date that the employee knew or should have reasonably known that the injury was work-related.
Within 10 days of notification of the incident - the employer must report the injury to the Workers' Compensation Board by filing an Employer's Report of Work-Related Injury/Illness (C-2) form.
Within 14 days of receipt of Employer's Report - the insurer will provide the injured worker with a written statement of his or her rights.
Within 18 days of receipt of Employer's Report - the insurer will begin paying benefits if the injured worker has missed more than 7 days. If the claim is being disputed or there is any reason the insurer is not making payments, the insurer must file the proper paperwork with the Board, notify all involved parties and offer information as to why benefits are not being paid.
Every 2 weeks - the injured worker will receive payments from the workers' compensation insurance provider.
Every 45 days - the doctor will submit progress reports to the Board.
After 12 weeks - if the worker is still unable to work or is still injured, the insurer will consider the necessity of rehabilitation.

A hearing or appeal may also be a part of the workers' comp claims process for a Staten Island area worker. If your claim is disputed, a hearing may be held before a Workers' Compensation Law Judge, who will hear all the evidence at hand and make a determination of whether you are entitled to benefits, in what amount and for what length of time. If you receive an unfavorable outcome at your hearing, you can file an appeal to have the decision reviewed by a higher authority.

Staten Island Workers' Comp Attorney: Properly Handling Your Claim

Make no mistake, having a competent professional by your side through the entire process can not only bring you peace of mind but can allow you to seek a better result. At Katz, Leidman, Grossman, Wolfe & Freund the legal team handles claims related to all types of workplace exposure and injuries, including construction accidents, slip and fall injuries, work-related auto accidents, carpal tunnel syndrome, vision and hearing loss, and fatal work accidents. The firm handles cases in and around Staten Island and throughout the state.

For a free, confidential review of your case, contact a Staten Island workers' comp attorney at the firm at your earliest convenience.