One of the main reasons that a workers’ compensation claim is denied is because an injured worker does not file certain information on time or does not provide the necessary information when filing. Fortunately an experienced New York Worker’s Compensation lawyer at Markhoff & Mittman can help you through each of the steps in the workers’ compensation claims process.

What To Do After A Workplace Accident

Understanding what to do after a work-related accident is important when filing a workers’ compensation claim. Below are some of the steps that should be taken after a workplace injury occurs.

Get Necessary Medical Treatment

Timeline: Immediately

If you’ve been injured at work, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention to treat any injuries that you have sustained. Many injuries are noticeable right away, however some injuries are difficult to detect and may not surface until weeks or even months later. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Notify Your Employer of The Accident

Timeline: As Soon As Possible and Within 30 Days Of Your Injury

In addition to seeking medical attention, you should also notify your employer in writing about the accident and/or injury that occurred. Notifying your employer of the accident is an important part of the process that is often overlooked. While you have 30 days to notify your employer of your injury in writing, you should do so as soon as you can.

File A Claim With New York Workers’ Compensation Board

Timeline: As Soon As Possible and Within 2 Years Of Accident / Injury

After notifying your employer of the incident you will need to file a claim with the New York State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This will be done by filling out Form (C-3) and mailing it to the appropriate District Office.

Doctor Completes Preliminary Medical Report

Timeline: Within 48 Hours Of Your Injury

The doctor should complete a preliminary medical report within 48 hours of the accident. This is done of Form (C-4) and should be mailed to the appropriate District Office. In addition to mailing the form to the appropriate District Office, your doctor should also mail the report to you and your employer or its insurance carrier.

Written Statement of Your Rights

Timeline: Within 14 Days After Form Employer’s Report Is Received 

Your employer’s insurer should provide you with a written statement of your rights under the law within 14 days after receiving your report of the workplace incident.

Payment of Benefits

Timeline: Within 18 Days After Form Employers’ Report Is Received

Within 18 days of receiving your report of a work-related injury, the insurer should begin paying benefits. However, if the claim is being disputed the insurer must notify your and the New York State Board of Workers’ Compensation about why your claim is being disputed.

Progress Reports

Timeline: Every 45 Days After Initial Payment

The doctor will submit progress reports to the Workers’ Compensation Board every 45 days while you are receiving benefits. This is done on the Doctor’s Progress Report (C-4.2) Form.

Let’s Get Started

How We Can Help After A Workplace Injury

As you can see there are several important steps involved in filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Understanding these steps and filing information on time is critical to winning your claim.

The process for filing a workers’ compensation claim is complicated and obtaining the money is often much more difficult than people expect. Unfortunately, many injured workers are denied the compensation that they need because they do not seek legal help.

At Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. we have been helping injured workers in New York for over 80+ years. We have the experience required to navigate the workers’ compensation process and give you the best shot at recovering the compensation that you need.

Some important steps that we can help you with when filing a workers’ compensation claim include:

• Obtaining necessary medical treatment
• Notifying a supervisor about the accident in writing
• Filing a claim with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board (Forn C-3)
• Obtaining Doctor’s initial report (Form C-4) within 48 hours of treatment
• Employer reports the injury to Workers’ Compensation Board and insurance company
• Obtaining written statement of rights from insurance company

If you have been injured at work and are seeking compensation, you will need an experienced attorney on your side. Contact the attorneys of Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.for a free consultation on your rights.