Have You Been Injured at the Workplace?

Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to help you make ends meet when you suffer an injury at the workplace. Most people work hard with the belief that the company they work for will do the right thing if they get injured, only to find their bills piling up and their claim being denied. Even worse, your claim has been approved, but for far less than you think it should be, leading you to believe you are in a “take it or leave it” situation.

The Rizzuto Law Firm is here to tell you that you have options. If your claim was denied, you have options. If your claim was approved but you feel like it won’t cover your bills, you have options. Read o schedule a free consultation with our firm.

How Soon Should You Report a Workplace Injury?

This is where your claim starts, and more importantly, this is where the strength of your claim begins. If you are injured on the job in New York, one of the most important steps you can take is reporting your injury as soon as possible. Under New York Workers’ Compensation law, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the accident. Failing to do so could jeopardize your entire claim, even if the injury is legitimate and life-altering.

Thirty days may feel like plenty of time to report your injury. Perhaps you think you should see just how bad it is before reporting, maybe you can “walk it off,” right? Actually, the sooner you report your injury, the better. Prompt reporting not only helps you avoid disputes over when and where the injury happened, but it also creates a clear record that supports your claim. If your employer or the insurance company questions your credibility later, this initial report will become key evidence.

What if Your Injury Develops Over Time?

Not every injury is going to be immediately apparent. Things like repetitive stress injuries or occupational illnesses can go unnoticed for a stretch of time. If your injuries develop over time, the clock may not start ticking until you become aware that your condition is work-related. 

Waiting too long could give the impression that the injury isn’t serious or wasn’t work-related. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as you feel like you may have suffered a workplace injury to avoid missing critical deadlines and cement the validity of your claim. 

How Else Can You Strengthen Your Workers’ Comp Claim?

You are already under a load of stress because of your workplace injury, but fighting for the benefits you are legally entitled to can put things on a whole different level. The good news is, there are practical steps you can take to strengthen your workers’ compensation claim and avoid unnecessary delays, denials, or underpayments.

What Can You Do To Strengthen Your Claim?

  • Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your injury, symptoms, medical treatment, and time missed from work. If possible, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Journal your recovery and the impact it has had on your daily life. Save emails, texts, or written reports sent to your employer. The more evidence you have, the harder it becomes for the insurance company to challenge your claim.
  • Abide by Your Treatment Plan and Make It to All Medical Appointments: Skipping a doctor’s visit or physical therapy session can raise red flags. Insurance companies may use that against you, arguing that your injury isn’t as serious as claimed. Always follow your treatment plan and attend every appointment with an authorized workers’ comp healthcare provider.
  • Maintain Open Communication With Your Attorney: Your attorney can’t advocate effectively without knowing what’s going on. Be honest and proactive. Report new symptoms, changes in work status, or requests from the insurance carrier. If you receive paperwork or a settlement offer, run it by your lawyer before signing anything.

Taking an organized, proactive approach makes a huge difference in how smoothly your claim goes and how much you will ultimately be awarded. A strong case is built on how well you manage the process. The attorneys at Rizzuto Law Firm are ready to help you through every step of that process.

What Can Reduce or Delay Your Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Even workers who are honest and deserve their benefits can have their claims denied or reduced by making simple but critical mistakes. One of the most common errors is failing to report your injury promptly, within 30 days of the accident in New York. Delaying medical treatment or visiting an unapproved doctor can lead to disputes or outright denials. Missing your deadlines, downplaying or giving inconsistent statements regarding your injuries can hurt your case. 

How can you avoid these mistakes? By speaking with a Rizzuto Law Firm workers’ compensation attorney.

Do You Really Need an Attorney For Your Claim?

You may think you can navigate this process without an attorney, or even worse, your employer may discourage getting a lawyer involved. Taking this process on without the assistance of a qualified attorney can lead to reduced or denied benefits, leaving you in a hard place while you recover. 

Even the playing field, call 516-604-5496 to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney with The Rizzuto Law Firm. Our team is ready to fight for the benefits you deserve. We won’t let your employer or their insurance company push you around. Call today for a free consultation.