Workers’ Comp Lawyer Cheektowaga, NY
Thousands of workers end up suffering serious injuries each year in accidents that occur while they are performing their job. While many of these injuries end up being minor, there are also many workers who end up with serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, loss of income from being unable to work while they recover, and, in some cases, a permanent disability that leaves them unable to return to their occupation. If you live in New York and have been injured on the job, a workers’ comp lawyer in Cheektowaga, NY can help.
In order to protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits, there are certain key steps that you need to take. Failure to do so could result in your claim being denied and/or loss of benefits.
See a Medical Professional
If you sustain an injury at work, even if you think it is only a minor one, you should still have a medical professional evaluate the injury as soon as possible. This can take place at an urgent care clinic, emergency room at a hospital, or your own primary care doctor’s office. If your place of employment has an on-site medical professional, you could also have them evaluate your injury. Not only is seeing a doctor right away important for the sake of your health, but it is also important for any claim you may file since this evaluation documents that you have been injured.
Notify Your Employer
Under New York law, in order to qualify for benefits, you must notify your employer within 30 days of sustaining the injury. Failure to notify your employer within this time period could result in a legitimate denial of any workers’ compensation claim you may file. If your company has a process in place for reporting injuries, make sure to follow that process. A Cheektowaga, NY workers’ comp lawyer also recommends that no matter what process your employer has in place, you should also notify your employer via email in order to have an electronic record as proof that notification was made. Make sure to include where you have sustained the injury and details of the injury itself.
Prepare Your Documents
As you go through this process, you will receive a substantial amount of paperwork. You will want to make sure you keep all of these documents well organized. Make sure to keep every document and record you receive for each medical visit you have. Also, make sure to keep copies of all medication receipts and any other out-of-pocket medical expenses you have. This also includes expenses and mileage for all travel to medical appointments.
It is also important to keep all documents and correspondence you receive from your employer and their insurance company. It is also a good idea to keep a daily journal of how the injuries are affecting your day-to-day life.
Let Us Help
If you have been injured at work, contact a Cheektowaga, NY workers’ comp lawyer from Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, LLP to ensure you receive whatever benefits you may be entitled to under the law.
