A Manhattan maintenance worker suffered serious shoulder and back injuries after falling from a defective ladder while repairing lighting fixtures inside a commercial office building. Although the accident was reported immediately, the insurance carrier questioned the extent of his injuries and delayed authorization for recommended medical treatment. After retaining Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law, his medical records were organized, supporting evidence was gathered, and his claim was presented before the New York State Workers' Compensation Board. The firm worked to establish the connection between the workplace accident and his ongoing medical condition while addressing disputes raised by the insurance carrier. As a result, the injured worker ultimately secured authorization for necessary medical care along with workers' compensation wage replacement benefits while continuing his recovery. Every workers' compensation case depends upon its own facts and circumstances. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

If you were hurt at work in Manhattan, one of the first questions you probably have is whether you need a workers' compensation lawyer. In many cases, the answer is yes—especially if your injuries prevent you from working, your claim has been delayed or denied, your employer disputes what happened, or the insurance carrier refuses to authorize medical treatment. A knowledgeable New York workers' compensation lawyer can help protect your rights from the very beginning and work to maximize the benefits available under New York law. At Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law, our Manhattan workers' compensation lawyers represent injured workers throughout Manhattan, the five boroughs, and Long Island. We understand that after a workplace accident, you may be facing mounting medical bills, uncertainty about your income, and pressure from employers or insurance companies. Our goal is to make the legal process easier while aggressively pursuing the benefits you have earned. Whether you were injured in a construction accident, suffered a back injury while lifting at work, slipped and fell on a wet floor, developed repetitive stress injuries, were assaulted while performing your job, or became ill because of hazardous workplace conditions, New York's workers' compensation system may provide important benefits. These can include payment for necessary medical treatment, partial replacement of lost wages, compensation for permanent disabilities, vocational rehabilitation in certain situations, and death benefits for surviving family members after a fatal workplace accident. Every workers' compensation claim is different. Some claims are approved quickly, while others become complicated because of independent medical examinations, disputes over disability ratings, missed filing deadlines, or hearings before the New York State Workers' Compensation Board. Having experienced legal representation can often make a significant difference in protecting your claim and ensuring important deadlines are not overlooked. Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law provides free consultations for injured workers who have questions about their legal rights after a workplace injury. During your consultation, we can review what happened, explain how New York's workers' compensation laws apply to your situation, discuss potential third-party personal injury claims when appropriate, and answer your questions about the claims process. If you're wondering whether you have a case, speaking with an experienced Manhattan workers' compensation lawyer is an important first step toward protecting your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a workers' compensation lawyer after a work injury in Manhattan?

Although you are not legally required to hire an attorney, having an experienced workers' compensation lawyer can be extremely valuable if your claim is denied, delayed, disputed, or involves serious injuries. A lawyer can protect your rights, represent you before the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, and help you pursue the full benefits available under New York law.

How much does it cost to hire a Manhattan workers' compensation lawyer?

Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law offers free consultations for injured workers. In most New York workers' compensation cases, attorney's fees are not paid upfront. Instead, any legal fee must generally be approved by the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.

What benefits can I receive through workers' compensation in New York?

Depending upon your circumstances, you may be entitled to payment for necessary medical treatment, partial wage replacement while you cannot work, permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation in certain situations, and death benefits for surviving family members after a fatal workplace accident.

How long do I have to report a workplace injury in New York?

In general, injured workers should notify their employer about a workplace injury as soon as possible. New York law contains important reporting and filing deadlines, and failing to meet them could affect your right to receive workers' compensation benefits.

Can I sue my employer after getting hurt at work?

In most situations, workers' compensation benefits are the exclusive remedy against your employer. However, if someone other than your employer contributed to your accident, such as a negligent contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or driver, you may also have a separate third-party personal injury claim.

What should I bring to my free consultation?

Bring any accident reports, medical records, work restrictions, insurance correspondence, photographs, witness information, and questions you have about your case. The more information available, the better an attorney can evaluate your potential claim.

New York Workers' Compensation Benefits Overview

Benefit	Who May Qualify	What It Covers	Important Information
Medical Treatment	Employees injured while performing job duties	Doctor visits, surgery, hospital care, physical therapy, medications, diagnostic testing, and other authorized treatment	Medical care must generally be provided by an authorized New York workers' compensation provider.
Temporary Disability Benefits	Workers unable to perform all or part of their job while recovering	Partial replacement of lost wages during recovery	The amount depends on your average weekly wage and disability classification.
Permanent Disability Benefits	Workers left with lasting impairments after maximum medical improvement	Compensation for permanent partial or permanent total disability	Benefits vary depending upon the nature and severity of the permanent impairment.
Vocational Rehabilitation	Workers unable to return to their previous occupation because of their injuries	Job retraining, vocational counseling, and return-to-work assistance	Availability depends upon eligibility under New York Workers' Compensation Board programs.
Death Benefits	Eligible surviving family members	Weekly financial benefits and certain funeral expenses	Available when a work-related injury or occupational illness results in death.
Free Consultation	Anyone injured at work with questions about their legal rights	Case evaluation with an experienced New York workers' compensation lawyer	Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law offers free consultations.

For more information about your rights after a workplace injury, read our guides to NYC Workers' Compensation Practice Areas and Manhattan Workers' Compensation Lawyers Fighting for the Injured.

If you've been hurt at work in Manhattan or anywhere in New York City, don't try to navigate the workers' compensation system alone. The experienced attorneys at Cass & Peters understand how insurance carriers evaluate claims and how to protect the rights of injured workers. Whether you're filing a new claim, dealing with delayed benefits, preparing for a hearing, or wondering whether you have a third-party lawsuit in addition to workers' compensation, we're here to help. Call Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law today at (844) 591-3400 or contact us online to schedule your free New York workers' compensation lawyer consultation. Five minutes could change your life.

Si sufrió una lesión mientras trabajaba en Manhattan o en cualquier lugar de la Ciudad de Nueva York, puede tener derecho a beneficios de compensación para trabajadores. Cass & Peters Attorneys at Law ofrece consultas gratuitas para ayudarle a comprender sus derechos, obtener tratamiento médico, recuperar salarios perdidos y proteger su reclamación. Llame hoy al (844) 591-3400 para hablar con un abogado con experiencia en compensación laboral de Nueva York.