Individuals injured on the job in Amherst may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Still, the process can feel overwhelming when medical bills add up and time away from work threatens your income. Understanding how the system works and what benefits are available is critical, and experienced work-related injury lawyers at Sawers & Sackel can help guide you through each step of the claims process.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides workers who suffer an injury or illness on the job with specific benefits to cover the employee’s losses. All employers who employ at least one employee are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance and report all workplace injuries to the insurer. However, the employee initiates the process by filing an Employee Claim (Form C-3) with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).

While the insurance company provides benefits, New York’s workers’ compensation system is overseen by the WCB. The Board also publishes the rules and regulations employers must follow. If there is a dispute between the carrier and the claimant, the Board will review and resolve it.

Because the system is no-fault, workers can file a claim for benefits even if they caused or partially contributed to the accident that led to their injury. The system’s purpose is to provide workers with a fast, non-adversarial option to claim benefits. In return, employees are generally prohibited from suing their employer.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Available?

There are different types of compensation benefits, but the two most common ones include:

• Medical bills: Workers’ compensation benefits cover all reasonable medical expenses. If an employer participates in a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), employees must see a physician within this network for the first 30 days. After that time, employees can see any doctor authorized by the WCB.
• Lost wages: Employees who are hurt on the job and cannot return to work can recover up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage.

In addition to the above, benefits are also available for workers who suffer a permanent or temporary disability. When an employee loses their life in a fatal workplace accident, workers’ compensation also provides death benefits to surviving family members.

Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Answer Your Questions

If you have been hurt at work, you likely have many questions. At Sawers & Sackel, our workers’ compensation lawyers can answer your questions, advise you on eligibility, and guide you through the process to make it as easy as possible. If your claim is denied, we can notify you of your options and assist with your appeal. We work strategically and effectively to give you the best chance of obtaining the benefits you need. Contact us online or call 716-391-4480 to schedule a consultation.