Filing a workers’ compensation claim in New York

When someone is injured while performing duties at the workplace, the victim and the family members have to deal with a lot of challenges. First of all, there is the need for medical treatment. Then one has to think about rehabilitation. And finally, one has to deal with the loss of wages. In these situations, most workers and their families file a claim for compensation, which they receive from workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

When to file a workers’ compensation claim

Injured workers or families need to file a workers’ compensation claim within a period of a maximum of 30 days from the date of the injury. In fact, the earlier a claim is submitted, the better are the chances of a smooth claim processing.

In order to file the claim, the applicant needs to file an Employer Claim (Form C-3) with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. This form must be submitted within a period of a maximum of two years from the date of the injury or from the date when the worker became aware of an injury or illness that was caused due to a work-related incident.

In the event that a worker suffers an injury to a body part that was injured earlier, the worker must also submit a form for Limited Release of Health Information (Form C-3.3).

How to file a workers’ compensation claim

The first step is duly complete the Form C-3. The form seeks details about:

• the name and address or the worker’s emplyer;

• the gross wages that the worker earned per pay period;

• the details of the doctor or the hospital where initial treatment was sought; and

• the details of other employers with whom the worker may have worked at the time of the injury.

This application can be filed with the Workers’ Compensation Board through three channels: online, by mail, or in person. After the claim is submitted, the worker can track the status through the Board’s online tracking tool, eCase.

Assistance with workers’ compensation claims

While the workers’ compensation claim procedure may seem straightforward on paper, many workers and families may find it overwhelming, especially when they are already dealing with the aftereffects of a workplace injury. It may, therefore, be a smart decision to seek the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can guide workers and families through the entire claim process.