Protecting the Rights
of the Seriously Injured & Disabled
of the Seriously Injured & Disabled
Claims Arising Out of Work Injuries
New York Workers’ Compensation Attorney Helping Injured Employees Protect Their Full Legal Rights
A workplace injury can trigger far more than a basic workers’ compensation claim. Many injured employees quickly discover that their accident affects every aspect of their lives, from their ability to work and earn a living to their long-term health and financial stability. Unfortunately, insurance companies and employers often focus solely on limiting workers’ compensation exposure, while overlooking the broader legal rights available to injured workers. That is why it is so important to work with an attorney who understands not only workers’ compensation law but also the interconnected legal issues that frequently arise after a serious workplace accident. In many cases, injured employees may have claims involving third-party lawsuits, Social Security Disability applications, ERISA disability benefits, or even medical malpractice stemming from negligent treatment of work-related injuries. As such, having an experienced attorney who recognizes the claims arising out of work injuries can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of a case. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, Attorney at Law, P.C., is a knowledgeable and dedicated New York workers’ compensation attorney who understands the complex legal challenges injured workers face, and if you hire her, she will work aggressively to protect your interests. Ms. Crown represents clients in Rockland, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam Counties, as well as throughout the greater New York metropolitan area.
Claims Arising Out of Work Injuries
Workplace injuries can occur in virtually any profession, from construction and transportation work to healthcare, warehouse employment, and office settings. Some injuries arise from falls, machinery accidents, motor vehicle collisions, repetitive stress, or exposure to dangerous conditions. Others result from unsafe premises, defective equipment, or negligent third parties. Regardless of how an injury occurs, the consequences can be devastating. Employees may suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, chronic pain, nerve injuries, or psychological trauma that significantly limits their ability to work and function normally.
In many situations, a workers’ compensation claim is only one component of the legal issues facing an injured worker. For example, if a negligent driver causes a delivery worker’s crash while the worker is performing job duties, the injured employee may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Likewise, if a worker’s injuries prevent them from maintaining gainful employment for an extended period, they may need to pursue Social Security Disability benefits or long-term disability benefits through an ERISA-governed insurance policy. Additionally, some injured employees suffer further harm because of negligent medical treatment related to their workplace injury, potentially giving rise to a medical malpractice claim. Without an attorney who understands all the potential claims arising out of work injuries, injured workers may unknowingly jeopardize important rights or fail to pursue compensation that could substantially improve their financial recovery.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Related Legal Rights in New York
Under New York law, employees injured in the course of their employment are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault. Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to provide financial and medical support to injured employees while limiting the need for litigation against employers. Injured workers may be eligible for comprehensive medical benefits covering necessary treatment related to the injury, including hospital care, surgeries, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, specialist visits, medications, and rehabilitation services.
Workers who are unable to work due to their injuries may also qualify for disability benefits. Temporary total disability benefits provide wage replacement for employees who cannot work at all during recovery, while temporary partial disability benefits may assist workers who can only return to limited or lower-paying duties. If the injury results in permanent impairment, workers may qualify for permanent partial disability or permanent total disability benefits, depending on the extent of their limitations and their ability to remain employed. Vocational rehabilitation services may also be available to help injured workers retrain for alternative employment if they cannot return to their previous occupation.
Importantly, a skilled attorney can help injured workers identify additional legal remedies beyond workers’ compensation benefits. Third-party lawsuits may permit recovery for damages unavailable through workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering and full lost earnings. Attorneys familiar with Social Security Disability law can help clients pursue SSD benefits when injuries prevent long-term employment. In contrast, knowledge of ERISA laws is essential when challenging denials of employer-sponsored disability insurance claims. Further, if negligent medical treatment worsens a workplace injury or creates additional complications, a medical malpractice action may provide another avenue for compensation. Because these claims often involve overlapping deadlines, liens, and coordination of benefits, it is critical to work with an attorney who can strategically navigate all related claims while protecting the client’s overall financial recovery.
Speak With an Experienced New York Workers’ Compensation Attorney
After a serious workplace injury, employees often feel overwhelmed by medical treatment, lost income, insurance paperwork, and uncertainty about the future. Having an attorney who understands the full scope of an injured worker’s legal rights can be invaluable. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, Attorney at Law, P.C., is committed to helping injured workers pursue all available avenues of recovery, whether through workers’ compensation benefits, third-party litigation, SSD claims, ERISA disputes, or medical malpractice actions arising from negligent treatment. Ms. Crown understands the challenges injured employees face, and if she represents you, she will work tirelessly to help you seek the benefits and compensation you deserve. She represents clients throughout Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam Counties, as well as across the greater metropolitan area. To schedule a consultation, contact her office at 845-708-5900 or call Valerie directly at 845-598-8253; she is available 24/7. You can also complete the online contact form to discuss your case.