At the end of each year, people carry on the tradition of selecting a New Year’s resolution to help them break an undesired habit that will improve their life in some way. However, according to an article from Business Insider, most individuals fail to achieve their New Year’s resolution by mid-February. Generally, New Year’s resolutions do not stick because the goal is too vague, difficult to accomplish, immeasurable, or lacks a motivating factor.
If you or someone you know has recently been injured at work, there’s one important resolution you should make for the upcoming year: filing your workers’ compensation claim.
Navigating the workers’ compensation claim process can be overwhelming. Any improper step not completed by the injured worker can affect medical treatment approval and benefits or result in inadequate compensation. Follow these steps to get started on achieving the injured worker’s New Year resolution:
#1 – Understand the workers’ compensation claim process
Once an injury occurs at work, employees must inform their employer in a written notice as soon as possible (no later than 30 days after the injury). Also, a separate claim must be filed with the Workers’ Comp Board within two years from the date of the injury. According to New York State law, if an injured worker fails to file a claim for workers’ compensation, they are in jeopardy of losing their right to benefits and medical care. Understanding the process and following a timeline can assist the injured employee in filing the necessary paperwork correctly and within the deadline.
As injured workers receive benefits, they also have obligations associated with their workers’ compensation claim, many of which are outlined on our Workers’ Comp Tips page. Following these obligations is critical to the proper administration of any workers’ compensation claim.
#2 – Control content on your social media page(s)
Social media platforms are a great way we connect with others and have become a part of our daily lives. Still, it’s important to be aware of what you post on your social media pages – especially because there is a possibility that it can impact your workers’ compensation claim.
Having an open claim does not prohibit one from posting on social media. Still, employees need to understand that any content on your pages can be presented as evidence during legal cases. Information shared on social media platforms is never 100% private, so make sure to evaluate your privacy settings.
#3 – Comply with New York State law
It is exhausting for individuals to keep up to date with the ever-changing laws and regulations regarding workers’ compensation. No worker can predict when a workplace injury will occur, so when this situation arises, it can be an intimidating process for the injured worker and their family members.
From filing a workers’ compensation claim with your employer to providing your health care provider and employer with all necessary forms, documents are constantly being requested from multiple parties. Being compliant throughout the process will significantly help you avoid any misconceptions about the claim, being misrepresented, or being accused of making false accusations.
Additionally, it is critical and beneficial to hire an experienced law firm who knows the ins and outs of New York State’s workers’ compensation laws and practices. At Connors & Ferris, we strive to protect the rights of injured workers and avoid common errors that can require significant effort to resolve later in a case.
Why wait until the New Year?
If you’ve been recently injured on the job, don’t wait— be sure to use the remaining weeks of the year to start preparing your claim, so that you can get a head start on your personal goals for the new year!
For responsive, experienced, personalized legal representation for your New York State workers’ compensation claim, start by completing this form with your information, and our lawyers will contact you within 24 hours. You may also contact Connors & Ferris at any of our three New York locations:
- Buffalo, NY: 716-684-COMP (2667)
- New York City: 212-624-COMP (2667)
- Rochester, NY: 585-262-COMP(2667)