Workers’ compensation functions to help people injured on the job. Many of us forget the dangers that lurk in the safest of work environments. Whether you work on a construction site or at a computer, we are all at risk, to some degree, of injury. In no time, a person can find themselves with an injury that can impact their ability to work and affect their quality of life for years to come. If you are injured, you need to protect yourself. Insurance companies are out to make a profit. Though you trust in your insurance provider to help you in these times of need, their goal is to protect the bottom line. The Law Offices of George Poulos has over 30 years of experience fighting for injured workers across New York. We proudly serve Astoria, Bayside, Bronx, Elmhurst, Flushing, Harlem, Jackson Heights, Manhattan, and Staten Island. If you need our help, please contact our firm for a consultation.

The Numbers That Actually Matter

Two deadlines govern every claim, and they are independent. Written notice to your employer is due within 30 days of the injury. The claim itself must be filed with the Board within two years. Missing either one can end the case on its own, and the 30-day notice is the one workers miss. Put it in writing, keep a copy, and note the date. The Board’s own guidance says a letter or email is best and to avoid using text messages.

Cash benefits are two-thirds of your average weekly wage multiplied by your percentage of disability. For injuries between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, the maximum is $1,281.50 per week, and the minimum is $384.45. Your rate is locked to your date of injury and does not rise later when the Board adopts a new maximum. A worker hurt in 2019 is still paid at the 2019 rate today, which is why the average weekly wage your carrier calculates at the outset follows you for the life of the claim.

Medical care for an accepted claim has no dollar cap and no copay. Permanent partial disability benefits are capped by a number of weeks tied to your loss of wage-earning capacity, running from 225 weeks up to 525 weeks. Capped is not the same as temporary, and the difference between two percentage findings can be worth years of payments.
Immigration status is not a factor in any of this, and neither is a 1099. The Board decides who is an employee, not your employer, and a contract that says otherwise does not settle the question. If someone told you that you are not covered, that is their opinion rather than a ruling, and it costs nothing to find out whether they were right.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Every occupation comes with some degree of danger. Though we often do not think about the hazards posed in our workplace, accidents are common. Whether you work in an office or on a construction site, you can be injured quite easily. These injuries have the potential to impact your life and livelihood. Chances are, you are probably covered under the workers’ compensation laws of New York State. Read More

Who is Covered?

If you have been injured on the job, you are most likely covered under the workers’ compensation laws of New York. Almost every employer must have a workers’ compensation insurance policy in place in case an accident happens during work hours. That said, it is important for workers to know if they are covered under the laws of New York. If you have been injured at work, it is in your best interests to consult with an attorney who can guide you through this legal matter. Read More

Filing a Claim

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be a complicated process. Having the right legal support is important for a number of reasons. Knowing the process after you are injured and how to properly file a claim and follow your policy’s steps is in your best interests. Having effective legal representation in place if disputes arise can make a great difference. Read More

Workers Compensation Benefits

If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to a variety of benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits are in place to help you get back to work as quickly as possible and/or alleviate the lasting impact of your disability. Through rehabilitation services, medical benefits, and cash benefits, a person can do their best to rejoin the workforce in a full or partial capacity. Read More

Disability Classifications

If you are injured because of a work-related incident, you may be entitled to cash benefits. To determine the benefits, the treating health care provider will assess the extent of the disability. Workers’ compensation benefits are directly related to the extent of your disability, and having representation to fight disputes about the extent of a disability is best. Knowing your classification of disability can mean a huge difference to your recovery. Read More

Occupational Diseases

Workers’ compensation is not limited to accidents and the injuries that are the result of said accidents. If you become ill because of your job, you may be entitled to benefits like any injured employee. The main difference between being injured and becoming ill is that a person can become disabled with no lost time from work. An illness can slowly impact your life, and there is no set date where you became “ill”. It is important to understand your rights under workers’ compensation laws. Read More

Third Party Lawsuits

Being injured on the job can take its toll. Depending on the injury, you could be out of work for a long time or indefinitely. The injury can impact your quality of life and stop you from doing the simplest of tasks. Covered employees who are injured on the job can file a workers’ compensation claim, helping them recover and providing the support they deserve on their road to recovery or through a permanent disability. Sometimes, an injury or illness is the fault of a third party. Read More

Claim Disputes

If you are injured on the job and face a dispute with your job’s workers’ compensation insurance provider, you may need to take action. It is important to have legal representation throughout the claims process to protect your rights and prepare for the possibility of a hearing and appeals. Disputes can arise quite easily. If you need to take legal action against an insurance company that has denied your benefits or improperly reduced its obligation to cash benefits, contact an attorney. Read More