Workers’ Compensation is a State-governed program that protects the rights of employees suffering from work-related injuries or illnesses. An employee who is injured or becomes ill carrying out the responsibilities of his or her job is entitled to submit a claim for benefits. The lawyers representing the employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance company review the claim and can either approve or deny it depending on the situation and the supporting facts, including witness accounts. If approved, the Workers’ Compensation Board reviews the claim and any stipulations agreed upon between the insurance company and the injured employee.
Establishing the claim properly and ensuring that you receive the compensation and benefits you need to recover can be a daunting task, especially if you are inexperienced in handling Workers’ Compensation matters. Although not required, hiring a knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation attorney in Staten Island can help increase your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. Even if you believe that your case is simple, it is beneficial to have a lawyer review your claim and help maximize the compensation you receive.
For example, a part-time employee at a restaurant makes $5 per hour plus tips, but also completes jobs on the side such as mowing the lawn to supplement his or her income. Unaware of this, the insurance company may only submit your average weekly wages (AWW) as $5 per hour X the amount of time you worked per week prior to your injury. Many people miss this important detail and therefore receive lost wages compensation that is significantly less than what it should be. An experienced attorney can help ensure that there is no discrepancy between your actual income which is now hindered due to your injury and what the insurance company assumes it to be. This could potentially mean thousands of dollars in compensation which you may have missed handling the matter yourself.
If you have been injured on the job, it is suggested that you consult a Workers’ Compensation attorney in Staten Island. Although hiring legal representation does not guarantee that your claim will be approved, an experienced attorney can help ensure that all of the appropriate steps are followed to establish your claim. Consulting an attorney is especially important if you need to establish proof that you are an employee under the Workers’ Compensation Law. If you are currently in need of a Worker’s Compensation lawyer and would like to schedule a consultation, visit www.AGLawNYC.com.
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