If you’ve been injured at work, one of the first questions you may have is whether you actually need to file for Workers’ Compensation. In New York, the answer is straightforward: yes—if your injury or illness occurred at work, you should file a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Workers’ Compensation is considered the primary coverage for work-related injuries in New York. That means it is responsible for paying for your medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. Because of this, your medical providers are required to bill your treatment through your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance once they know the injury is work-related.
This is where confusion can happen. Some individuals assume they can use their private health insurance instead. However, private insurance companies typically deny claims tied to workplace injuries. If your treatment is billed to the wrong insurance, it can lead to delays, denied payments, and unnecessary complications while you’re trying to recover.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim early helps ensure:
- Your medical treatment is properly covered
- Your benefits are not delayed
- Your case is documented correctly from the start
Even if your injury seems minor at first, it’s important to follow the proper process. What begins as a small issue can develop into something more serious, and having a claim in place helps protect your rights moving forward.
If you’ve been injured on the job and aren’t sure what steps to take, understanding how Workers’ Compensation works is the first step toward avoiding problems and getting the benefits you may be entitled to. Learn more about what workers’ compensation covers in New York by contacting a MCV Law workers compensation attorney today to set up a free consultation.
About the Author: Cory DeCresenza, Esq. is a Workers’ Compensation Attorney at MCV Law. With over a decade of deep legal experience, he represents clients across Syracuse and the greater Central New York region. Cory earned his degree, magna cum laude, from the Syracuse University College of Law, where he served on the Syracuse Law Review. A contributor to legal publications including Law360 and the New York Law Journal, Cory has written on developments in Workers’ Compensation law and appellate decisions impacting injured workers across New York State. Contact Cory: [email protected]