Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Syracuse, NY
You've worked hard all of your life. If you have been injured on the job, either by an accident or have developed injuries due to repetitive work, filing a Workers' Compensation claim is necessary to provide for yourself and your family.
Going from the initial injury to actually receiving the wage-loss and medical benefits you are entitled to under the law can be a complicated, stressful, and confusing process. The experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate Workers' Comp lawyers at MCV Law are here to help you get your life back.
MCV Law’s Workers’ Compensation Lawyers can help you. For more information on specific questions or concerns, learn more below:
- Types of Cases Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Help With
- Contested Workers’ Comp Claims and Employers Who Aren’t Cooperating
"John Iaconis and MCV Law are the best thing that happened to me during this entire situation. I had another law firm for my Workers Comp case to begin with and literally got nowhere for a year. I called John and within 2 weeks we had a hearing and things started moving! He has been helpful, informative, reliable, and easy to talk to. I waited a year to have my knee surgeries approved, he had it done in weeks. I 100% recommend MCV Law!"
- Dawn K, a satisfied MCV Law Workers' Comp client
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How much will this cost me?
We Only Get Paid
When Your Case is Won
MCV Law offers free initial consultations to gather the facts and circumstances of your case. We work on a contingency basis, meaning that we do not get paid until you get paid. Our fee is a percentage of the money that is awarded to you in your case.
Workers' Compensation Claims Are Time-Sensitive
The New York State Workers' Compensation Law requires injured workers to notify their employer in writing, within 30 days of the work place injury or illness. Failure to do so may result in the claim being disallowed. Generally, an injured worker has 2 years from the date of injury or illness to file a Workers' Compensation claim.
Getting Your Life Back Starts with a Workers' Compensation Claim. Our Workers' Compensation Lawyers Make It Simple and Easy to Understand.
Who pays the medical bills? When will I receive money so I can pay my bills? What happens if I cannot return to work? These are all common questions that can go through your mind after a work-related injury. The attorneys and client advocates at MCV Law understand that the time after a work injury can be some of the most stressful moments you can face in your life.
To file a Workers' Compensation claim in New York, specific forms must be completed and filed with the Workers' Compensation Board. These forms are extremely important and must be filled out accurately, honestly, and timely in order for a claim to be filed successfully. Failure to complete these forms in the correct manner can result in the claim being disallowed. At MCV Law, we take this burden off of you so you can focus on getting better.
Injured or sick workers not only need to complete the forms listed above, but there also must be medical evidence that relates the injury or illness to the specific job where you were injured. Even after a case is accepted and established, insurance carriers can deny medical treatment and attempt to cut off or lower your lost wage benefits. Oftentimes, making sure your case is correctly established is just the first step. At MCV Law, we strive to help guide our clients through the often-complicated process to make sure they receive all of the benefits that they are entitled to in a timely manner.
"I filed a workers comp case on my own and my company tried to fight the Case. I went to the first court hearing on my own. But pretty soon I realized I needed a lawyer to help because I felt like I would not get the justice I deserved. I called MCV Law and told them about my injuries and what happened in the first court hearing and they went to work and took me on as a client. They called me and kept me informed about my case and when my second court hearing came MCV Law explained to me the details of the case and what I should expect. They made me feel very confident and comfortable in front of my company lawyers and the judge. I understood what was going on with my case because of MCV Law and MCV Law won my case and I am very happy I gave them a call because any other law firm probably would not have taken on a prominent transportation company like them. I would definitely recommend them to anybody that has been injured on the job and don't want to go in court alone. They did a phenomenal job in getting my hospital bills paid and my back pay plus a little extra. I highly recommend them to anybody that needs help with on the job injuries."
- Shakeea, a satisfied MCV Law client
Discover How MCV Law's Workers' Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Workers' Compensation Lawyers Who Can Help You with Your Type of Case
Whether you were injured on the job or you've developed a medical condition from your job, the Workers' Compensation lawyers at MCV Law can advocate for you, pursuing all the benefits you deserve.
If you have a Workers' Compensation accident claim, our Workers' Compensation lawyers can guide you through the entire process. A Workers' Compensation accident claim is appropriate when an incident at work causes a sudden injury.
Some examples where an accident claim is suitable include, but are not limited to:
- Heavy lifting causing a back injury, broken bones or other bodily harm
- A nurse is injured while assisting a resident or patient
- A delivery driver or truck driver is injured in a traffic accident
- A factory worker or auto shop employee is injured by equipment or other accident
- A slip and fall occurs at work and causes an injury
- Any time an injury happens while at work or during the course of work related tasks
If you've been injured at work, a Workers' Compensation lawyer can guide you through the entire process from filing an initial claim to securing the compensation you need to cover your work injury related medical bills.
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Workers' Compensation Lawyers for Your Occupational Disease Claim
In addition to accidents that cause bodily harm, Workers' Compensation claims can be filed for an occupational disease. An occupational disease refers to a disease or sickness that develops over time from work tasks or exposures at work.
Examples of an occupational disease include, but are not limited to:
- An office worker developing Carpal Tunnel from repetitive typing
- Respiratory medical conditions that develop over time from a worker being exposed to chemicals or materials. For example, a construction worker may develop mesothelioma or other types of cancer from working with asbestos
- Any medical condition or disease that develops from work
Securing benefits that include paying for related medical bills can be a difficult and confusing process. The insurance company will make every legal effort to prove that a medical condition was not the direct result of work. Successfully submitting an occupational disease claim can be overwhelming when trying to navigate the process alone.
Do you think you've developed a medical condition from your job? Our Workers' Compensation Lawyers can guide you through the Workers' Compensation process. MCV Law's Workers' Compensation Lawyers have helped people in situations like yours, leveraging our team's legal knowledge to get our clients Workers' Compensation benefits, including compensation for occupational disease related medical bills and lost wages.
"Recently my Workman's Comp insurance carrier made it increasingly difficult for me to get my medicine refilled. I've been happily represented by MCV Law, so I gave them a call to apprise them of my situation. With just a few emails and a call or two to me, discovered the problem and resolved it! I wish I hadn't waited so long to call. I am beyond confident that Pat and the others at MCV Law are the best representation I could have found!"
- Barbara, a satisfied MCV Law client
MCV Law's Trusted Team of Workers' Compensation Lawyers Can Help
For decades, the Workers' Compensation Lawyers at MCV Law have guided people in situations like yours, helping to make sense of the NY Workers' Compensation system and requirements. We understand that you're dealing with a lot right now. Our Workers' Comp lawyers deal with the paperwork, advocate for you and translate legalese in a way that you can understand.
Call Us for a Free Consultation 315-471-1664
Bethany Nicoletti, Esq.
Bethany Nicoletti is a Workers' Compensation lawyer who provides injured and sick workers with comprehensive solutions for complex situations. Bethany believes every injured and sick worker should be treated with understanding and compassion. Bethany excels at explaining Workers' Compensation law in a way that's easy to understand. Whether it's a construction site fall, work-related traffic accident or other negligent third-party action, Bethany has the ability to win her clients a sizable settlement, including Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability and Personal Injury payments from the same event.
Christopher Stringham, Esq.
Christopher Stringham is dedicated to helping injured and sick workers get their lives back. Christopher has the legal knowledge to guide his clients through the complexities of the Workers' Compensation system. From helping injured workers and their families make sense of paperwork to answering questions and everything in between, Christopher is there for his clients at every step of the Workers' Compensation process. Christopher is a trusted Workers' Compensation Lawyer who is rated by Super Lawyers.
Grace Salerno, Esq.
Grace Salerno puts sick and injured workers at the center of her legal efforts. Grace is from Malone, New York, so she knows what workers are going through in CNY and the North Country. With Grace on your side as your Workers' Compensation lawyer, she will take the time to listen to you and get all the details about your case. Grace advocates for MCV Law clients to ensure each person she represents receives the medical care and compensation they deserve.
John Iaconis
John Iaconis is a Workers' Compensation Licensed Representative. For more than 35 years, John has empowered injured and sick workers to get their life back. John listens to each client's story, working diligently to achieve ideal outcomes. John's knowledge of NY Workers' Compensation law is evidenced by his continued recertification by the Workers' Compensation Board every two years.
When the Insurance Company Contests Your Workers' Comp Claim or Your Employer isn't Cooperating, MCV Law's Workers' Compensation Lawyers Are Here to Help
In many cases, your employers' Workers' Compensation insurance company will contest (or challenge) a claim for Workers' Compensation benefits. If you don't fight the insurance company about a contested claim, you won't receive Workers' Compensation benefits.
The insurance company will have a team of lawyers on their side -- you need the experienced Workers' Compensation lawyers at MCV Law on your side. We understand that you're dealing with a lot right now, which is why you don't pay our attorneys unless you're awarded Workers' Compensation benefits.
Workers' Comp isn't your life, it's ours. We've made it our life's work to help injured and sick workers navigate the Workers' Compensation system and get the benefits they need to get their life back.
"I have been using Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino as my Workers Compensation Attorneys. My experience has been excellent. They are extremely professional and address any issues or concerns in a very timely manner. Valerie Swieck has been so very helpful as my advocate with any issues I've encountered or questions that need to be answered or need to be taken care of. I'm extremely happy with making MCV as my choice in Law Firms representing me."
- Debra, a satisfied MCV Law Workers' Compensation client
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Our Workers' Comp Lawyers Create a Plan to Help You Answer "How Am I Going to Provide for My Family?"
At MCV Law, we both take the time to listen to you and we have the experience to make an otherwise overwhelming Workers' Comp system manageable.
- It starts with contacting us.
- We are here for you. You can reach us by call or text at (315) 471-1664, use our webchat feature to connect with our team directly, or use the button below to send us an email.
- Contact Us
- Speak with a client advocate and tell us your story.
- During your first conversation with our firm, we will look to gather some information about the nature of your employment and your injury or illness, including your memory of when and how it occurred, its affects on you, etc.
- We set up an appointment with an experienced Workers' Compensation attorney.
- During our free initial consultation, an MCV Law Workers' Compensation lawyer will discuss the basic facts of your case with you. We'll get important information about your injury or medical condition. We will also work with you to complete and get your signature for a 110-A form. The 110-A form allows MCV Law one-time access to Workers' Compensation Board files related to your case. With this access, our Workers' Compensation lawyers will review any issues, identify any necessary documents and advocate for you.
Be Master of Your Own Destiny. Get Started with MCV Law's Workers' Compensation Lawyers
Workers' Compensation benefits are not guaranteed. Getting Workers' Compensation benefits is a complicated and confusing process. Don't get overwhelmed -- get MCV Law on your side.
At MCV Law, our Workers' Compensation lawyers are committed to answering any questions you have throughout the Workers' Comp process, providing the legal knowledge you can trust.
"I am so glad that this was the firm that I chose to represent my workers comp case. From the moment I called, with all the questions , concerns, and just general questions, they put me at ease and found the information I needed. I had been trying to do all the things that workers comp wanted me to do by myself. It was so overwhelming. I am on my third surgery, and they have made me feel safe, protected, and comforted. Thank you for your impeccable service!!!"
- Penny, a satisfied MCV Law Workers' Comp client
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How MCV Law Workers' Compensation Lawyers Can Help
The Workers' Compensation system in New York is complicated. When you hire MCV Law to represent you in your Workers' Compensation claim, you are hiring a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals that consist of lawyers, licensed representatives, and client advocates that will help you with every aspect of your case. Our team takes an informed and practical approach to ensuring you receive the benefits you are entitled to in a timely manner. We take time to meet with our clients to formulate both a short-term and long-term strategy tailored to the particular facts of their case. Our client advocates are available to help with the day-to-day issues that can arise such as late checks, denied treatment, and mileage reimbursements. Our team helps injured workers at every stage of their case, from the initial filing, to hearings, and ultimately to permanency or settlement.
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What is Workers’ Compensation?
In New York State, Workers' Compensation benefits are generally the primary way that an injured worker receives both lost wages and medical treatment when they are injured at work. To be eligible for Workers' Compensation benefits in New York, your injuries or illness must be directly related to your job. A doctor licensed to treat injured workers by the Workers' Compensation Board must give an opinion that your injuries or illness are related to your occupation.
There are two types of work injury claims that fall within eligibility for NYS Workers’ Compensation. The first type of work injury claim is an accident. Accident claims occur when a sudden injury or illness occurs. Examples of accident claims related to NYS Workers’ Compensation include, but are certainly not limited to: slipping and falling while working or an orthopedic injury from moving equipment or helping patients.
Occupational diseases are the second type of possible claim for NYS Workers’ Compensation. Occupational diseases refers to when an employee develops a disease or long term illness as a result of their work duties. Examples of occupational diseases include developing a chronic illness due to exposure to asbestos while working, or developing carpal tunal from performing work duties from repetitive motions, such as typing.
What We Do First
Filing a written accident report with your employer within 30 days of your injury is the first step in filing a New York workers' compensation claim. An injured worker then has 2 years to file a claim with the Workers' Compensation Board, the administrative agency that oversees these claims in New York. Failure to meet either prong of the 2-tier statute of limitations could result in your case being denied. Once the proper paperwork is filed with the Board, the insurance carrier then has time to either accept or controvert your case.
Did the Insurance Carrier Accept or Controvert Your Case?
Has the employer’s insurance carrier accepted your case, or is your case being contested?
Generally speaking, the employer or the employer’s insurance carrier must either accept or deny ("controvert" in workers' compensation language) your case within a specific time frame. This time frame depends on when the injury occurred, when notice was given to the employer and/or when the documents, if any, have been filed with the board.
When the Workers’ Compensation Board has received all of the correct documentation, they will index your case. The indexing of your claim starts the clock running. Your case is not indexed simply because you have a Carrier Case Number; rather, you need to obtain a New York State Workers’ Compensation Case Number for your case to be indexed.
Once your case is accepted, it is not guaranteed that the Workers’ Compensation Board will schedule a hearing for you. Instead, the board may attempt to manage or adjudicate your case on papers alone. You may receive Administrative Decisions, Proposed Decisions or other correspondence from the board. These documents are very important because they can affect your future rights and obligations. Without a hearing, you may not have an opportunity to tell your story or have your rights explained by a judge. Many clients come to us when they receive documents from the Workers’ Compensation Board. We take the time to explain exactly what the papers mean and what steps are needed to make sure that your rights are protected.
Compensation Confusion?
Talk with a Workers' Compensation Lawyer near Syracuse, NY, Watertown, NY and the Surrounding Areas
If your case is being denied or controverted (in Workers' Compensation language) a hearing will be held once all of the required forms and medical reports are filed. Injured workers will not receive any benefits from their case until the controversy is resolved, a process that can take time. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon after your injury takes place as possible so that your case moves as quickly and efficiently and you receive the benefits you are entitled to in a timely manner to avoid financial hardship.
Statute of Limitations
During the initial review of your case, the workers' compensation attorneys at MCV LAW will determine if you have any statute of limitations problems. Generally speaking, New York Workers’ Compensation Law has a two-tier statute of limitations. The law requires that you give written notice of your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident that caused your injury or the time you first had knowledge that you have a work related injury or illness AND that you file a claim, (commonly referred to as a C-3) within two years of the injury or date you become disabled.
Even if you think your case is accepted, you need to be aware of the statue of limitations. You need to make sure that your employer and/or its insurance company has the same understanding of your claim as you do.
A word of caution: It is a crime to commit workers’ compensation fraud. Often, fraud will be asserted because of what was not said or included in a document, such as a claim form (C-3). You must be sure to prepare all documents with care. The Workers' Compensation lawyers at MCV Law help you complete the appropriate forms to make sure that your rights are protected and that you will not be accused of fraud.
Are You Being Provided the Medical Care You Need?
Section 13 of the New York Workers Compensation Law entitles injured workers to causally related medical treatment. What constitutes causally related medical treatment is commonly disputed by employers and insurance carriers. The board has treatment guidelines for some injuries that are supposed to resolve conflicts and afford speedy treatment. Currently, the treatment guidelines deal with injuries to the shoulder, neck, back and knee.
Medical treatment also includes the medicines that are prescribed by doctors and hospitals, as well as treatments performed by physical therapists, chiropractors and other medical providers. Depending on where you live or your employer, you may have to see a particular set of doctors or have certain diagnostic tests, such as an MRI, performed at a facility chosen by the insurance carrier.
The Workers' Compensation Board has issued medical treatment guidelines that are supposed to cause medical treatment to be rendered in a timely manner and avoid delays. In reality, the treatment guidelines have been a source of confusion and the prior authorization request process created by the Board has only made things worse.
Are You Being Paid Lost Wages?
If so, are these payments accurate?
If your case is accepted and you are out of work, you should be receiving lost wage payments. Generally speaking, you are entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) up to certain limits, depending on the date of your accident or disability.
Usually you are paid the full two-thirds if you have a temporary total disability. If your disability is less than total, you will be paid a percentage of the total rate.
It is very important to make sure your AWW is correctly set because it controls your wage benefits for the life of the case. If you have more than one job, you may be able to include the other job(s) in the AWW calculation. Your AWW is calculated by looking at your earnings or the earning of a similar worker for one year prior to your accident or date of disability. If you are under 25 years old at the time of injury, you are entitled to have your AWW increased at the time of permanency, this is called a Minor’s Wage Expectancy.
Reduced Earnings?
If you are currently working but earning less than you did prior to your workplace injury as a result of your injury or disease, you can collect up to two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wages (AWW) and your post injury wages. Payments of this type are called reduced earnings. Reduced earnings are a very important concept, especially in cases involving the neck, back and other serious injury cases.
Don't wait. Get a free case evaluation with our Workers' Compensation Lawyers near Syracuse, NY, Watertown, NY and the surrounding areas.
Labor Market Attachment
Payments typically continue during your period of disability and recovery. However, if you have a partial disability and have not returned to work, you may need to take certain actions to protect your right to continued payments. It is very important to show that you remain attached to the work force. If you fail to do so, the insurance company may argue that you have voluntary removed yourself from the work place and therefore argue that you are not entitled to ongoing lost wage payments. Because of this defense, care should be taken before deciding to resign, retire, or otherwise leave your job(s) as a result of an accident.
If you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), your case may be ripe for a permanency determination. A permanency finding will have different consequences depending on what part of your body was injured, whether you have returned to work with or without reduced earnings, and most importantly, the date of the injury.
Permanency - Schedule Loss of Use
For injuries concerning extremities such as your hand or foot, you may be entitled to a Schedule Loss of Use (SLU). A SLU is expressed by your doctor as a percentage which is then converted into weeks and is multiplied by your Total Rate to determine the value of the loss. Once a value of loss has been determined, adjustments for protracted healing are made and any prior payments you were awarded are deducted. The Workers’ Compensation Law contains a table setting forth the number of weeks each body part is worth. Additionally the board has guidelines that are used by doctors to determine the percentage loss of use.
A payment of an SLU is not a settlement of your case. Even after you are awarded an SLU you are entitled to further medical care and may make an application to increase the SLU if your condition materially changes. However, before you can collect further weekly wages you must use up or exhaust the monies paid by reason of the SLU. While many see this process as fairly straightforward, our workers' compensation attorneys help you determine whether this is the correct course of action in your case and help you understand what exactly is being accomplished. There is often controversy over the percentage of SLU, which can result in litigation.
Settlement
What exactly constitutes a settlement in a workers’ compensation case depends on your point of view and interpretation. Some injured workers consider it a settlement of their case when they are given an SLU or a Classification. Others consider it a victory when they have returned to work, earning what they did at the time of the injury with medical care for the injuries they suffered. Others look for an outright conclusion of their case where they give up future medical care and ongoing rights to collect lost wages in exchange for a sum of money. This type of resolution is called a Section 32 settlement.
The determination as to when and how to seek permanency and/or settle is usually one of the most important issues in an injured worker’s case. The Workers' Compensation Lawyers at MCV Law work with each client to formulate a strategy that is most likely to satisfy their goal, within the bounds of the law. The Workers' Comp. attorneys and staff at MCV Law take pride in their ability to see the big picture and use it to our client's advantage to obtain the best result on an individual basis.
Beyond Workers' Compensation
Sometimes, workers’ compensation is not the only source of benefits for injured workers. If your accident was the result of the actions or negligence of someone not in the same employment, such as a building owner, subcontractor, product manufacturer or the driver of a vehicle, you may be able to bring a separate action to recover damages. The Workers' Compensation Lawyers at MCV Law will look at the facts of your case to determine whether or not you may have an additional action, and if so, with your permission, pursue those other parties for a recovery in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits.
The attorneys will also use their skill and knowledge to recommend and pursue other statutory benefits such as Social Security Disability.
Get Your Life Back Today
For over 30 years, MCV Law’s work injury lawyers have helped guide people through the NY workers’ compensation process.