In July 2014, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York Compassionate Care Act into law. The CCA took effect in January 2016 and allows patients suffering from serious conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS to use medicinal marijuana for pain management. In March 2017 chronic pain was added as a serious […]
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Injured at a Work-related Event? Who Pays?
Unless you’re a real scrooge, you probably enjoy a good work event. Whether it’s a picnic, kickball game, charity event, or holiday party, it’ an excuse to get out of the office for a while. It’s also a chance to get to know your co-workers in a more relaxed environment. However, when the party goes […]
Keep ReadingHow to Avoid a Workplace Injury
In 2017 there were approximately 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers. A single workplace accident can have a large impact on a business – between the medical bills, lost productivity, workers’ compensation paperwork, and the low morale, the effects are felt throughout the entire office. To avoid these costs, […]
Keep ReadingThe Truth About Independent Medical Exams
In New York, injured workers seeking benefits must be evaluated and diagnosed by workers’ compensation doctors approved by the employer’s insurance company. In most cases you will be permitted to be treated by your own doctor. However, situations can occur when the insurance company requests an Independent Medical Examination, or IME. What is an Independent […]
Keep ReadingWhat to Know About Returning to Work
Fortunately, many people who suffer a workplace injury return to work. Depending on the extent of your injury, it may be days, weeks, or months before you can return to your job. Many employers and insurers will be eager to get you back to work as quickly as possible so they can stop paying full […]
Keep ReadingWill Pregnancy Affect My Workers’ Comp Claim?
Pregnant women face additional worries about the safety of themselves and their baby while in the workplace. A workplace accident or exposure to harmful chemicals can have devastating and life-long consequences for the worker or the baby. Fortunately, all states require employers to provide workers’ compensation to their employees. The process for obtaining benefits can […]
Keep ReadingWhat Happens to my Workers’ Comp Benefits If I Am Laid Off?
If you have sustained a workplace injury that leaves you unable to work for an extended amount of time, your employer is not required to keep your position for you. In some cases, the employer will take the injured worker back provided they can perform most of the duties required of the job. In other […]
Keep ReadingRepetitive Stress Injuries in the Workplace
Repetitive stress injuries (RSI), are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons caused by doing the same motion over and over again. The most well-known RSI is carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause numbness, clumsiness, loss of motion, flexibility, and strength. Many other RSIs have similar side-effects and may require serious surgery […]
Keep ReadingValuing A Workers’ Compensation Case
Determining benefits for a claimant in a workers’ compensation case may seem like an impossible task, however it is something that must be done nearly every day. Every case is different, which means you won’t know the value of your court award until the case is finalized. That being said, there are a few common […]
Keep ReadingUnderstanding a Section 32 Settlement
While a workers’ compensation case can be cut and dry, often it is complicated and leaves you with many questions. One question that may come up during your case is a Section 32 Settlement . A Section 32 Settlement is negotiated between the injured worker and the insurance carrier. It serves to settle the indemnity […]
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