In December 2014, New York State adopted and put in effect the Non-Acute Pain Medical Treatment Guidelines. The Guidelines are there to help advise medical professionals on necessary treatments for bodily injuries and/or diseases sustained from a workplace incident. The update from the previous Medial Treatment Guidelines focus on the medical care and treatment of […]
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NYS Workers’ Compensation Now Offering Virtual Hearings
After you suffer from a work-related injury, your focus should be on your physical recovery so you can get back to work, not struggling through the increasingly complicated process of claims, forms and paperwork. Over the last couple months, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board has made some necessary and important changes to the […]
Keep ReadingAre Workers’ Compensation Benefits Taxable?
Workers’ compensation is designed to protect employees in the event of a work-related accident that leads to injury or illness, preventing the worker from doing their job. However, while out from work the employee still has to pay their bills and purchase necessary items such as food and personal supplies. For the reasons stated above, […]
Keep ReadingAre Mental Illnesses Covered by Workers’ Comp?
For an injury to be covered by Workers’ Compensation, it must have occurred while performing job duties for an employer. Typically, these are physical injuries or illnesses that require more than simple aid. However, more and more workers are presenting with mental illnesses that they claim are a result of their job. This raises the […]
Keep ReadingHow Artificial Intelligence is Impacting Workers’ Compensation
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been impacting numerous industries, including workers’ compensation. While some hope that self-driving cars, automation, and robots will reduce workplace injuries, AI also has the possibility of affecting workers’ compensation claims management. By taking on arduous and tedious tasks, AI is already assisting workers’ compensation lawyers. More time can be spent […]
Keep ReadingMistakes That can Jeopardize Your Workers’ Compensation Case
There is a common misconception that a workers’ compensation claim can be handled without the assistance of others or a lawyer. While understandable, a claim can quickly become confusing and insurance companies are looking for any excuse to stop treatment or drop a claim. If you’ve suffered from a work-related injury and need to submit […]
Keep ReadingIs Medical Marijuana Covered Under Workers’ Compensation
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 […]
Keep ReadingInjured 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 […]
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