Queens Healthcare Work Injury Attorney

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Healthcare Workers in New York

In New York, healthcare workers who are classified as employees are entitled to workers’ compensation when they are injured or develop illnesses or medical conditions related to their employment. This includes healthcare providers who contract COVID-19 at work or within the scope of their employment.

At the Harris Firm, LLC, we handle workers’ compensation claims on behalf of healthcare workers in Queens, the Bronx, and all of New York City’s boroughs. With over 28 years of experience, our attorneys are well-versed in the state’s workers’ compensation system. We understand how the process works, as well as the unique needs of injured healthcare workers. Our firm develops innovative legal strategies and provides personalized attention to each and every client. We are always available when you need us.

Call (718) 487-8669 or reach us online using our free and secure contact form to request a complimentary consultation with our Queens healthcare work injury lawyers.

Healthcare Workers Face High Risk of Work-Related Injuries

Nurses, doctors, and other medical providers are on the front lines of public health and safety. Unfortunately, they are also among the most susceptible when it comes to workplace accidents and injuries.

According to recent data from the New York State Department of Labor, healthcare workers face a significantly higher risk of nonfatal accidents and injuries—at 3.1 for every 100 workers—than employees across many other industries. In hospitals, this rate goes up to 5.0 for every 100 workers and, in nursing and residential care facilities, the rate is even higher at 5.2 nonfatal accidents and injuries for every 100 workers. For those in the public healthcare sector, the risk increases substantially.

Some of the most common on-the-job accidents and injuries in the healthcare industry include:

• Overexertion/overuse
• Sprains and strains
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Hospital-acquired illnesses and infections
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Fires and explosions
• Equipment- and machine-related accidents
• Transportation accidents, including ambulance accidents
• Allergic reactions
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Accidents resulting from fatigue and overwork
• Back, shoulder, and knee injuries
• Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder

A serious work-related injury, illness, or medical condition can put you out of work for weeks, months, or even years. You may find yourself facing extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, which can be incredibly costly. You could have a debilitating injury or disability, leaving you unable to return to your past employment.

Workers’ compensation is there to cover some or all of these costs. We encourage you to reach out to our Queens healthcare workers’ compensation lawyers at the Harris Firm, LLC if you need help with your claim. Whether you were recently injured, are filing your initial claim, or have had your claim denied or your benefits terminated, our team is ready to fight for you and your rights.

Workers' Compensation for Healthcare Workers in Queens, NY

Healthcare workers in New York, including doctors, nurses, aides, technicians, and administrative staff, are typically covered under workers' compensation. This coverage applies to injuries or illnesses sustained while on the job.

Workers' compensation covers a range of situations, including injuries from lifting patients, needle stick injuries, exposure to infectious diseases, slips, falls, and injuries due to workplace violence.

If a healthcare worker in New York sustains an injury or develops an illness related to their job, here are the steps they should take to file a workers' compensation claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention: The worker should seek immediate medical attention for the injury or illness. This is crucial not only for their health but also for documentation purposes related to the workers' compensation claim.
2. Notify the Employer: Inform the employer or supervisor about the injury or illness as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days. Verbal notification is important, but it's recommended to also provide written notice for documentation purposes.
3. Get the Necessary Forms: The employer should provide the worker with the appropriate workers' compensation claim forms. These may include forms like C-3 (Employee Claim) and C-3.3 (Doctor's Report of Work-Related Injury/Illness).
4. Fill Out the Forms: Complete the required forms accurately and thoroughly. Describe the injury or illness, including details about how it occurred and when it was discovered. Include as much detail as possible to support the claim.
5. Submit the Forms: Once completed, submit the forms to the employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier. Make copies of all documents for personal records.
6. Follow Medical Advice: Attend all medical appointments and follow the treatment plan prescribed by healthcare providers. Failure to comply with medical advice might affect the claim.
7. Cooperate with Investigations: The workers' compensation insurance carrier might investigate the claim. It's essential to cooperate fully, providing accurate information and documentation as needed.
8. Consult an Attorney (if necessary): If there are complexities in the claim process, if it's denied, or if there are disputes, seeking legal advice from an attorney experienced in workers' compensation can be beneficial.
9. Keep Records: Maintain records of all communication, medical bills, prescriptions, receipts for medical expenses, and any other related documents. These records can support the claim and may be needed for reference.

Once a claim is accepted, the injured worker is entitled to medical treatment related to the injury or illness. This can include hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and other necessary healthcare services.

Workers' compensation typically provides wage replacement benefits if the injury or illness causes the worker to miss work. The compensation is usually a percentage of the worker's average weekly wage.

If the injury or illness results in temporary or permanent disability, additional compensation may be provided to cover lost wages or disabilities that affect the worker's ability to perform their job.

In some cases, especially if there are disputes over the claim or if the claim is denied, legal representation might be necessary to navigate the workers' compensation process.

Representing All Healthcare Workers in Queens

At Harris Firm, LLC, we recognize the immense sacrifices healthcare workers make on behalf of their patients and the community at large. With the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers have been especially stretched thin, leading to an increase in workplace accidents and job-related injuries.

Our firm is proud to represent all types of healthcare providers in workers’ compensation matters, including but not limited to:

• Primary care providers
• Medical doctors
• Doctors of osteopathic medicine
• Obstetricians and gynecologists
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Licensed practical nurses
• Registered nurses
• Advanced practice nurses
• Certified nurse midwives
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists
• Clinical nurse specialists
• Licensed pharmacists
• Specialists
• Chiropractors
• Paramedics and EMTs
• Dentists
• Dental assistants
• Phlebotomists
• Anesthesiologists
• Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists

We have represented healthcare providers who worked in hospitals, emergency departments, urgent care centers, physicians’ offices, dental offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and all other types of facilities. Our Queens healthcare worker injury attorneys understand the many complex nuances present in healthcare workers’ compensation claims, and we have the resources, experience, and skill to effectively advocate for you.

Speak to a Member of Our Legal Team Today

If you are a healthcare worker who was injured on the job or in any way related to your employment, reach out to the Harris Firm, LLC to speak to our Queens healthcare workers’ compensation attorneys about your legal rights and options. We can assist you with all aspects of your case from the initial filing to appealing a denied claim. Regardless of the complexity of your situation, we are ready to fight for the maximum disability benefits and medical reimbursement you are owed. We have extensive experience assisting clients with complex workers’ comp matters, including employee misclassification and uninsured employers.

Our firm is known for an aggressive and assertive approach to litigation. While we are compassionate and caring when it comes to helping our clients, we are relentless in our determination to make the insurance company pay the fair benefits you deserve. We handle all workers’ compensation claims in-house and never refer these cases out to other law firms or attorneys.

Our multilingual staff can assist you in the language you are most comfortable with, and we do not collect any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Here are other benefits of hiring our firm:

• Expert Legal Guidance: At Harris Firm, LLC, we specialize in healthcare workers' compensation cases. Our expertise allows us to interpret intricate laws and regulations specific to healthcare professionals in Queens, ensuring that you understand your rights and entitlements thoroughly.
• Maximizing Your Entitlements: When you work with us, we diligently assess the full extent of your injuries or illnesses. We're committed to ensuring you receive all the benefits you're entitled to, from comprehensive medical coverage to disability benefits and wage replacement.
• Navigating Complex Claims: Healthcare-related injuries can be multifaceted. Our team has the experience to navigate these complexities, handling any legal intricacies that may arise during the claims process with precision and expertise.
• Dispute Resolution: In the unfortunate event of a denied or disputed claim, we act as your advocate. We represent your best interests in hearings or appeals, gathering evidence and preparing a strong case to fight for the compensation you deserve.
• Reducing Your Burden: Dealing with a workers' compensation claim while trying to recover can be overwhelming. By entrusting us with the legal aspects of your claim, you can focus on your health and well-being while we handle the complexities of the process.
• Peace of Mind: With Harris Firm, LLC representing you, you gain peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands. We're dedicated to protecting your interests and ensuring you receive the full benefits you deserve under the law.

Call (718) 487-8669 or contact us online to request a free consultation today.