When workers in New York get injured or become ill while on the job, there are a number of specific concerns that usually immediately arise in their minds. For starters, they rightfully focus on how they will recover their health. Next, they probably wonder how their medical care will be paid for. And then, they likely wonder how they will get by if they are unable to return to work right away to earn an income.
Fortunately, workers’ compensation is a system that is in place to help workers in New York who find themselves facing these questions. So, what are the basics about the workers’ compensation system? Well, for starters, workers should understand that it is their employers – not employees – who pay for workers’ compensation insurance. The direct purpose of workers’ compensation is to provide financial help for workers who are injured or who become ill on the job.
As workers attempt to recover their health, most of the medical treatment that is needed is supposed to be covered by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Weekly payouts to the employee, in lieu of wages, are also a part of workers’ compensation. And lastly, fault for the cause of the incident that led to the injury or illness usually is not a factor – with certain exceptions.
Getting through the process
As straightforward as these basics about workers’ compensation may sound, there is still potential for problems. Workers must make sure they have the right legal information about getting through the process of successfully pursuing a claim. For more information about how we try to help New York workers with these issues, please visit the workers’ compensation overview section of our law firm’s website.