Long Island is home to a wide range of industries, from construction and landscaping to healthcare and manufacturing, and workers across Nassau and Suffolk counties get hurt on the job every day. When that happens, the workers’ comp process can feel confusing and slow, especially when an employer or insurer isn’t being cooperative. At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we represent injured workers on Long Island and help them pursue the benefits they’re entitled to under New York law.
Injured at Work on Long Island: Here’s What to Know
New York’s workers’ compensation system applies to Long Island workers the same as it does to workers in New York City. Under NY WCL § 10, nearly all employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance, and workers who are hurt on the job are entitled to benefits regardless of fault.
What matters is that the injury happened during your employment. Whether you work in construction in Hempstead, a healthcare facility in Hicksville, or a warehouse in Ronkonkoma, the law protects you.
Long Island Industries with High Injury Rates
Long Island’s economy is shaped by industries where workplace injuries happen regularly. These include:
- Construction and renovation projects throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance work across residential communities
- Healthcare facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes employ thousands of workers
- Transportation and logistics operations along the Southern State and LIE corridors
- Manufacturing and distribution operations across both counties
Injuries in these settings range from back strains and repetitive motion conditions to serious falls and equipment accidents.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
To file a workers’ comp claim on Long Island, you must report the injury to your employer within 30 days and file a formal claim with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board within two years. Report the injury in writing and keep a copy for your records. A verbal report to a supervisor is not always enough, and having written documentation protects you if your employer later claims they weren’t notified.
Hearings for Long Island claimants are typically held at the Workers’ Compensation Board district office in Hauppauge. You should know what to expect at these hearings, as preparing for them matters more than most workers realize. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Long Island help during every stage of the process, from the initial filing through the hearing itself, so nothing catches you off guard.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Long Island Workers’ Claims
Several issues frequently affect how Long Island workers’ comp claims turn out:
- Failing to report the injury promptly and in writing to the employer
- Returning to work before a doctor has cleared them to do so
- Missing medical appointments that are part of the claim record
- Accepting a quick settlement without fully understanding the value of the claim
Representing Long Island Workers Who Need Real Help
Our firm handles workers’ comp cases for Long Island workers who are dealing with injuries, insurance company disputes, or outright denied claims. If you’ve been hurt on the job anywhere in Nassau or Suffolk County, we want to hear from you.
Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online to speak with our Long Island workers’ comp lawyers.
