The tragedy of a workplace accident can be overwhelming. Suffering from an injury or the loss of a loved one can throw anyone’s life into turmoil. Reduced income may not cover basic expenses, and health insurance may not be enough to cover medical bills. The future may seem uncertain, but it is important to stay strong and look for ways to ease the circumstances.
Workers’ compensation can be one of these ways. It is a type of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured or ill as a result of their job. It is a form of legal protection that employers are required to provide by New York State law.
But not everyone is eligible for workers’ compensation coverage, and there are certain criteria that must be met. If you’re employed in Newburgh and want to file a worker’s compensation claim, you need to do so at the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board. If you are in doubt as to whether or not you qualify for coverage or how to proceed, Newburgh worker’s compensation lawyers can advise you on this topic. This article covers the eligibility criteria for workers’ compensation coverage and the types of benefits available.
Who qualifies for coverage?
Under New York State Law, worker’s compensation provides essential protection for most employees across the state who have experienced a work-related injury or illness. This includes full-time, part-time, or temporary workers; seasonal or migrant workers; independent contractors; self-employed workers; or unpaid volunteers.
When coverage applies.
If you have suffered an injury or illness related to your job, such as an accident, an illness from exposure to hazardous materials, or a physical or mental ailment due to the stress of the job, you may be eligible for worker’s compensation coverage.
In these cases, the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board is responsible for determining eligibility and issuing benefits to qualified workers. To be eligible, you must file a claim with the board within two years of the date of injury or within two years of the date the illness was discovered.
Types of benefits available.
In New York State, workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits for workers who are injured or become ill due to work-related activities. The benefits available include:
- Medical benefits: This covers medical expenses related to the injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and medical equipment.
- Lost wages: This covers a portion of lost wages while the worker is unable to work due to injury or illness.
- Disability benefits: This covers a portion of lost wages in the event that the worker cannot return to the same job or a similar job due to the injury or illness.
- Vocational rehabilitation: This provides training and other services to help the worker transition to a new or a modified job.
- Death benefits: This provides compensation to the surviving dependents of a worker who passed away due to a work-related injury or illness.
Additional eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for worker’s compensation, you must meet two conditions.
First, your employer must have workers’ compensation insurance in order for you to be eligible for benefits. The insurance can be obtained from either a private insurer or the state’s workers’ compensation program.
And second, you must meet all deadlines for filing a claim and be able to prove that the injury or illness was caused by your job.
Conclusion.
Workers’ compensation safeguards employees who are injured or become ill due to their occupation. It is essential to protect both workers and employers from financial hardships after a workplace accident. By offering workers’ compensation coverage, employers can ensure that their employees are provided with the support they need to make a successful recovery and that their families are taken care of in the event of a tragedy.
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