By: Michael J. McConnell – Westchester County workers’ compensation lawyer serving Yonkers, White Plains, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, NYC, Rockland, and Long Island.
Overuse injuries can be covered by workers’ compensation in New York. Sometimes they are called repetitive strain injuries or an “occupational disease.” In the video and blog post below, I discuss some of the common work-related overuse injuries, the most important thing in getting them covered by workers’ compensation, and some important first steps for someone who suspects that they might have an overuse injury from their job duties.
Common examples of work-related overuse injuries in Yonkers include:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- rotator cuff tears
- back and joint pain
- tendonitis
- trigger finger
- herniated discs
- stress fractures
- cubital tunnel syndrome
If you suspect that you may have one of these injuries, it is important to see a doctor immediately to ensure that you get the treatment that you need. A delay in treatment can make the condition worse.
The key to getting the condition covered under workers’ compensation is for the doctor to say that the condition is caused by the injured worker’s job duties.
Check out the video below to learn more:
Repetitive Strain Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in New York Qualify for Free Medical Treatment and Compensation for Lost Wages
Once an overuse injury is accepted by the insurance carrier handling the claim or established by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, the injured worker may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Medical treatment covered at zero cost to the injured worker.
- Compensation for temporary lost wages up to two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly pay subject to a state minimum and maximum amount set by law.
- Schedule Loss of Use Award (SLU) or permanent disability benefits if the injury results in permanent impairment.
Important First Steps after an Overuse Injury in Yonkers to Receive Workers’ Compensation
- Get immediate medical treatment. This will ensure that you get the care you need as well as providing proof that the condition was caused by your job.
- Timely notify your employer of the work-related injury. This should be done as soon as possible. In New York, you must report a work-related accident within 30 days, but for overuse injuries and occupational disease you get more time: 2 years from the date of disability or from the time you knew or should’ve known the condition was work-related.
- File a claim with the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board.
- Continue to follow up with your doctor regularly.
- Consider legal representation if you need assistance navigating the workers’ compensation system and dealing with the insurance company. Most workers’ compensation lawyers in New York offer free consultations to help you decide whether hiring a lawyer is the right move for you.
Conclusion: Overuse injuries can be covered by workers’ compensation in Yonkers – the key is getting medical evidence that proves the injury is work-related.
The bottom line is this: overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome can be covered by workers’ compensation so long as there is credible medical evidence connecting the injury to the job.
If you have an overuse injury in Yonkers or anywhere else in New York, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell encourages you to consider a free consultation.
This free consultation with a Yonkers workers’ compensation lawyer can be done in person at the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, over the phone, or by video. It comes with no strings attached – the decision of whether to hire a lawyer is always up to you.
Want to know more about Michael J. McConnell? Click here.
Michael J. McConnell is a Westchester workers’ compensation lawyer dedicated to providing quality legal representation to injured workers in Yonkers and the rest of New York.
The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell serves the following areas:
- Yonkers
- White Plains
- New Rochelle
- Mount Vernon
- The Bronx
- Queens
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Staten Island
- Rockland County
- Long Island
- Mamaroneck
- Elmsford
- Harrison
- Port Chester
- Eastchester
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