Workers’ Compensation in Rockland: How an Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

Getting hurt at work can turn your world upside down. You’re used to taking care of others—serving customers, fixing cars, delivering goods, or protecting property. But when you’re injured on the job, who’s taking care of you?

Michael J. McConnell is a New York workers’ compensation attorney willing to stand up for hard-working people of Rockland County, including West Nyack, Orangetown, New City, Nanuet, Haverstraw, Spring Valley, and Clarkstown.  

Whether you’re a nurse, cashier, retail associate, security guard, home health aide, mechanic, or package delivery driver – the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is here to serve you by fighting for your rights to full and fair compensation.

Our commitment is always to bring an empathetic approach to counseling a client on their legal matters while taking aggressive legal action so that injured workers don’t get pushed around by employers and insurance companies.

Speak with workers’ compensation attorney Michael J. McConnell today for a free consultation.

Examples of Jobs Typically Eligible for Workers’ Compensation

Most jobs in New York with very few exceptions are eligible for workers’ compensation. Here are some of the jobs in Rockland County that are likely covered by workers’ compensation when an employee gets hurt at work:

  • Retail workers: Cashiers, stock clerks, retail associates, loss prevention, managers, and others working in malls or stores
  • Security guards: Standing long hours, dealing with confrontations, and physical risks
  • Mechanics and auto repair techs: Heavy lifting, machinery, and chemical exposure
  • Healthcare workers: Nurses, CNAs, hospital staff, home health aides
  • Fast food workers: Burns, slips, cuts, and repetitive stress
  • Package Delivery drivers: Vehicle accidents, lifting injuries, dog bites, weather-related accidents

This list is not exhaustive, so there are plenty of other jobs that are eligible as well. The key thing to know is that if you were hurt while working in Rockland County, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Common Work-Related Injuries in Rockland County

Injuries on the job can happen suddenly or develop over time. Here are some of the most common types of work injuries:

1. Back and Neck Injuries

Lifting boxes, standing for long periods, or twisting in tight spaces can lead to serious pain and long-term damage.

2. Slip and Fall Injuries

Wet floors, icy sidewalks, or poorly lit areas can cause falls. These can lead to broken bones, sprains, or even head injuries.

3. Repetitive Strain Injuries

Doing the same task over and over—like scanning items, typing, or using tools—can injure your muscles, tendons, and nerves.

4. Burns and Cuts

Fast food workers often get burned by hot oil or surfaces. Auto techs may get cuts from tools or machinery.

5. Vehicle Accidents

Delivery drivers face daily risks on the road. If you’re hurt while driving for work, you may be covered by workers’ comp.

6. Violence or Assaults

Security guards or even retail staff can be injured during thefts, fights, or unruly customers.

7. Exposure to Harmful Substances

Mechanics may inhale fumes. Healthcare workers may get exposed to diseases. Workers’ comp often covers these situations too.

How Temporary Disability Pay Works

If your injury keeps you out of work, you might be able to receive temporary disability benefits through workers’ compensation.

What Is Temporary Disability Pay?

This is a weekly payment to help cover your lost wages while you’re recovering. It’s not your full paycheck, but it can be up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a certain maximum limit set by New York State.

For example:

  • If you earn $1,500 a week and are totally disabled (meaning you cannot work at all), you could receive up to $1,000 a week.
  • If you’re partially disabled (can work a little), the amount might be less depending on the percentage of disability according to a doctor.

What If My Claim Was Denied?

Insurance companies deny workers’ comp claims all the time, but they don’t get the final say. This means that you shouldn’t just give up because an adjuster told you that your claim was denied. You could still have a valid case, and a workers’ compensation attorney can challenge the denial through litigation in front of a workers’ compensation judge. Denials get overturned all the time, and when they do the injured worker is eligible for compensation including any past periods of disability the insurance company may have refused to pay initially.

Ready to Talk?

If you were hurt at work in Rockland County, don’t wait. The sooner an attorney gets started on your case, the better they can often protect your rights. Plus – your first consultation is free. Additionally, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell works on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are zero attorney fees unless you win and get compensated first.

Call (914) 810-0510 for your free consultation or email info@mcconnellinjurylaw.com.

Want to Know More About Workers’ Compensation Attorney Michael J. McConnell?

Michael J. McConnell is a New York workers’ compensation attorney serving Rockland County and the surrounding area. His physical office is located just over the Mario Cuomo Bridge and Hudson River in Ardsley. He is a proud graduate of Nyack College in Rockland County where he played college baseball and is very familiar with the area. He also obtained his law degree from nearby Pace Law School. He is licensed to practice law in New York State and is a proud member of both the New York State Bar Association and the Injured Workers’ Bar Association. He has extensive training and experience handling workers’ compensation claims from working as an insurance adjuster for a very large insurance company where he handled exclusively New York State workers’ compensation claims – plenty of which involved employers and workers in Rockland County.