When you work hard to support your family, you expect your job to support you back, especially when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, too many workers across Long Island find themselves suddenly cut off after suffering a serious injury on the job. No paycheck. Mounting medical bills. And a confusing system that seems designed to keep them in the dark. This should never happen.
If you’re overwhelmed and wondering where to turn, we can help. A Long Island workers’ compensation attorney from The Perecman Firm can help you get the benefits you need and deserve, hold the insurance companies accountable, and fight for your family’s future.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Being faced with no work and income after an injury is a frightening situation to find yourself in. One of the first questions running through your mind is probably: “How am I going to pay my bills?” Fortunately, New York’s workers’ compensation system exists to address that problem.
Workers’ compensation is a type of no-fault insurance required by state law. The state requires almost every employer to carry it. If you’re hurt or become sick because of your job, your employer’s insurance company is supposed to cover your medical bills and replace a portion of your lost wages. You don’t have to prove that anyone was careless or caused the injury. You just need to show that the injury or illness happened in the course of your work.
But here's the catch: the system doesn’t always work the way it should.
How workers’ compensation works
In New York, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even if they have just one employee. When you're injured on the job or because of work-related reasons, your employer’s insurer is responsible for paying:
- All necessary medical care (with no out-of-pocket costs to you)
- A portion of your lost wages if you're unable to work
- Additional benefits if your injury causes long-term or permanent disability
If your employer disputes your claim by saying it isn’t a work-related injury, or the insurance company tries to minimize your injury, you may need an experienced Long Island workers’ comp lawyer to work with New York’s Workers' Compensation Board to decide your case. That’s where having legal help becomes essential.
Who is covered under workers’ compensation?
In general, nearly all employees in New York are covered. This includes:
Full-time and part-time workers
- Union and non-union workers
- Construction laborers
- Delivery drivers
- Warehouse workers
- Home health aides
- Teachers
- Public employees
Of course, this is just a very small example of the types of workers who qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Undocumented workers receive workers’ compensation in New York as well. The law protects all employees, regardless of immigration status, ensuring they can access medical care and wage replacement if injured on the job.
Independent contractors, however, are not always covered unless their employers deliberately misclassify them. This is a situation that our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can investigate.
What Benefits Can You Receive Through Workers’ Compensation?
At The Perecman Firm, we help workers across Nassau and Suffolk Counties understand how workers’ compensation works and the benefits they’re entitled to. If you’re facing retaliation from your employer fo reporting and injury or your claim is being denied, let The Perecman Firm review your case.
Medical benefits
You have the right to receive all necessary medical care related to your injury or illness, including:
- Doctor’s visits and hospital care
- Surgery and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- Home health care, if prescribed
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
In New York, you don’t have to pay deductibles or co-pays for authorized treatment. However, you must see a doctor authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board, and disputes over treatment can arise quickly.
Lost wage benefits
If your injury keeps you from working, you may receive partial wage replacement. Depending on your specific circumstance, you many receive:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): You’re unable to work at all for a period of time.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): You can return to light or reduced duty but earn less.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Your injury causes lasting damage but doesn’t prevent you from all work.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): You can no longer perform any type of work.
Benefits are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a cap set by the state. If you're only partially disabled, benefits are reduced accordingly.
Death and survivor benefits
If a worker is killed in a job-related accident, their surviving dependents, such as a spouse or minor children, may receive:
- A portion of the deceased worker’s weekly wages
- Coverage for funeral and burial expenses
- Reimbursement for related medical bills
No amount a money can adequately compensate you for the loss of a loved one, but workers’ comp benefits can give you more of the resources you need to help you cope. The Perecman Firm has supported grieving families after tragic workplace deaths, helping them secure long-term support and financial stability.
Vocational rehabilitation
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, the state may provide job training, career counseling, or assistance in finding a new role. Our legal team helps can connect you with the right resources so you can rebuild your career on your terms.
Lifetime medical and long-term care benefits
If you suffered catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, or amputations, you could require ongoing care for the rest of your life. We work closely with medical experts to forecast future treatment costs and push for coverage that accounts for your long-term needs.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries on Long Island
While every job comes with some level of risk, many accidents happen because employers or insurers fail to take safety seriously.
Frequent accident types we see in workers’ comp claims include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or slick surfaces
Common in construction and warehouse settings, these can lead to broken bones, spinal injuries, or worse.
- Struck-by injuries
These include falling objects, moving machinery, or being hit by a vehicle, especially in road construction or logistics.
- Overexertion or lifting injuries
Heavy lifting, repetitive strain, or improper equipment can cause back injuries and herniated discs.
- Slip-and-falls on unsafe surfaces
Spilled liquids, debris, or icy walkways cause serious injuries in both office and industrial settings.
- Vehicle accidents while on duty
Delivery drivers, utility workers, and other on-the-road employees are at risk of collisions and rollovers.
- Equipment-related accidents
Machinery malfunctions, missing safeguards, or lack of proper training often lead to amputations, lacerations, or crush injuries.
- Exposure to toxic substances
In construction, cleaning, or lab work, long-term exposure can result in occupational diseases like respiratory illness or cancer.
In many cases, these injuries are preventable. When an employer ignores safety, the workers unfairly pay the biggest price.
Common Workplace Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
An injury doesn’t have to be dramatic to be debilitating. Whether it’s a sudden accident or damage that builds up over time, the workers’ compensation system covers a wide range of injuries.
Examples of injuries that qualify for workers’ comp in New York
- Back and neck injuries from lifting, twisting, or falling
- Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel or tendonitis
- Burns, whether chemical, electrical, or thermal
- Fractures and broken bones caused by falls or impacts
- Amputations or crush injuries from machinery
- Shoulder and knee injuries, including rotator cuff and ligament tears
- Vision or hearing loss caused by loud noise or workplace debris
- Traumatic brain injuries from falls or struck-by incidents
- Workplace-related illnesses, including occupational asthma or toxic exposure conditions
- Mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression tied to traumatic workplace events
Challenges to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Long Island
Many workers start their workers’ compensation claim trusting that their employer and the insurance company will do the right thing.
But too often, that trust doesn’t pay off.
Insurance companies focus on limiting payouts. Employers may downplay your injury to avoid higher premiums. And the system itself can be full of confusing paperwork and strict deadlines that trip up even the most diligent worker. At the same time, workers’ compensation fraud—whether committed by employers, employees, or providers—adds another layer of scrutiny to every claim, often making the process more adversarial than supportive.
Common issues that derail claims include:
- Your injury is denied as “not work-related.”
- The insurance company delays approving medical treatment
- You’re pressured to return to work too soon
- Your wage benefits are too low—or stop altogether without warning
- The approved doctor minimizes your injuries
- You miss a filing deadline because no one explained the rules
At The Perecman Firm, we deal with these tactics every day—and we fight back. We know how the system works and how to overcome the obstacles insurers throw in your path. Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, late payments, or confusing paperwork, we’re ready to step in and get you the benefits you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation for Public Employees and Union Workers
Not all workers face the same process when injured on the job. If you’re a government employee, school staff member, or union worker, your benefits may fall under different rules or negotiated agreements.
We represent:
- Police officers and firefighters covered under special statutes
- Transit workers under MTA or LIRR claims
- Teachers and school employees with union-based benefits
- Municipal employees with additional retirement or disability systems
Our attorneys understand the nuances of public sector claims and can coordinate with your union representatives or benefits administrators to ensure no stone is left unturned, including addressing concerns about whether an employee can be fired while on workers’ compensation.
Third-Party Lawsuits in Workplace Injury Cases
Generally, New York law prevents you from suing your employer for a work injury or illness. Lawsuits are what workers’ compensation insurance aims to prevent. However, if someone else caused or contributed to your accident, you may have a third-party claim for additional compensation.
Third parties who may be held liable may include:
- A subcontractor on your job site
- The manufacturer of defective equipment
- A property owner who failed to fix a hazard
- A reckless driver who hit you while you were working
Unlike workers’ compensation, a third-party lawsuit allows you to recover for pain and suffering, future lost earnings, and other non-economic damages. If we see an opportunity to pursue both types of claims, we will aggressively pursue your compensation of both fronts.
When Should You Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
It’s easy to hope things will work out on their own. You might assume your employer will have your back or that the insurance company will pay fairly. But if your benefits are delayed, denied, or underpaid, the consequences fall entirely on you.
That’s why it’s critical to act fast.
You should speak to a Long Island workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible if you find yourself in one of these situations:
- Your employer refuses to report your injury
- Your injury is disputed or denied by the insurance company
- You're not getting paid while out of work
- You’re being pressured to return to work too soon
- You don’t understand what benefits you’re entitled to
- You’ve been assigned a doctor who downplays your condition
- You’re worried about permanent disability or long-term care
- Your condition has worsened but your benefits haven’t changed
- You’re considering a lump-sum settlement offer
- You believe a third party may also be responsible for your injuries
Even if you haven’t experienced issues yet, consulting with an attorney early gives you peace of mind—and a better chance at recovering full benefits.
What to Expect From a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
We know that receiving workers’ comp benefits isn’t as easy as filing a claim. From your first phone call, our team will explain what to expect, we will take over the paperwork and phone calls, and work aggressively to remove all the obstacles so that you can focus on getting better.
Here's how The Perecman Firm supports you at every step:
- We investigate how your injury happened and document every detail
- We file your claim correctly and on time
- We help you get treatment with doctors who understand your condition
- We communicate directly with insurers so you don’t have to
- We fight denied claims and appeal bad decisions
- We calculate lost wages, medical costs, and future care accurately
- We review any settlement offers and negotiate aggressively
- We explore additional avenues for compensation if third parties were involved
Why Hire The Perecman Firm for Your Long Island Workers’ Compensation Case?
At The Perecman Firm, you’re not just another case. You’re family. We bring the full force of our experience, our resources, and our relentless drive to every claim, whether you’re a construction worker injured by a falling object or a delivery driver hurt in a traffic accident.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Track record of results: We’ve recovered nearly a billion dollars for injured New Yorkers, including multi-million-dollar verdicts for construction site falls and struck-by injuries. See our results.
- Award-winning legal team: Our trial lawyers are nationally recognized. Explore our awards.
- Relentless representation: We investigate every detail, build airtight cases, and push hard for maximum compensation.
- We treat you like family: Your case is personal to us. We stand by your side from start to finish and beyond.
Whether you live in Hempstead, Islip, Huntington, Brookhaven, or anywhere across Long Island, we’re here to fight for you.
Speak With a Long Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
A work injury can derail your life, but it doesn’t have to define your future. If you're struggling to get the benefits you’re owed or you’re unsure of where to start, we’re here to help.
From the loading docks in Farmingdale to the construction sites in Riverhead, the teachers in Mineola to the warehouse crews in Ronkonkoma, Long Island workers keep our communities running.
At The Perecman Firm honor the vital role you play in our community. We fight for injured workers and their families because no one should have to fight for their families and their future alone. Whether you’ve been seriously hurt on the job or have lost someone you love, we’re here to make things right. Call (516) 268-0130 or schedule your free case review now