New York law states that every employer is required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees who are injured on the job. These benefits help provide income and medical care while the employee is recovering. You will need to promptly file a valid claim to be able to collect these benefits. Workers compensation benefits include financial compensation equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wages at the time of your accident, necessary medical treatment costs, and additional financial compensation for extremity injuries, such as damage to hands or legs. In addition, in many cases, you will be able to bring a lawsuit to recover additional benefits and compensation for your injury.
Your possible recovery will depend on who is responsible for causing your accident (including third-parties such as contractors, co-workers, manufacturers and property owners), the facts of your case, the insurance available, and the extent of your injury. Damages recoverable in a lawsuit include financial compensation for present and predicted future medical treatment, lost wages and diminished future earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life activities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Thorough investigation of your case by an experienced construction accident attorney will be needed to help you determine your best possible options for complete recovery.