Worker’s Compensation Specialist

What kind of issues are covered under workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation covers accidents that clearly happen on the job — such as a fall, machine-related injury, or laceration. Other work issues fall under workers’ compensation, including:

• Carpal tunnel from poor ergonomics
• Heart attacks from work stress
• Eye injuries due to airborne irritants
• Hernias and back pain as a result of lifting heavy objects
• Hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises over a long period of time
  
  

Any condition that you feel has developed due to your job requirements or work conditions should be brought to the attention of your human resources department and the state Workers’ Compensation Board.

What benefits does workers’ compensation provide?

Your workers’ compensation benefits match your injury and needs. If you miss work because of your injury, for example, you’re entitled to receive lost wages and compensation for medical care.

Workers’ compensation may step in and provide support if your injury makes it so you can’t return to work or you must move to a lower-paying position. You may qualify for job retraining funds if your injury makes a job change necessary.

Workers’ compensation benefits should also cover transportation to and from medical treatment as well as any prescriptions required to treat your condition. You may also qualify for new glasses, contacts, hearing aids, or prosthetics if needed.

Is my injury is serious enough to file a claim?

You should report your injury and be evaluated by medical professionals, like the team at CPI Physicians, as soon as possible regardless of the perceived severity of the incident.

If you should develop complications later, such as whiplash due to a fender bender while driving a work vehicle, you’re covered.

According to workers’ compensation guidelines, refusing treatment or failing to report your accident in a timely manner means you may lose your rights and benefits. In New York, an injured employee must inform their employer, in writing, within 30 days after the date of the accident.

If you’ve developed an occupational disease, you must make the notification within two years of knowing of your condition. 

If you’re injured as a result of your job, file a workers’ compensation claim and visit PCI Physicians for an evaluation. Call the office or schedule your appointment using the online tool.