If you’ve been hurt on the job, understanding your rights is crucial, and one of the most important rights you have is the ability to be represented by legal counsel. Whether you’re seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or permanent injuries, navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex. That’s where a Work Comp Lawyer Near Me can make a significant difference.
In New York State, you are entitled to choose an attorney or a licensed representative to advocate for you in your workers’ compensation claim. To assist you in finding the right legal support, resources are available. The New York State Bar Association and the Injured Workers’ Bar Association both offer online tools to help you locate a lawyer in your vicinity who specializes in workers’ compensation law. These directories can be invaluable in your search for a work comp lawyer near me who understands the intricacies of New York law.
It’s also important to know that in New York, non-attorneys can be licensed by the Workers’ Compensation Board to represent claimants. These licensed representatives undergo an examination to ensure they possess a thorough understanding of the Workers’ Compensation Law and the Board’s rules and regulations. Regardless of whether you choose an attorney or a licensed representative, you have options for skilled advocacy.
A significant benefit for injured workers is that your attorney or licensed representative is not paid directly by you. Instead, if your case results in a monetary award, your representative can request a legal fee. This fee is subject to approval by the Workers’ Compensation Board. Once approved, the legal fee is deducted from your award and paid directly to your attorney or licensed representative by the insurance carrier. This arrangement ensures that you can access legal representation without upfront costs.
For injured workers facing “medical-only” cases, meaning cases that do not involve financial compensation for lost wages or permanent injury, there may be avenues for free legal representation. The Injured Workers Legal Assistance Project (Injured Workers Legal Assistance Project) can provide crucial support in these situations, ensuring access to justice for all injured workers, regardless of the nature of their claim.
Disclaimer:
Please note that the New York Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) remains neutral and does not endorse or recommend any specific lawyers or licensed representatives. Furthermore, the Board does not endorse the Injured Workers’ Bar Association (IWBA), the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), their affiliates, the attorneys listed on their websites, or any content found on those websites.
The Board functions solely as an informational resource and is not a lawyer referral service. Using the Board site, the IWBA site, or the NYSBA site does not establish any attorney-client or confidential relationship.
The Workers’ Compensation Board has not conducted investigations into the capabilities of any attorney to handle legal matters and offers no warranties or representations regarding an attorney’s ability to manage any specific legal case.
Before hiring a work comp lawyer near me or any legal representative, it is essential to conduct thorough interviews and investigations into their qualifications to handle your legal matter, ensuring you make an informed decision about your representation.
