How Much Does Workers' Comp Pay In NY?

As a worker in New York State, you should be covered by workers' compensation insurance under your employer. That means that if you are injured performing your work-related duties, you can file a workers' compensation claim to seek benefits while you are recovering from your work-related injury.

It is important to understand that if you are cleared for benefits, it does not mean you will get paid the same amount as your regular paychecks. You will get paid only part of your lost wages. How much you get paid depends on several factors, including your average wages for the previous year and the extent of your disability. 

As a leading New York State workers' compensation law firm, we are extremely knowledgeable about the workers' compensation system. We can help you figure out how much your claim is likely to be worth once approved by the workers' compensation board. 

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, please contact Terry Katz & Associates as soon as possible to speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer at 888-488-7459. Our attorneys will help you understand your rights as an injured worker in New York State.

The Workers' Comp Benefits Calculation for Cash Benefits

According to the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, the calculation for workers' comp benefits is:

2/3 x average weekly wage x % of disability = weekly benefit

Source: wcb.ny.gov

That means that if your average weekly wage was $400 each week and you were partially disabled (50%) you would receive $150.00 a week. If you were fully disabled (100%) then you would receive $266.67. 

If you can go back to work but cannot make the same wages you did previously due to the injury, you can still get benefits - two-thirds of whatever the difference is between your prior wages and your current wages. 

You will not get benefits for the first seven days of your disability unless it lasts longer than two weeks, in which case you would be paid benefits from the first day you were injured. 

Schedule of Benefits in New York State

The state releases a schedule of benefits every July 1 that states how much the weekly maximum benefits can be for an injured worker claiming workers' comp benefits.

Currently, the schedule is:

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Medical Benefits and Workers' Compensation

Since you have been injured, you will definitely require medical treatment. The New York State Workers' Compensation Board states, "The injured or ill worker who is eligible for workers' compensation will receive necessary medical care directly related to the original injury or illness and the recovery from his/her disability." 

New York law requires that your employer's insurance carrier pay for your medical treatment for the injury. However, it is worth noting that you cannot just get your medical treatment from anywhere - you have to get medical treatment from a health care provider that has been authorized by the Workers' Compensation Board. Typically, you will be directed by your employer and/or your employer's insurance company to go seek medical care from a specific provider or location. The insurance carrier will only pay your medical bills if you get treatment at an approved health care provider. 

New York Workers' Compensation Benefits - How it Works

When you are hurt on the job, you will require medical care and you may be unable to work - either partially or completely - for an extended period of time. Your employer's insurance company should pay for your medical care and for a portion of your lost wages. But how do these payments work?

You sustain a work-related injury

It may seem obvious, but it's important to understand that workers' compensation insurance will only kick in if your injury was the result of performing your work-related duties. If the Workers' Compensation Board thinks the injury did not happen through the course of regular work duties - even if it happened at work - the claim will be denied because it was not a work injury. 

You seek medical care and notify your employer of your work-related injury

The exact order of this process will depend on your situation. If you require immediate medical care, you should get it right away and worry about notifying your employer later. If you don't require immediate medical treatment, you can tell your employer about your workplace injury and follow the instructions of your employer when getting medical treatment. 

Your employer files a workers' comp claim

Your employer will be the one to file a workers' comp claim with their insurance carrier. 

Your workers' comp claim will be approved or denied

Your claim may be approved or denied. If it is approved, you will be notified of what your benefits will be. If it is denied, you can file an appeal with the Workers' Compensation Board.

If you are planning on filing an appeal, you definitely want to speak to our New York workers' compensation team. We can help you maximize your chances of having your appeal approved. 

Are You an Injured Worker? Get a Free Consultation with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney About Cash Benefits

Our legal team is passionate about helping injured workers in New York state get their cash benefits – and any other compensation they deserve. Please contact our team today to speak to a workers’ compensation attorney at Terry Katz & Associates about your on-the-job injury and your benefits. We are ready to answer your workers’ comp benefits questions and give you knowledgeable advice about what to do next – including advice on whether you need to file a personal injury claim. Complete the contact form or call 888-488-7459 for immediate assistance.