One of the most important questions injured employees have about the workers’ compensation program is “how long is this going to take?” While the system is designed to be much faster than filing a personal injury suit, there are deadlines to meet and paperwork to file, which could take a few weeks. Each case is different, but here is a basic breakdown of a claims timeline in New York.

4 Steps of the Workers’ Compensation Process

1. Immediately After Your Injury

As soon as you’ve been hurt, notify your supervisor of the accident and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. In New York, you also have to notify your employers in writing within 30 days of the injury, or your diagnosis if you’re filing a claim for a work-related illness.

2. Within 48 Hours

Your doctor is an integral part of the workers’ compensation process. Within 48 hours of your initial visit, they’ll send a detailed report to your employer, the state workers’ compensation board, and your attorney.

3. Within Two Weeks

Depending on the circumstances, your employer’s insurance company might approve your application right away, in which case you could receive your first benefits check within two weeks. Whether or not they approve your claim, the insurer has to mail you written notice of your rights within 14 days.

4. Within 18 Days

In New York, insurers have 18 days to either approve your claim or file a dispute. If they decide to fight the claims, the insurer must explain its reasons to you, your attorney, and the workers’ compensation board.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing, especially if you’re recovering from a serious injury. Vincent J. Criscuolo & Associates will guide you through every step of the process, offering a level of service that has made them one of the Nation’s Top One Percent, according to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Visit their website to learn more about their workers' compensation services, or call (585) 232-3240 to schedule your free consultation today.