Oyster Bay Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Serious Job Injuries and Illnesses
Trusted legal help for injured workers and families across Oyster Bay and Nassau County
No one heads into work expecting to get hurt – but when a job-related injury or illness turns your world upside down, it’s important to have a plan. Whether you were injured working construction along Route 106, making deliveries through Oyster Bay Cove, or pulling a double shift at a grocery store in East Norwich, the aftermath is often the same: medical bills, missed paychecks, and more questions than answers. New York’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to provide support, but it often feels built to stall, confuse, or deny hardworking people the benefits they’ve earned. And when a workplace incident leads to a tragic loss, surviving family members deserve full death benefits – without jumping through hoops.
Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP has represented injured workers in Oyster Bay and across New York for over 90 years. Our team understands how difficult it is to navigate a system that seems designed to wear you down. We handle every aspect of your workers’ compensation case – filing claims, appealing denials, coordinating medical evidence – and we also pursue third-party lawsuits and Social Security Disability benefits when negligence or long-term disability is involved.
If you were hurt doing your job, you deserve every dollar of support available under the law. Contact us for a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney who knows how to make the system work for you. You pay nothing unless we win.
FAQs About Workers’ Compensation Claims in Oyster Bay
When you’re dealing with a work-related injury or illness in Oyster Bay, having the right information – straight from a trusted legal authority – can make all the difference in securing the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. The FAQ below from Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP is here to help provide you with useful information so you can move forward with confidence. And if you have a specific question about a possible workers’ compensation case, simply contact us to learn more about your legal options, free of charge.
- What steps should I take immediately after a work injury in Oyster Bay?
- What kinds of injuries or illnesses qualify for workers’ compensation in Oyster Bay?
- Does workers’ compensation cover repetitive strain or overuse injuries?
- What if I was injured on the job in a shared area like a loading dock or parking lot?
- Can I still get benefits if I was partly at fault for my injury?
- How do I report a work-related injury or illness to my employer in Oyster Bay?
- What kinds of benefits does New York workers’ compensation provide?
- What if my employer or their insurance company denies my workers’ comp claim?
- How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in New York?
- What are common tactics insurance companies use to delay or underpay valid claims?
- Can I also file a third-party lawsuit if someone else was responsible for my injury?
- What should families know if a loved one died from a work-related injury or illness?
- Are there Oyster Bay industries where serious workplace accidents are more likely?
- Can I qualify for both workers’ comp and Social Security Disability benefits?
- How can an Oyster Bay workers’ compensation lawyer help protect my rights and get full benefits?
What steps should I take immediately after a work injury in Oyster Bay?
Taking the right steps after a workplace injury can make or break your ability to secure benefits. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and makes sure your claim is taken seriously.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if the injury seems minor, documentation matters.
- Report the incident to your employer: Notify a supervisor or manager as soon as possible.
- Document the scene: Take photos, gather names of witnesses, and note unsafe working conditions.
- Follow medical advice: Keep appointments and follow prescribed treatment.
- Request a written report: Ask your employer to formally document your injury.
Following these steps early can prevent disputes later. If things get complicated, a workers’ compensation lawyer can take it from there.
What kinds of injuries or illnesses qualify for workers’ compensation in Oyster Bay?
Workers in Oyster Bay can be exposed to a wide range of injury risks – from construction sites to healthcare facilities to office buildings. If your condition is connected to your job, it may be covered. Such work-related injuries or illnesses often include:
- Traumatic injuries: Broken bones, concussions, cuts, and crush injuries from machinery.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and joint degeneration.
- Occupational illnesses: Exposure to mold, chemicals, or poor ventilation leading to lung damage.
- Back and neck injuries: From lifting, slipping, or improper equipment use.
- Mental health conditions: In some cases, work-related stress or PTSD may be compensable.
Even less obvious conditions may qualify. An Oyster Bay workers’ comp lawyer can help show how your injury is job-related and fight to get it recognized.
Does workers’ compensation cover repetitive strain or overuse injuries?
Yes, New York workers’ compensation includes financial compensation and other workers’ comp benefits for repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and conditions that develop gradually over time. This is important for workers in jobs involving heavy lifting, constant motion, or computer-based tasks – such as warehouse employees near the Syosset Industrial Park or office staff along Route 25. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic lower back pain are all commonly covered. These cases can be harder to prove, so working with a lawyer can make a big difference in getting the claim accepted.
What if I was injured on the job in a shared area like a loading dock or parking lot?
Injuries that happen in shared or common areas – like a delivery bay in Hicksville or a parking lot off South Street – are often covered under workers’ comp if you were doing something related to your job at the time. However, these incidents can sometimes involve third-party liability if the property owner or another company failed to maintain the area safely. It’s critical to document the scene and determine who controlled the space. A lawyer can help investigate responsibility and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Can I still get benefits if I was partly at fault for my injury?
Yes. New York has a no-fault workers’ compensation system, which means you can still receive benefits even if your injury was partially your fault. Whether you misjudged a step at a job site on Jericho Turnpike or lifted something improperly while stocking shelves in Oyster Bay Cove, you’re still entitled to medical care and wage benefits. Employers and insurers may try to use fault to limit claims, so having an attorney on your side can help ensure you’re treated fairly.
How do I report a work-related injury or illness to my employer in Oyster Bay?
New York law requires prompt notification of your employer, but many injured workers aren’t sure how or when to report. Here’s how to protect your rights from the start:
- Notify your employer within 30 days: Sooner is better – verbal notice is acceptable, but written is stronger and leaves no room for error.
- Submit form C-3 to the Workers’ Compensation Board: This is your formal claim.
- Keep copies of everything: Emails, texts, forms, and injury reports should be saved.
- Get witnesses on record: If someone saw your injury, their statement could help.
- Ask for a copy of the workplace injury report: Your employer should provide one.
If your employer resists or delays documentation, that’s a red flag – and a lawyer can step in to protect your claim.
What kinds of benefits does New York workers’ compensation provide?
New York workers’ comp covers more than just medical care. If you’ve been hurt in Oyster Bay, you may be eligible for several forms of financial and practical assistance.
- Medical treatment: Coverage for doctor visits, surgery, rehab, and prescriptions.
- Wage replacement: Temporary or permanent disability payments based on your income.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Job training if you can’t return to your previous role.
- Mileage and travel costs: Reimbursement for medical travel expenses.
- Death benefits: Payments to surviving family members in fatal workplace accidents.
The benefits are there – but getting full access often takes legal muscle if the claim is contested.
What if my employer or their insurance company denies my workers’ comp claim?
Denials are unfortunately common, even for valid claims. If your employer or insurer pushes back, you still have options:
- Request a hearing: File a request for a hearing with the Workers’ Compensation Board.
- Gather stronger medical evidence: Updated records or an independent exam may help.
- Get witness statements: Especially if conditions at work contributed to your injury.
- Appeal through the board: There are multiple stages to challenge a denial.
- Work with an attorney: Legal representation dramatically improves your chances.
A denial isn’t the end – it’s often the start of the real fight, and legal help can make that fight winnable in a battle involving workers’ compensation benefits in New York.
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in New York?
You must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury and file your claim with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board within two years. The clock starts ticking from the date of the injury – or from when you first knew your illness was work-related, which often applies to conditions like exposure-related illnesses in industrial or custodial roles. Delays can seriously jeopardize your case. A lawyer can help make sure you meet all deadlines and don’t get tripped up by technicalities.
What are common tactics insurance companies use to delay or underpay valid claims?
Insurance companies don’t make money by paying claims quickly. Many use delay-and-deny strategies to minimize their financial exposure.
- Requesting endless documentation: Repeated demands for paperwork you’ve already submitted.
- Sending you to their own doctor: Who may downplay or dispute your diagnosis.
- Delaying decisions: Hoping you’ll give up or return to work out of desperation.
- Blaming pre-existing conditions: Even when the work injury clearly made things worse.
- Making low settlement offers: Before you understand the full extent of your injury.
Knowing these tactics is the first step. A lawyer can shield you from bad faith moves and make sure your rights are protected and demand the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
Can I also file a third-party lawsuit if someone else was responsible for my injury?
If someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may have a third-party claim. This is common on construction sites in and around Oyster Bay, where contractors, equipment manufacturers, or delivery drivers from outside companies may be involved. A third-party lawsuit can provide compensation beyond what workers’ comp offers – like pain and suffering or full lost wages. An experienced attorney can identify who may be liable (legally responsible) and pursue additional claims on your behalf. If you do decide to file a third-party lawsuit, keep in mind that you don’t have to choose between a third-party claim and workers’ comp. You can receive both. One type of claim does not cancel out the other.
What should families know if a loved one died from a work-related injury or illness?
A fatal workplace accident or illness is devastating – and the benefits process can feel overwhelming in the middle of grief. New York provides specific compensation for survivors.
- Death benefits for dependents: Weekly payments to a spouse and/or children.
- Funeral expenses: A portion of burial and service costs may be covered.
- Lump sum settlements: In some cases, a one-time payment may be offered.
- Third-party wrongful death claims: When someone other than the employer was at fault.
- Legal support for claim filing and appeals: Ensuring no benefits are overlooked.
You shouldn’t have to carry this burden alone. A compassionate attorney can help your family pursue what’s rightfully yours.
Are there Oyster Bay industries where serious workplace accidents are more likely?
Yes. Some jobs in Oyster Bay carry higher injury risks due to the nature of the work or the environment. Knowing these can help workers – and their families – understand their exposure. Industries where workers often face a higher risk of sustaining a workplace injury in Oyster Bay include:
- Construction and building trades: Like those along Route 106 and Bayville Road.
- Warehousing and distribution centers: With heavy equipment and long shifts.
- Healthcare and elder care: High rates of overexertion, patient handling injuries, and infections.
- Municipal and public works: Road crews, sanitation, and maintenance departments.
- Retail and food service: Slips, burns, and repetitive strain are common in these fast-paced jobs.
Workers in these industries deserve full protection under the law. If you’ve been hurt, speak with a lawyer who understands the risks – and who can help you fight back.
Can I qualify for both workers’ comp and Social Security Disability benefits?
Yes, you can potentially receive both, especially if your work-related injury or illness leads to a long-term or permanent disability. However, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits may be reduced depending on the amount you receive from workers’ comp. This situation is common for workers in physically demanding jobs in Oyster Bay – such as sanitation, maintenance, or healthcare – who cannot return to work. A lawyer can help coordinate your claims so you receive the maximum possible benefits from both programs or even from additional possible funding sources.
How can an Oyster Bay workers’ compensation lawyer help protect my rights and get full benefits?
New York’s workers’ compensation system can be confusing, and it’s not always fair to the injured worker. A skilled attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
- File and manage your claim: Making sure it’s done correctly and completely.
- Gather and present medical evidence: To support your case and challenge employer objections.
- Represent you at hearings: Before the Workers’ Compensation Board or during appeals.
- Pursue third-party claims: If another company or contractor was at fault.
- Maximize your settlement or benefits: Making sure you don’t leave money on the table.
Legal help isn’t just about paperwork – it’s about making the system work for you, not against you.
Talk to an experienced Oyster Bay workers’ compensation attorney today
If you were hurt doing your job, you shouldn’t have to fight on your own for the benefits and compensation you’ve already earned. At Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP, we’ve spent over 90 years standing up for hardworking New Yorkers in Oyster Bay and across the state. Our legal team knows how to handle insurance delays, denials, and complex claims – and we don’t get paid unless you do.
Schedule your free consultation now and speak with an Oyster Bay workers’ compensation attorney who knows how to make the system work for you. Contact us today.