Workers’ Compensation for Essential Workers New York, NY
We are grateful and frankly humbled by the sheer volume of people who are risking their own health and safety to take care of others. We stand in awe of the entire health care industry that have stood strong against the COVID-19 attack. We are amazed by the essential workers like transit workers, supermarket employees and food and service workers who have continued to put themselves in harm’s way to keep things as “normal” as possible for those at home under the Governor’s stay at home order.
In these unprecedented and uncertain times, we at Polsky, Shouldice, and Rosen, P.C. have been doing all we can to make sure that our firm has been able to continue to protect the rights and interests of our clients. Hearings are continuing by phone and computer video and our office is running to make sure that the injured workers we are proud to represent can continue to receive their benefits, both monetary and medical.
The scope of COVID-19 and the effects on New York State is hard to believe. We have gotten many calls from people working in essential jobs with concerns about their health and the health of their families. From questions about the payment of medical bills and replacing lost wages while out sick from work to addressing the loss of loved ones to this terrible pandemic, COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on our workforce. It is vitally important that those affected deserve to be protected. As this is something the law has never seen before, there is still some uncertainty about who will be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. However, we have come up with some recommendations we believe “front line” and “essential” workers should follow if you’ve contracted or been diagnosed with COVID-19:
- Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. While it is always better to have a written record of the notification, oral notification to a supervisor or boss is also acceptable.
- File a C-3 with the Workers’ Compensation Board to stop the statute of limitations from running.
- See a doctor and get a medical report from the doctor tying the COVID-19 diagnosis with your work as an “essential” or “front line” worker.
- Get a free consultation on your claim. We always have an attorney available to speak with at 516-594-0909 or 718-875-0909.
Much like the response to COVID-19 itself, the law is constantly changing. We pride ourselves in remaining at the forefront protecting the rights of our clients and will continue to do everything we can to help those who help others. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Stay Safe,
Your Friends at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C.
