Testimonials

"In April of 2001 I was crushed between two vehicles. I had the good fortune to find the excellent law offices of Silverman, Silverman & Seligman PC to handle my comp case. They were quick, on top of everything, and always made sure that my needs were met. I would and have recommended Silverman Law to anyone who needs representation. They work for you and with you.
John L.

"I have been very, very satisfied with the work that firm has done for me since 1993. Workers’ Comp can be very confusing and the insurance carrier always had a representative present. I am very glad that I did. I have and will continue to recommend the firm to anyone I know."
Albert M.

"Sunny Lee was very supportive as she sat with me before my social security hearing to help me stay calm and collected. She was able to present all the necessary information during the hearing in a manner that was clearly approved by the Administrative Law Judge. She had a great rapport with the ALJ and that couldn’t have hurt! Thank you Silverman Law.
Wanda H.

"I want to say that I am very satisfied with your services. Every time I ran into a problem and contacted your office it was resolved. This is a complicated process and you helped me through it. I would highly recommend you to others in need of an attorney for Workers' Comp.
Nancy H.

"I am extremely satisfied with Silverman Law. They have represented me on two separate claims and should I be unlucky enough to have other accidents, they will represent me in those cases also. I have recommended them highly to anyone I know in need of an attorney to handle a workers’ comp or social security matter.
Wilfred D.

"When my husband died in an occupational injury Silverman Law provided the support and direction that the family needed in obtaining workers’ compensation benefits and was instrumental in the successful settlement of a law suit that arose out of the accident. Over the years, I have had an opportunity to work with each of the attorneys and it has always gone very well. They have been there for us and succeeded in getting us maximum benefits with the least amount of distress. I would highly recommend Silverman Law to anyone injured in a work related accident.
Ruth C.

"You've done nothing but help me from the beginning. A compensation case can go in many directions and get mired down without moving forward. Silverman Law is able to step back and review the entire procedure, and more importantly, how it will interact with my claim for SSD and a possible law suit. It is of little benefit if benefits received in one forum are deducted from the amount received in another. It all has to fit and with the help of Silverman Law, I was able to get an excellent settlement.
Patrick G.

"Compensation cases are long procedures and the attorneys and staff of Silverman Law helped me tremendously to get through the process. When things are going well, it is easy but when obstacles show up, and they will, having Silverman Law on my side made all the difference. Recently the case came together and Silverman Law was able to negotiate a very nice settlement. Contracts have been signed and we are awaiting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. I would highly recommend Silverman Law.
Helen P.

"I was injured on the job in 1991 and retained Silverman Law (then Silverman, Silverman & Seligman, P.C.) in 1992. For the last 17 years they have represented me on my claim before the Workers’ Comp Board and many years later they represented me in my claim for Social Security Disability which was initially denied. After appearing before the Social Security Administrative Law Judge they were successful in reversing the decision so that I was granted SSD benefits. Now it is 2009 and I am having additional problems and have recently had additional surgery as a result of my 1992 work injury. Silverman Law will be with me again. I have referred other injured workers to their office and will continue to do so.
Marilyn B.

"I learned that you were developing a new web page and that you were including testimonials and I very much want to be included. As is common, I have had more than one injury on the job and there will always be a debate as to who is responsible for what. Getting approval for medical treatment is so important. Silverman Law has been there on my side since day one and they are still helping me as I undergo additional treatment, some of which was initially denied by the carrier. I am very happy to recommend Silverman Law.
Ann C.

"I suffered a work accident and injured various parts of my body. While the carrier accepted part of my claim they fought other parts. There were a number of complex issues and the insurance carrier is ALWAYS represented. I understand that the law actually REQUIRES the carrier to be represented. It is a mistake to go in against them without your own attorney. Silverman Law was with me all the way and succeeded in getting the benefits and treatment that I was entitled to. We are settling my case at a higher amount than I had anticipated. I would definitely use Silverman law again and recommend that others do so also.
John L.

Bold labels are required.

• What do I need to show to obtain Workers Compensation benefits?

  
  In order to obtain compensation benefits you need to document that you were an employee, that an accident occurred during the course of your employment (or you developed an "occupational disease" during the course of your employment), that you gave notice to your employer within 30 days of the accident and that you filed your claim for benefits within two years of the date of the accident. There are some exceptions to these requirements which should be discussed with your attorney in detail.

• If the administrative law judge directs the carrier to pay my medical bills and to pay me compensation benefits, and the carriers still objects, what happens?

  
  If a carrier believes that there are grounds for an appeal they may file such an appeal within 30 days to the Workers Compensation board. Pending the resolution of that appeal in most instances the carrier is not required to pay medical bills or make biweekly payments to the Claimant as directed by the administrative law judge.

• Am I required by law to have an attorney?

  
  No. But bear in mind that the insurance carrier is mandated by law to have an attorney or a licensed representative appear at every hearing. These attorneys and licensed representatives often have years of experience, have handled thousands of hearings and are well versed in representing the carrier's point of view. While there is no similar statute requiring the Claimant to be represented, we would highly recommend that they retain counsel. Silverman Law has decades of experience in representing Claimants.

• The carrier argues that my condition was pre-existing. I don't think that it was but even so I never had these symptoms. What should I do?

  
  This question of a pre-existing asymptomatic (unnoticed) condition which is made symptomatic by a work-related accident has been decided by both the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York State and the New York State Court of Appeals.

• Can I collect both Workers Compensation and the Social Security Disability benefits at the same time?

  
  Yes. If you qualify you may indeed collect both Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability benefits. While Workers Compensation is not reduced because of Social Security Disability payments, your Social Security Disability payments may indeed be reduced because of your Workers Compensation benefits.

Silverman, Silverman & Seligman, P.C.
527 State St.
Schenectady NY 12305
Phone: 518-631-4521
Toll Free: 877-851-4319
Fax: 518-374-4338