In a perfect world, every New York workplace would be completely safe for its employees, and no one would have to worry about what will happen to them if they suffer a workplace injury. Unfortunately, this is not a reality, and workplace injuries do occur.
When a workplace injury does occur, an injured worker can rely on workers’ compensation to pay expenses while out of work. In order to collect workers’ compensation, an injured worker must file a claim with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
Recently, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board announced it will modernize the way it accepts and processes claims. Under the old system, it was difficult for different areas of the board to interact. This caused slowdowns, which made it more costly and time-consuming to process claims.
The new system will dramatically change the way claims are filed and processed through the board. The board will move to an electronic system, which will allow for faster processing. Businesses will be able to save money. Workers will have quicker access to medical care. The modernization will also reduce waste and fraud, focus on resolving conflicts between parties, and get rid of paper forms.
Yet while the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board implements all these changes and transitions to the new system, an injured worker could have a difficult time filing for workers’ compensation. Board personnel may also be prone to mistakes that may make the worker ineligible for relief. The help of experienced counsel may make this process easier.
Source: North County Gazette, “Workers’ Comp Board To Modernize,” April 2, 2012