New York's Maximum Workers' Compensation Benefits Increased

The ceiling for workers' comp benefits is on the rise in New York. Weekly benefit payouts could potentially increase for thousands of workers' compensation claimants. The benefit increase is part of an adjustment that NY regulators consider each year. This is welcomed news, as adjustments are needed frequently to accommodate inflation and the rising cost of living for New Yorkers.

New York's workers' comp system helps people survive financially when they experience a workplace accident or work-related illness. Unfortunately, New York's workers' compensation system does not always run as smoothly as it should.

Each year, thousands of people are wrongfully denied benefits for their legitimate work-related injuries. Insurers and employers often wish to minimize costs, so meritorious claims may be rejected. In fact, a worker's comp claimant may have to endure a complex appeals process just to obtain the benefits he is entitled to.

Another common problem is the delay in obtaining workers' comp benefits. An injured worker may quickly sustain a massive amount of post-injury debt. Hospital bills and rehabilitation bills may quickly accumulate, all while the injured worker is missing his occupational income.

A reputable workers' comp attorney can help applicants obtain their benefits while avoiding undue delay. New York's workers' compensation system is full of pitfalls and shortcomings; an experienced lawyer is aware of these obstacles and can help the claimant avoid being victimized by them. A knowledgeable attorney also recognizes opportunities for his clients to obtain additional Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or file a third-party claim against an at-fault party.

Source: insurancejournal.com, "New York Workers' Compensation Cost Hike Approved," July 20, 2011.