Injured at Work? You May Be Entitled to More Than Just Workers’ Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job in New York, you likely know that workers’ compensation is available to cover some of your medical expenses and lost wages. But what many workers don’t realize is that they may be entitled to significantly more compensation — especially if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury.
At O’Connor & Partners, PLLC, our seasoned job-related injury lawyers help injured workers across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region recover the full financial compensation they deserve. Whether you were hurt in a construction accident, warehouse incident, or slip and fall at work, we can help.
Common Causes of Job-Related Injuries in New York
Every year, thousands of New Yorkers are hurt on the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 129,000 workplace injuries were reported in New York State in a recent year.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs
- Slip and fall accidents on wet or uneven surfaces
- Machinery malfunctions or equipment-related injuries
- Falling objects on construction sites or warehouses
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Motor vehicle accidents during work-related travel
- Overexertion or repetitive stress injuries
- Assaults or violence in the workplace
No matter how your injury occurred, you have legal rights — and we are here to protect them.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in New York
New York law requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover injuries that happen “in the course of employment.”
Workers’ comp provides:
- Medical care for injury-related treatment
- Partial wage replacement if you miss work
- Permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits for families of fatally injured workers
However, workers’ comp has serious limitations:
- It does not cover pain and suffering
- You cannot sue your employer for additional damages
- Benefits may not fully compensate you for long-term disability or lost earning capacity
Can I Sue If I Was Hurt at Work?
Yes — in many cases. While New York law typically prohibits you from suing your employer, you can bring a personal injury lawsuit against any third party whose negligence caused or contributed to your injury.
Examples of third-party claims include:
- Defective equipment or machinery (product liability)
- Negligent drivers in work-related auto accidents
- Subcontractors or property owners on construction sites
- Unsafe premises owned or maintained by another business
Unlike workers’ comp, these lawsuits allow for full compensation, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Full lost wages and future income
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Types of Job-Related Injury Cases We Handle
At O’Connor & Partners, our experienced attorneys represent injured workers in cases involving:
✅ Construction Accidents
Falls, crane accidents, electrocution, and injuries from noncompliance with New York’s Labor Law 240 (Scaffold Law).
✅ Warehouse & Manufacturing Injuries
Forklift accidents, conveyor belt injuries, or repetitive stress trauma caused by poor working conditions.
✅ Healthcare Worker Injuries
Nurses, CNAs, and aides frequently suffer from back injuries, slips, and patient-related accidents.
✅ Transportation-Related Accidents
Truck drivers, delivery workers, and utility employees injured while driving or riding for work.
✅ Workplace Assaults or Toxic Exposure
Violence or exposure to chemicals due to employer negligence or lack of safety precautions.
Why You Need a Job-Related Injury Lawyer
Navigating a job injury claim can be complex — especially if multiple parties are involved or your injury has long-term effects. Insurance companies and employers often minimize, delay, or deny valid claims.
Our attorneys will:
- Investigate your injury and determine if third-party liability exists
- Fight for full compensation beyond what workers’ comp offers
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies
- Represent you in court, if necessary
- Coordinate with your workers’ comp attorney if you already have one
You don’t need to face the system alone — we’ll be your legal ally every step of the way.
What Should I Do After a Workplace Injury?
- Report your injury to your supervisor or employer immediately
- Seek medical treatment from an authorized provider
- Document everything – including witness names, incident photos, and time missed from work
- File a workers’ compensation claim (Form C-3) with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board
- Contact O’Connor & Partners, PLLC to explore all your legal options
Serving Injured Workers Across the Hudson Valley & Capital Region
Our offices in Poughkeepsie, Kingston, and Newburgh serve clients across:
- Dutchess County
- Ulster County
- Orange County
- Albany
- Saratoga County
- Hudson Valley & surrounding areas
We offer:
✅ Free consultations
✅ No fees unless we win
✅ Proven results with multimillion-dollar settlements
✅ Compassionate, dedicated legal support
Contact O’Connor & Partners, PLLC Today
If you’ve suffered a serious workplace injury, you deserve more than just workers’ comp. Let our experienced job-related injury lawyers fight to get you everything you’re entitled to — and help you move forward with confidence.