Workers’ Compensation for Carpenters Lawyer
A carpenter’s work can be physically demanding and somewhat risky. Carpenters work with tools, machinery, and equipment with sharp or moving parts. If you are a carpenter, you may need to spend long hours standing, bending, kneeling, or even climbing up and down ladders. As you well know, with these daily tasks comes the risk of serious injury.
Every year, carpenters and other construction workers suffer hundreds of injuries while working. If you were among this year’s injured workers, you may find yourself mind-boggled over all the requirements to claim workers’ compensation. And what if you are self-employed as an independent contractor? You may be even more confused about your rights.
We feel for you. The law office of Hill & Moin can help you figure out everything you need to know. We are located at 2 Wall Street, Suite 301, in New York, NY. Why not stop by for some free advice? During a complimentary workers’ compensation work injury case evaluation, one of our experienced lawyers will review your case and explain your legal options.
You already knew that the nature of your carpentry job can put you in dangerous situations. Nevertheless, you don’t have to let a work injury destroy you. Let’s examine your rights as an injured construction worker or independent contractor.
How to Claim Your Rights as a Construction Carpenter
New York law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. After an accident, inform your employer and obtain medical treatment. Except for emergency situations, you are expected to use an authorized health care provider.
Depending on the cost of your medical expenses and lost wages, your employer may choose to pay for treatment directly or contact his or her insurer within 10 days of when the injury occurred. By law, carpenters should receive copies of all written communications relating to the accident.
In the next 30 days, submit a written notification to the company (or employer) with the details of when, where, and how you were injured. Within 18 days of your employer’s report, you should start receiving your benefit payments if you missed more than 7 days of work for recovery or medical treatments.
If something goes wrong, you will need the advice of a lawyer who knows how workers’ compensation law protects carpenters. It won’t take long to learn what your workers’ comp claim is worth and how to appeal a rejected application. Contact us to schedule a free legal consultation with a legal professional today.
How to Claim Your Rights as a Self-Employed or Volunteer Carpenter
Injured volunteers for nonprofit organizations who receive no compensation, including room and board, for their carpentry work are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Otherwise, current workers’ compensation laws state that “any person performing services for a contractor is presumed to be an employee of that contractor.” Therefore, if you were injured while working for another contractor, even as a contractor, you are considered as an employee under workers’ compensation law.
You should be aware that employers who violate these rules and try to deny your claims may be subject to criminal prosecution and fines. You don’t have to endure unfair treatment; instead, find out how Hill & Moin can care for your needs by calling us at 646.762.1234. We will fight to get you the compensation you are entitled to as an employee.
If you are a volunteer or self-employed carpenter, you need to report your claim to your individual health insurance or public liability insurance. A Hill & Moin lawyer can help you check your coverage to see how you can get compensation for your medical expenses. We can also help you identify any responsible parties who may share financial responsibility for your injury. The liable party may not always be immediately obvious.
How to Recover Fair Damages for Carpenters With Work Injuries
Sometimes, negligence is behind a work injury. If you are a carpenter who was hurt because someone failed to provide or maintain a safe workplace, you deserve compensation. For instance, the law requires commercial property owners to keep working areas reasonably safe for the carpenters working for them. Other potentially liable parties may be other independent contractors, managers, or manufacturers of a tool or piece of equipment you use for your jobs.
When others fail you, you should not have to pay the price for their mistakes. You are entitled to receive damages, which include expenses typically reimbursed by workers’ comp such as medical bills and lost wages.
Our highly respected law firm has helped carpenters like you demand money for pain and suffering from responsible parties:
- $2 million settlement at trial for a union carpenter, who suffered a crushing arm injury caused by a falling form wall on a Manhattan construction site
- $1.2 million settlement for a worker injured in a ladder collapse
- $550,000 settlement for a contractor who was injured on a construction site
Like loyal family members, the personal injury lawyers of are ready to stand by your side when you need us. An experienced Hill & Moin attorney can make sure you don’t get shortchanged. Whether you are a union carpenter or you work for yourself, don’t wonder about your rights! Call us at 646.762.1234 or contact us online for a free carpenter injury case evaluation today.
