Getting hurt on the job is a very serious matter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 4 million workers were injured on the job in 2005. There were about 5,700 deaths from work injuries that same year. Fortunately, New York State has implemented a workers compensation program, which is meant to give financial protection to workers hurt on the job and easy access to appropriate medical care.
New York State requires employers to provide workers compensation benefits for their employees. If you work for a New York employer, then you are eligible for workers compensation benefits if you are injured in the course of your employment from the moment you begin work. As a matter of fact, safe access to and from work and sometimes travel to and from work can be covered by workers compensation depending on the circumstances. Also, you are eligible for workers compensation regardless of your “alien” status even if you work off the books or are an undocumented worker.
The most important thing to do after you have suffered a work place injury is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Health ALWAYS comes first. Even if you do not think that you have sustained a serious injury, go to a doctor and get properly examined. Many times injuries that may not seem serious initially can develop into a much more dire condition later on. Usually, the sooner you see the doctor, the quicker your injury will be resolved. However, the longer you wait, typically it will take more time for you to achieve wellness.
It is also extremely important to see your doctor as expeditiously as possible after a work injury so that you can get proper documentation. Documentation is crucial when it comes to work related injuries! You MUST see a doctor that is certified by New York State to treat workers compensation patients. If you go to a non-certified doctor, your workers compensation may be invalid. A certified workers compensation doctor will submit timely reports (C-4’s) that will validate your workers compensation claim. By submitting updated C-4”s (proof of injury) an injured worker can receive treatment at no cost and be compensated for lost wages until that person is capable of returning to work. When and if you return to work, you can still receive treatment at no cost.
Dr. Jeff J. Mollins has been practicing in downtown Brooklyn for over 25 years. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and documentation of injuries sustained by patients hurt at work. Dr. Mollins provides expert, caring treatment and works hand in hand with referred medical specialists (orthopedics, neurologists, pain management doctors, physical therapists, etc.) to provide comprehensive care for all of his injured patients. All of the referred specialists are experts in their field and are also certified to treat workers compensation patients as well. Dr. Mollins and all referred specialists are meticulous with all documentation so that every patient injured at work will receive proper compensation as expeditiously as possible.
In the event (hopefully it will never happen) that you are injured on the job, please call Dr. Mollins as soon as possible for quality, compassionate care and precise documentation. You can’t afford not to.