worksite injuries in syracuse

Workers have a legal right to a safe work environment. Our Syracuse workplace injury lawyers fight for your rights to compensation.

New York state laws protect employees injured in the workplace, but the laws are complex.
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While some work environments are inherently more dangerous than others, injuries can happen anywhere: the office, a construction site, a factory, and everywhere in between.

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Workers are protected under workers’ compensation and personal injury laws if they follow the claims process correctly and meet the required deadlines. This is why you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. 
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Depending on your case, you may also be entitled to more than just workers’ compensation. Let the Syracuse work injury lawyers at Catalano Law evaluate your case. We know the specifics of the New York state law and can help you determine which ones apply to your situation.

What Are My Legal Options After a Workplace Accident in New York?

Most workers in New York are covered by workers’ compensation insurance through their employers. However, workers’ compensation has its limits. Claims can be denied, and some workers may not be covered at all—often because they are (correctly or incorrectly) classified as independent contractors.

No matter your situation, if you’ve been injured on the job, you may still have a legal pathway to compensation, either through workers’ compensation or through a third-party liability claim, which is a lawsuit filed against a non-employer such as a property owner, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver.

Options for your compensation will depend on the details of your case and whether you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ Compensation

New York State workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides benefits to employees who have been injured at work, regardless of fault. In New York State, employers are generally required to carry workers’ comp coverage for all employees.

Key benefits include:

• Medical care for your work-related injury or illness
  • Wage replacement—usually up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage
  • Vocational rehabilitation if you need to return to work in a new role
  • Death benefits for surviving family members in fatal workplace accidents

Third-Party Liability Claims

In some workplace accidents, a party other than your employer may share responsibility for your injuries. This could include:

• A property owner who failed to maintain a safe jobsite
• An equipment manufacturer whose defective product caused your injury
• A negligent driver who hit you while you were performing work duties offsite

Unlike workers’ compensation, third-party claims can provide full wage loss recovery and may also include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages that workers’ comp does not cover.

Both workers’ compensation claims and third-party liability cases can be complex. Workers’ comp claims are often denied on technicalities, and determining whether a third party is liable requires a thorough investigation. Having an experienced attorney can help you navigate these challenges, protect your rights, and maximize your potential recovery.

The Syracuse workplace injury attorneys at Catalano Law offer completely free case evaluations, with no obligation to hire us. This is your opportunity to talk over your case with a knowledgeable attorney and understand your best options moving forward. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Common Workplace Injuries in Syracuse

The workforce in Syracuse spans a wide range of industries—from construction and manufacturing to health care, education, and transportation. While these jobs keep the city running, some carry a higher risk of injury, especially in physically demanding or hazardous environments. Serious injuries and even death can occur under the right circumstances, as evidenced by this tragic accident that recently occurred in Onondaga County.

Below are some of the most common types of workplace injuries in Syracuse:

• Slip-and-Fall Injuries: These are common in retail, health care, and food service settings, especially during snowy or icy conditions. Slippery floors, cluttered walkways, or uneven surfaces can cause fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
• Falls from Height: This is a major risk in construction, roofing, and maintenance jobs. Falling from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops can result in serious trauma.
• Defective Equipment Accidents: Malfunctioning tools and heavy machinery can lead to severe injuries, from crushed limbs to electrical burns.
• Occupational Diseases: Long-term exposure to harmful substances, such as asbestos or chemical fumes, can lead to illnesses like respiratory disease or certain cancers.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Delivery drivers, sales representatives, and construction workers who travel between sites face the risk of car, truck, or equipment-related crashes while performing their duties.

Workplaces are responsible for maintaining conditions that will keep employees safe, whether the jobsite is a bustling hospital or a snow-covered loading dock. When they don’t—like this Syracuse iron foundry investigated by the Department of Labor—workers have the right to seek compensation for medical care and lost wages.

Steps to Take When You’re Hurt on the Job

A workplace injury can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after your accident can protect your health, your job, and your legal rights. Here’s what to do if you’re injured at work in Syracuse:

• Report the Injury to Your Employer: Notify your supervisor or manager immediately after the injury occurs. Delays in reporting can affect your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Make sure your report is in writing and that you keep a copy for your own records.
• Seek Prompt Medical Care: Even if your injury seems minor, get checked by a medical professional right away. For serious injuries, go to an emergency room like SUNY Upstate Medical University, St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, or Crouse Hospital. For less severe injuries, go to an urgent care center like Concentra Urgent Care. There are many trusted medical facilities in Syracuse to choose from.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatments, and any conversations you have with your employer and insurance representatives. Save copies of medical bills, prescriptions, and any work restrictions required by your doctor.
• Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Attend all follow-up appointments and comply with your prescribed treatment plan. Missing visits or ignoring medical advice can harm your recovery and weaken your claim.
• Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Navigating workers’ compensation and potential third-party claims can be complex. An experienced attorney at Catalano Law can help you understand your rights and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.

You pay our workplace injury lawyers nothing unless we win

In our experience representing injured workers throughout New York State, we’ve had the pleasure of helping many clients get the compensation they deserve. When clients need our help, we know they often don’t have the resources to cover endless legal bills. That’s why we work strictly on a contingency fee basis.

We pledge that there are no out-of-pocket costs to hire our law firm. Our lawyers receive no fee or expenses unless a settlement or financial recovery is obtained for your worksite injury.

Get a free case evaluation for your worksite injury today

Having the opportunity to discuss your case with an experienced work injury lawyer can help give you peace of mind and an understanding of what comes next. Whether you were injured on a construction site, while traveling for work, or in an office environment, you deserve to fully explore your legal rights to compensation after a workplace injury.  
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If you suffered an injury at work, contact Catalano Law for a free case evaluation at 315-904-2449.