According to Bureau of Labor Statistics there were over 4,000 fatal work-related or workplace accidents in 2009. The total recordable nonfatal occupational injury and illness incidence rate among private industry employees equated to 3.6 cases per 100 workers.

“If you or a loved one has been hurt in a job-related accident, we will ensure that you get the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to receive.”

In New York, a worker who is injured on the job is precluded from suing his employer or co-worker for injuries sustained due the negligence of the employer or a co-worker. The injured employee’s exclusive remedy against the employer is to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

If another non-employer related party, however, is at fault for the accident, the injured worker is entitled to bring a claim against that party or parties for the damages sustained. This is what is called a “third-party claim”. In the event where a third party claim can be established, the workers’ compensation carrier is entitled to assert a lien for the benefits it paid to the injured worker against the proceeds of any settlement or judgment obtained from the third-party, less certain deductions allowed by the law.