Understanding Union Worker Injury Claims
Union worker injury claims commonly involve both workers’ compensation benefits and possible third-party liability claims when someone other than the employer contributed to the harm. Workers’ compensation typically covers medical care and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault, while a third-party claim seeks additional damages for pain and suffering, reduced earning capacity, and other losses. Union rules, grievance procedures, and collective bargaining agreements sometimes affect how claims are reported and managed, so it is important to document the incident promptly, notify appropriate representatives, and preserve evidence such as photos, witness names, and medical records.
The claims process generally begins by reporting the injury to your employer and filing the necessary workers’ compensation paperwork within the deadlines required by New York law. If a third party is responsible, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, parallel efforts to investigate and preserve third-party claims should begin quickly. Timely medical treatment, consistent documentation, and clear statements about how the injury occurred help support both workers’ compensation and any separate lawsuits. Understanding available benefits, potential offsets, and how settlements affect future disability or retirement benefits is an important part of planning a recovery strategy.
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