What Injuries Qualify for Workers' Compensation in New York?

One of the most common questions injured workers ask is: does my injury qualify for workers' compensation?

The short answer: if your injury or illness arose out of and in the course of your employment, it may be covered under New York Workers' Compensation Law. Severity doesn't determine eligibility — what matters is whether the injury is work-related.

At Collins & Collins Attorneys, we've helped injured workers across New York State for more than 75 years. Understanding what qualifies is the first step toward protecting your rights.

What Does New York Law Say?

Under New York Workers' Compensation Law § 10, employers are generally required to provide benefits when an employee suffers an injury or illness arising out of and in the course of employment — regardless of fault.

Because New York is a no-fault system, you don't have to prove your employer caused your injury. In most cases, benefits are available even if the accident was simply that: an accident. The main exceptions are injuries caused solely by intoxication or a deliberate attempt to injure yourself or someone else.

Common Workplace Injuries That May Qualify

Workers' compensation covers far more than broken bones. Commonly covered injuries include:

• Back and neck injuries

• Herniated or bulging discs

• Torn rotator cuffs

• Knee injuries and torn ligaments

• Shoulder injuries

• Broken bones and fractures

• Sprains and strains

• Burns

• Lacerations requiring stitches

• Crush injuries

• Eye injuries

• Hearing loss caused by workplace noise

• Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tendonitis

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Spinal cord injuries

• Amputations

Whether your injury happened suddenly or developed over time, you may still qualify if your job contributed to it.

Occupational Diseases Can Be Covered Too

Not every claim involves a single accident. Under Article 3 of the New York Workers' Compensation Law, employees may receive benefits for occupational diseases caused by the conditions of their employment, including:

• Exposure to asbestos

• Silicosis

• Occupational asthma

• Certain respiratory illnesses

• Chemical exposure

• Skin disorders caused by workplace chemicals

• Hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure

Qualifying generally requires a recognizable connection between the disease and the nature of your job.

Repetitive Motion Injuries Count

You don't need a dramatic accident to qualify. Repeated lifting, bending, kneeling, typing, climbing, gripping tools, or performing the same motion day after day can lead to serious injuries such as:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tendonitis

• Chronic back injuries

• Shoulder impingement

• Knee degeneration

If your work activities caused or significantly aggravated the condition, you may have a valid claim.

Mental Injuries May Also Be Covered

In certain situations, psychological injuries may qualify, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety resulting from a traumatic workplace event

• Depression related to a work-related physical injury

These claims tend to be more complex and often require substantial medical evidence linking the condition to your employment.

What Benefits Can You Receive?

If your claim is approved, workers' compensation may provide:

• Payment of reasonable and necessary medical treatment

• Wage replacement benefits if you're unable to work

• Compensation for permanent disabilities

• Vocational rehabilitation in certain cases

• Death benefits for surviving family members when a workplace injury is fatal

What Should You Do After a Workplace Injury?

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.

• Seek medical treatment immediately.

• Tell your healthcare provider the injury happened at work.

• Follow your doctor's treatment plan.

• File your workers' compensation claim promptly.

• Contact Collins & Collins or n experienced workers' compensation attorney if your claim is denied or disputed.

It's important to talk to experienced workers' compensation attorneys to make sure you meet the appropriate deadlines. There are strick time limits for filing certain claims such as occupational disease claims (generally two years from when you knew or should have known the condition was work‑related). Collins & Collins will work with you to make sure you don't miss any important filing deadlines. Strict notice and filing deadlines can bar claims even where injuries are clearly work‑related. New York requires employees to report work‑related accidents or injuries within 30 days to preserve their right to benefits; earlier is better.

Delaying treatment or failing to report your injury can make it harder to establish that your condition is work-related.

Collins & Collins Is Here to Help

Every workers' compensation claim is different. Even if you're unsure whether your injury qualifies, it's worth speaking with an experienced attorney.

Whether you suffered a sudden accident, developed a repetitive stress injury, or were diagnosed with a work-related illness, our team is here to protect your rights and help you pursue the benefits you deserve.

If you've been injured on the job anywhere in New York State, contact Collins & Collins today for a free consultation. We'll explain your rights, answer your questions, and fight for the benefits you've earned.