All employers in New YorkState are required to protect their employees by providing Workers Compensation insurance. This insurance ensures that a worker injured on the job will have all medical care and some lost wages paid regardless of how the accident happened or who caused it.

While Workers Compensation Insurance protects the worker from costly medical bills, it also protects the employer from lawsuits. New YorkState law does not permit most injured workers to bring a lawsuit against their employer for the injuries sustained during the course of employment.

Fortunately, often someone other than the employer or a co-employee is responsible for the accident. In such cases, a “third-party lawsuit” can be brought against that negligent party. It is this type of case that Gregory J. Cannata & Associates handles.

While we do not represent clients before the Workers Compensation Board, if our clients do not already have a Worker’s Compensation attorney, we can refer them to attorneys specializing in this area. We will work together to maximize the recoveries in each venue.

If an employer fails to obtain Workers Compensation insurance, the injured employee has the choice of either suing the employer directly or seeking Workers Compensation benefits from a special fund. This choice is made early in the life of a lawsuit and is crucially important, as it may determine whether there is any recovery in the third-party suit. Before you make this choice, it is important to discuss these issues with a qualified and knowledgeable attorney.