NY Workers Comp Claims Filed by Union Members

Hach & Rose answers frequently asked questions

NY injury attorneys at Hach & Rose have extensive experience working with unions, such as Union 39 and Union 94. Questions frequently arise about the relationship between NY injury, workers compensation, and union members. Here are some common questions along with our answers—

What types of injuries commonly occur on the job?
Is there a difference in filing NY workers comp claims when working for a union?
What issues exist when filing NY workers comp claims, whether a union or non-union member?
How can a NYC injury attorney help you receive workers comp benefits as a union worker?
Why is getting medical attention crucial for any workers comp claim?

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Contact Hach & Rose about NY injury

Rely on our expertise and speak with a NYC injury attorney at Hach & Rose about work related injury. Call 1-212-779-0057 or 1-866-529-7872 or fill out our online contact form. ___________________________________________________________________

What types of injuries commonly occur on the job?

Hach & Rose represents numerous clients involved in NY construction accidents. Common work injuries include falls from ladders or scaffolds, machinery accidents, slip-and-falls on soiled, icy, or cracked pavement, gas explosions, electric shock, and occupational injury from heavy lifting or overexertion. Also common to NYC are the many policemen, firemen, volunteers and other rescuers who were injured on 9/11 or suffered severe occupational illnesses as a result of inhaling the debris.

Is there a difference in filing NY workers comp claims when working for a union?

According to a historic study of workers compensation claims from 1977-92, union members were substantially more likely to receive workers comp benefits than similar non-union workers and received more sensitivity to variation in benefit levels and waiting periods. The study revealed that this is largely because union workers receive information from representatives about filing procedures, are not discouraged from filing claims, and consequently experience less fear about employer reprisal and penalties if employers deem a claim questionable.

What issues exist when filing NY workers comp claims, whether a union or non-union member?

Any workers comp claim can be met with challenges or denial. Workers can receive inadequate compensation to cover lost wages and injury. Benefits may be terminated before the injured employee is able to return to work. Insurance companies may allege that the injury was not work related or permanent or that medical reports do not substantiate injury or amounts requested for damages.

How can a NYC injury attorney help you receive workers comp benefits as a union worker?

A NY injury attorney can be instrumental when working in tandem with a union representative to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and support your case. Lawyers develop effective legal strategies and build strong case presentations. And their experience in negotiating with insurance companies can prove invaluable for leveraging a claim settlement. They have in-depth legal knowledge about state and federal laws and enforcement agencies, such as Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and discrimination violations. Law firms such as Hack & Rose have the capability to conduct extensive investigations and pursue lawsuits under available laws. The teamwork between union representatives and NY injury lawyers proves very successful in dealing with workers comp claims.

Why is getting medical attention crucial for every workers compensation claim?

Beyond the obvious benefits of seeking medical care to treat injuries, medical records are fundamental for documenting the extent of on-the-job injuries and their relationship to the workplace. Without credible documentation for damages, no workers compensation claim is possible.

Verdicts & Settlements

$8,000,000

Jury verdict obtained for the daughter of a union member who was involved in a motorcycle accident as a passenger. She sustained serious fractures of her hip and leg resulting in open reduction with internal fixation. This was a very difficult liability case, in that the motorcycle was traveling behind a vehicle that stopped short and the driver of an oncoming vehicle swerved into the small space existing between the stopped vehicle and the double yellow line at the moment just prior to impact.

$6,058,000

Jury verdict for a phlebotomist diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) as a result of striking her knee on a disassembled bed frame left by the health care facility where she was working.

$3,525,000

For construction supervisor and union member who fell from a makeshift ladder injuring his back.

$3,500,000

For union stone setter who was injured when another worker threw a piece of sheetrock out a window striking him on the ground below.

$3,200,000

Settlement obtained for a union carpenter who was injured in a fall at work and, as a result, sustained RSD.

$2,500,000

Settlement for union worker who was killed while being driven in a car from a company parking lot.

$2,500,000

Settlement amount obtained for a member of sheet metal workers local who was injured when he slipped and fell on an unsecured board at a construction site.

$2,500,000

Settlement for a union worker who was injured when a piece of construction debris fell from a building. Client suffered a back injury and Hach & Rose won summary judgment as to liability on behalf of the client and the case settled just prior to trial.

$2,500,000

Settlement for a Union Laborer who injured his neck in an accident on a construction site. He was struck by an unsecured board that fell from a scaffold.

$2,300,000

Jury verdict obtained for a pedestrian who was struck by a New York City Transit Authority bus.

$2,300,000

For the family of a union operating engineer that was killed in the course of his employment.

$2,225,000

Settlement obtained for an engineer who was injured in a motor vehicle accident.

$2,200,000

Jury verdict obtained for a union member who suffered a back injury following an automobile accident. This case was remarkable because the client had a 4 year gap in medical treatment.

$2,100,000

Obtained for construction worker who was struck by a Bobcat operated by a co-worker.

$2,100,000

For a school fireman and union member who was injured when he fell from a poorly constructed permanent ladder.

$1,800,000

Settlement obtained (co counsel) for a union engineer that suffered from lung cancer due to his work in and around asbestos. He is currently retired and is in complete remission. His case is remarkable because it was rejected by a major New York asbestos law firm.

$1,625,000

Settlement obtained for a union carpenter just prior to trial in which the client stepped off a ladder and tripped on debris left by another contractor. The client has since moved out of state and is working in another field.

$1,450,000

Jury verdict obtained for a 60 year old, self employed woman who slipped and fell on water in a cafeteria while at a conference. The award was for past and future pain and suffering, as well as a loss of consortium claim for the woman’s husband.

$1,350,000

For a man injured in an automobile collision with a tractor trailer whose operator was driving under the influence of alcohol.

$1,300,000

Settlement obtained during trial for a woman injured in an automobile accident.

$1,200,000

Settlement obtained (co counsel) for a union worker that suffered from lung cancer due to his work in and around asbestos. He continues to work in his job and is in complete remission.

$1,175,000

For a union cleaner who was injured when poorly stacked soda bottles toppled over and struck her when she was in the process of cleaning the cafeteria.

$1,000,000

Settlement obtained for the family of a man who died as a result of a negligently performed gastric bypass surgery.

$980,000

Arbitration award obtained for a husband and wife who were injured in an automobile accident.

$750,000

Settlement obtained for a union construction worker injured on the job due to improperly secured floor covering.

$575,000

Settlement for operating engineer who fell from ladder while performing a repair.

$500,000

Settlement obtained for a union stone setter who was injured on an unsafe worksite.

$500,000

Settlement obtained for a 61 year old woman who injured her knee when she fell in a Brooklyn Shopping Center. The fall resulted when a man backed into her while trying to catch a stuffed animal being thrown during an event. The mall was negligent for failing to adhere to standard crowd control practices.

$425,000

Obtained for person injured in fall from makeshift ladder.

$400,000

Jury verdict for woman who was stuck by automobile while crossing the street causing a knee injury.

$320,000

Obtained for operating engineer injured while performing repair.

$275,000

Obtained for union member injured in fall from work platform.

$200,000

Settlement for operating engineer who was injured when an improperly secured motor fell while being hoisted.

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Testimonials

"My wife, daughter and I were in a car accident. My wife was badly injured. From the moment we contacted your office, I felt like a huge weight was off my shoulders; your office helped us complete all of our insurance and medical paperwork, answered all of our questions and made a difficult situation much easier to handle. Thanks."

-C.C., injured union member,
Bronx, New York.

"I steered clear of a large law firm because I heard horror stories about how difficult it is to reach a live person and how the average client is treated like a piece of cattle. They [HACH & ROSE] were available whenever I needed to discuss my case, and I was very happy with the amount of money I received. If I couldn't reach them on the phone they always returned my call later that same day."

-C.P., injured union member,
Queens, NY.

"When I needed legal advice, I went to HACH & ROSE… Thanks, you sure made my life easier."

-R.R., injured union member,
New York City.

"I was lucky, and didn't have to look far when I needed help. My local (union) had a great lawyer to help me and my family. I didn't have to concentrate on anything but getting healthy, they took care of the rest."

-T.S., injured union member
speaking at a rally for
asbestos victims in NYC.

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