Buffalo
Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Injured on the Job in Buffalo? Talk to a Local Workers’ Compensation Attorney

A work-related injury can leave employees facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about their future. If you’ve been hurt on the job in Buffalo, it’s important to understand your rights under New York’s workers’ compensation laws.

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers connects injured workers with trusted attorneys from our nationwide network, including Buffalo workers’ compensation lawyers who practice in Buffalo. These attorneys can help evaluate potential cases, provide guidance on next steps, and represent injured workers throughout the compensation process.

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Your Guide to Workers' Compensation in Buffalo

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Buffalo, NY

Under New York law, most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees who are injured on the job.

This system, overseen by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, helps cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other job-related expenses.

Employees in Buffalo may be entitled to benefits such as:

  • Authorized medical treatment for job-related conditions
  • Temporary or permanent disability payments
  • Partial reimbursement for lost income
  • Vocational rehabilitation services
  • Survivor benefits for families of workers who die from job-related causes

These benefits are provided regardless of fault, but securing them can involve strict deadlines, complex paperwork, and interactions with insurance companies.

Common Work Injuries Reported in Buffalo

Buffalo workers face a range of occupational risks. Whether it’s a slip on an icy sidewalk or an accident in a busy warehouse, workplace injuries can happen in many settings.

Common causes of work injuries in Western New York include:

  • Slips and falls in parking lots or stairwells
  • Muscle strains and herniated discs from lifting
  • Cuts, fractures, and crush injuries from machinery
  • Repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Exposure to harmful substances or loud noise
  • Mental trauma from workplace violence or stressful conditions

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that occupations in healthcare, warehousing, and construction carry especially high injury rates.

Steps to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Buffalo

New York State has a defined workers’ compensation process that injured employees must follow to qualify for benefits. Missing deadlines or omitting critical information can result in delays or denials. Below are the core steps involved in filing a workers’ compensation claim in Buffalo.

Notify Your Employer

The first step after a work-related injury is to inform your employer. This notification must be made within 30 days of the incident or the date you became aware that the injury or illness is job-related. Written notice is often recommended to establish a clear record.

Seek Authorized Medical Treatment

After reporting the injury, you should seek medical care from a provider who is authorized by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. Be sure to inform the medical provider that your condition is work-related, as the documentation they provide will be critical for your claim.

Submit Form C-3

To officially begin your workers’ compensation claim, you must file Form C-3 with the Workers’ Compensation Board. This form should be submitted within two years of the injury or diagnosis. It provides the Board with essential details about the accident, your employer, and the medical treatment received.

Respond to Insurance and Board Requests

After filing your claim, respond promptly to all requests from the insurance carrier or Workers’ Compensation Board—such as submitting medical records, confirming employment, or attending independent medical examinations (IMEs). Delays can slow or jeopardize your case.

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board provides detailed guidance and forms, but due to the complexity and strict timelines, many injured workers benefit from consulting a Buffalo workers’ compensation attorney.

Compensation for workplace injuries under labor and construction law.

Why Work With a Buffalo Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

While you’re not required to hire a lawyer, working with a local workers’ compensation attorney can be extremely helpful in dealing with claim denials, reduced benefits, or legal hearings. These attorneys understand how New York’s laws apply to local employers, courts, and insurers.

A Buffalo workers’ comp attorney can assist with:

  • Preparing and submitting complete claim documentation
  • Ensuring medical evidence supports the claim
  • Appealing denied or prematurely closed claims
  • Pursuing Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) awards for permanent injuries
  • Investigating potential third-party liability for additional compensation

Attorneys referred through TopDog Law’s network handle these matters and more, focusing on helping injured workers secure the benefits they are entitled to under state law.

When Legal Help May Be Especially Valuable

In some situations, navigating a claim without legal support may result in reduced or delayed benefits. Workers may want to speak with an attorney if:

  • They’re being pressured to return to work before they’re medically ready
  • A preexisting condition is being blamed for the injury
  • The insurance company has denied part or all of the claim
  • Medical treatments are delayed or not approved
  • The injury might involve a third party

According to OSHA, employees have the right to report injuries without retaliation. If that right is violated, legal guidance may be essential to protect both benefits and workplace protections.

Personal Injury Lawyer

What You Can Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied

TopDog Law collaborates with workers’ compensation lawyers across the country, including in Buffalo and surrounding communities such as Amherst, Cheektowaga, and Tonawanda. 

The dedicated and experienced attorneys in our network understand New York labor laws, hearing procedures, and the kinds of injuries common in the Buffalo area.

This nationwide network offers access to legal guidance that is both geographically convenient and aligned with the latest legal standards.

Don’t Wait—Talk to a Buffalo Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Now

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TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Buffalo Office

 1207 Delaware Ave,
 Suite 012, Buffalo,
 NY 14209
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