Stanley Law Offices has fought for injured workers across Upstate New York for over 45 years from five office locations. Every region has different Workers’ Compensation boards, different employer defense tactics, and different claim pressures. Choose your location below to see how we handle workers’ comp cases in your area.
Our home base for 45 years. Workers’ comp cases in Syracuse are handled through the New York Workers’ Compensation Board’s Syracuse district office, and our attorneys know the judges, the carriers, and the tactics used to deny or reduce benefits here. Whether your claim was disputed, your benefits were cut off, or your employer is pushing you back to work too soon, we know how to fight back in this system.
Workers’ comp claims in Broome County often involve disputes over the cause of injury, the extent of disability, or the employer’s classification of the accident. Insurance carriers in this region will challenge your claim at every stage if you let them. We represent injured workers through the entire process – from filing through hearings at the Binghamton district office – so nothing gets missed.
Jefferson County has a large workforce tied to Fort Drum and surrounding industries, and workplace injuries here often raise questions about coverage, employer classification, and military contractor status. When your claim involves any complexity, or when benefits are denied outright, fast action matters. We move on Watertown-area workers’ comp cases immediately. Call us 24/7.
Monroe County employers and their insurance carriers follow predictable patterns when disputing workers’ comp claims – independent medical exams designed to minimize injuries, surveillance, and delays in approving treatment. Our attorneys know how those tactics are used in Rochester cases and how to counter them before your benefits are reduced or terminated.
Workers’ comp cases in Otsego County can move slowly through the system, and delays in filing or gaps in medical documentation can give insurers the opening they need to deny your claim. We help injured workers in the Oneonta area get their claims on track quickly, build the medical record that supports full benefits, and push back when carriers stall.
Our attorneys handle workers’ compensation cases across Upstate New York regardless of which office is closest to you. If you were hurt on the job anywhere in the region, call us – we’ll tell you whether we can take your case and what comes next.
Get Answers About Your Workers’ Comp Case
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If you have been injured on the job in Upstate New York, you are entitled to medical coverage and cash benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board requires you to notify your employer within 30 days and file Form C-3 to officially start your claim. Missing these strict deadlines can permanently bar you from receiving the financial support you need.
As a worker, knowing your At Stanley Law Offices, located at 215 Burnet Ave., Syracuse, NY, our Upstate New York workers’ compensation lawyers help injured employees across Syracuse, Rochester, Binghamton, Watertown, Oneonta, and surrounding Upstate communities secure the maximum Average Weekly Wage and negotiate Section 32 settlements. Whether you are filing a new claim or appealing a denial from the insurance carrier, we manage the filings, hearings, and medical evidence so you can focus on your recovery.
Call us now at 1-800-608-3333 or schedule a free consultation online.
Why Upstate New York Workers Choose Stanley Law
Navigating the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board requires an advocate who understands the specific procedures of the District Offices in Syracuse, Rochester, Binghamton, and Menands/Albany. Attorneys Sheila Fallon and Megan Fallon lead our workers’ compensation team and are deeply familiar with the Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) in these districts and the tactics insurance carriers use to undervalue claims in our region.
- 45+ years fighting for the injured in Upstate New York
- 4.7 rating across 900+ verified client reviews
- Millions recovered in verdicts and settlements every year
- Available 24/7, we are reachable when you need us
- No recovery, no fee
We operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees upfront. Our fees are set by the judge and deducted only from the benefits we secure for you. If you do not recover compensation, you do not pay us.
I called several law offices and Stanley Law immediately felt like the perfect fit... Megan Fallon was understanding and to the point without any bull.... The only way to handle these kind of situations. Although it isn't the outcome that it should be, I understand this is a difficult back and forth. Sheri Schofield is super about being responsive to my questions & detailed with her answers. Thank you guys very much and I will absolutely recommend Stanley Laws services to anyone that finds themselves in a workers comp situation without hesitation. Your Awesome!!
Who is Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits In Upstate NY?
Most workers in New York are covered by workers’ compensation insurance from their very first day of employment. This includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. To be eligible, your injury or illness must arise out of and in the course of your employment.
Eligibility extends beyond the primary job site. If you were injured while traveling for work, running a work-related errand, or driving between job sites, you are likely covered. This system acts as an exclusive remedy, meaning you cannot sue your employer for negligence, but you are guaranteed benefits without proving they were at fault. Note that certain workers may be excluded from coverage under New York law.
Our Upstate New York workers’ comp attorneys represent workers across high-risk Upstate NY industries, including:
- Construction accident claims: Falls from heights, scaffolding collapses (Labor Law 240), and machinery accidents.
- Healthcare: Nurses, aides, and clinical staff at Upstate New York hospitals and care facilities suffering from patient handling injuries and repetitive strain.
- Agriculture: Farm workers injured by heavy machinery or livestock.
- Manufacturing: Repetitive stress injuries and equipment malfunctions.
What Benefits Can You Receive After a Workplace Injury?
The goal of insurance carriers in New York is to pay out the minimum amount possible. Our goal is to ensure each of your workers’ compensation benefit types is calculated correctly based on New York state law.
- Medical Treatment: You are entitled to 100% coverage for all necessary medical care related to the injury. There are no copays or deductibles. You must see a Board-authorized healthcare provider who follows the NYS Medical Treatment Guidelines (MTG).
- Cash Benefits (Lost Wages): If you are totally disabled, you are generally entitled to 2/3 of your Average Weekly Wage (AWW), multiplied by your percentage of disability.
- The Formula: 2/3 x AWW x % Disability.
- The Cap: As of July 1, 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,222.42 for injuries occurring between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. This cap adjusts annually every July 1 based on the New York State Average Weekly Wage.
- Schedule Loss of Use (SLU): If you suffer permanent damage to a limb (arm, leg, hand, foot) or loss of vision/hearing, you may be entitled to a statutory cash award, even if you do not miss any time from work.
- Death Benefits: Surviving spouses and minor dependents are entitled to weekly cash benefits and funeral expenses if a work-related injury results in a fatality. Families may also have grounds for a separate wrongful death claim depending on the circumstances.
Calculate Your Potential Lost Wage Benefit.
Insurers often miscalculate the Average Weekly Wage to lower your payments. Contact us at 1-800-608-3333 to ensure you are receiving the full amount owed.
Critical Deadlines for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Upstate NY
New York has a strict timeline for reporting injuries on the job. Failing to adhere to these steps gives the insurance carrier grounds to controvert (deny) your claim.
- Notify Your Employer (30 Days): You must provide written notice to your employer within 30 days of the accident. Verbal notice is often disputed later; always create a paper trail.
- Medical Evidence (Form C-4): Your doctor must file Form C-4 (Doctor’s Initial Report) with the Board and the insurance carrier within 48 hours of treatment. Without this medical evidence, no cash benefits can be paid.
- File Your Claim (Form C-3): You must file the Employee Claim (Form C-3) with the Workers’ Compensation Board. This must be done within two years of the accident or the date you discovered that your illness was work-related.
For a full overview of what happens after you file, see how the workers’ compensation process works in New York.
What Happens If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?
If you receive a notice that your claim has been “Controverted,” this means that the insurance carrier is refusing to pay. They often justify this by using an Independent Medical Exam (IME).
An IME is an appointment with a doctor hired and paid for by the insurance company. This doctor is not treating you; their job is to assess your disability level. IME reports often downplay the severity of injuries or claim they are pre-existing to cut off your benefits. Our attorneys aggressively cross-examine IME doctors during hearings to protect your right to ongoing compensation.
Not sure if you need an attorney? Know when to hire a workers’ comp lawyer.
Don’t go it alone. Call 1-800-608-3333 – we’re on the job when you can’t be.
Their prompt attention to detail greatly relieved my concerns, and I am sincerely appreciative of the continued communication throughout the process. With their thorough knowledge of the law , they won my case with determination. I highly recommend the Stanley Law Offices.
How Your Case Resolves: Stipulations and Section 32 Settlements
Workers’ compensation cases generally resolve in one of two ways: a Stipulation or a Section 32 Settlement.
- Stipulation: The carrier agrees to continue paying for your medical care and lost wages for a set period based on your permanent disability classification.
- Section 32 Settlement: This is a negotiated lump-sum agreement. In exchange for a one-time cash payment, you often give up your right to future weekly benefits and, in some cases, future medical coverage.
A Section 32 settlement effectively closes your case. It is critical to ensure the settlement amount is sufficient to cover your needs before signing, as you typically cannot reopen the claim later. We negotiate these settlements with a focus on your lost wage history, future medical needs, and long-term disability classification, ensuring the lump sum reflects the full value of your claim before you sign.
When Can You File a Third-Party Lawsuit After a Workplace Injury?
Under New York’s no-fault system, you generally cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. However, if a negligent third party caused your injury, you may be able to file a separate civil lawsuit.
This is common in construction accidents (suing a general contractor or property owner under the Scaffold Law), motor vehicle accidents (suing a negligent driver), or product liability cases (suing a machine manufacturer). A third-party lawsuit allows you to recover damages not available in workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering.
For workers injured across state lines, see our guide to workers’ com
Get a Free Case Review with an Upstate New York Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
An insurance adjuster’s initial offer rarely reflects the full value of your claim. Whether you need to file an initial claim, respond to a denial, or negotiate a Section 32 settlement, the workers’ compensation team at Stanley Law Offices is ready to help.
Call 1-800-608-3333 or contact us online to request your free case review. With offices in Syracuse, Binghamton, Watertown, Rochester, and Oneonta, we have served injured workers across Upstate New York for over 45 years.
We had a great experience with the Stanley Law office. They were very kind and helpful, very informative during the whole process and got us results for our family member with a harder to win case. We are extremely thankful for their hard work. You can trust them to work hard for you. We are lucky to have found and reached out to them.
FAQs: Upstate New York Workers’ Comp FAQs
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
No. It is illegal for an employer to fire or discriminate against you for filing a claim or testifying in a hearing. This is a violation of Workers’ Compensation Law § 120. If you suspect retaliation, we can file a discrimination complaint on your behalf. If you were already terminated, you may still be entitled to benefits – learn whether you can collect workers’ comp after being fired.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor?
Yes, you have the right to choose your treating physician, provided they are authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board. You generally cannot be forced to treat with the company doctor, except for the initial emergency visit or if your employer participates in a specific PPO program (which is rare).
What Happens When I Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
MMI means your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further. At this point, your doctor will determine if you have a permanent disability. This classification shifts your benefits from temporary to permanent, which alters how long you can receive payments.
How Long Do Workers’ Comp Benefits Last in New York
How long you receive benefits depends on your disability classification. Temporary total disability benefits continue while you are unable to work, and the number of weeks can vary based on the nature and severity of your injury. Once you reach Maximum Medical Improvement, your case shifts to a permanent disability determination, which may result in a scheduled award, ongoing permanent benefits, or a Section 32 settlement that closes the case. An attorney can help you understand which classification applies and what it means for your long-term payments.
Is Workers’ Compensation Taxable in New York?
In most cases, workers’ compensation benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax, but exceptions apply depending on your individual situation.
What Happens at a Workers’ Compensation Board Hearing?
A WCB hearing is held before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who reviews the evidence in your case. The judge considers medical records, testimony, and any disputes raised by the insurance carrier. Your attorney presents your case, challenges the insurance company’s evidence, and argues for the benefits you are owed. Most hearings are relatively brief, but what is placed on the record, including medical documentation and witness statements, directly affects your outcome. If the ALJ’s ruling is unfavorable, you have the right to appeal to the full Workers’ Compensation Board and, if necessary, to the New York State Appellate Division.
Still have questions? Make the first call to Stanley Law. Request a free case review at 1-800-608-3333.
