New York Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Clarifying who is covered under workers’ compensation laws
If you have been injured on the job, you are most likely covered under the workers’ compensation laws of New York. Almost every employer must have a workers’ compensation insurance policy in place in case an accident happens during work hours. That said, workers need to know if they are covered under the laws of New York. You don’t have to be a United States citizen and you don’t need a social security number to qualify for workers’ compensation. If you have been injured at work, it is in your best interests to consult with an attorney that can guide you through this legal matter. The Law Offices of George Poulos has over 25 years of experience helping clients through the workers’ compensation process and the various legal issues that can arise after filing a claim. If you need our help, please contact our firm for a consultation.
What workers are covered under workers’ compensation laws?
Almost all occupations are covered under New York’s workers’ compensation law. These employers must have coverage for their employees and post a notice of coverage for all to see. Some of the many covered workers include:
- Workers for for-profit companies: This also includes volunteers and family members, part-time, borrowed, and leased employees who work for a for-profit company
- Employees who work for counties and municipalities under hazardous conditions
- Employees of the state
- Full-time domestic employees (over 40 hours per week), including sitters, companions, and live-in maids
- Farmworkers for employers who paid more than $1200 in labor for the previous calendar year
- Corporate officers with more than 2 officers or stockholders
- Public school teachers
- Most workers for non-profit organizations
Independent contractor: are you going to take their word for it?
Companies lie. Contracts lie. The question of whether you are an employee or an independent contractor is not decided by the paperwork. It is a legal question that is answered by the facts involving your job and how you earn a living. Call us instead of listening to them. We are happy to help you decide whether you can apply. Remember, the call is free but the compensation benefits aren’t.
What workers are not covered under workers’ compensation laws?
While most workers throughout New York State are included under workers’ compensation laws, various individuals are not covered under these laws. Those individuals are as follows:
- Non-profit volunteers provided no compensation
- Religious leaders, including rabbis, clergymen, sextons, Christian Science readers, and members of religious orders
- Non-profit amateur athletic activity members
- Teachers in non-profit religious, charitable, or educational institutions
- Workers in a non-manual capacity for non-profit religious, charitable, or educational institutions
- People who receive aid for work with religious or charitable institutions and not under a contract for hire
- Occupations covered under another workers’ compensation system, including some maritime employees, interstate railroad employees, and federal employees
- The child or spouse of a farmer without a contract for hire
- Some employees of Native American Nations and foreign governments
- New York City firefighters, police officers, and firefighters covered under the NYS General Municipal Law
- Those who do yard work and casual chores
- Independent real estate salespersons
- Independent media sales representatives
- Sole business owners or businesses with one to two officers with no employees
Experienced Manhattan workers’ compensation lawyers –Call on George’s team today
The Law Offices of George Poulos has over 25 years of experience with a dedicated staff in our home base office in Astoria, Queens, and in our East Tremont, Bronx office. We fight for you whenever necessary but we can’t help you unless you call us. Even if your employer said you’re not covered, even if you were denied, you can call us for free to double-check. George and his team take pride in the ability to turn things around. If you are concerned that you may not be covered or your claim was denied because of an exemption, feel free to contact our firm to discuss your legal matter.
