Arm Injury Lawyers NY - Workers' Compensation Law Firm, OGA

Arm injuries in a workers' compensation claim include anything that affects any part of the arm, from the shoulder to the fingers. Common work-related arm injuries include broken bones from falls or crushing and shoulder injuries that happen as people lift, pull, or push. Our experienced lawyers can help avoid denials and reduce delays for faster payments and medical coverage.

Arm, Shoulder, Elbow, Hand, Wrist, and Finger Injuries Law Firm, Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews, Serving Clients of the Hudson Valley for Over 45 Years

What are Arm, Shoulder, Elbow, Hand, Wrist, and Finger Injuries?

Arm injuries in a workers' compensation claim include anything that affects any part of the arm, from the shoulder to the fingers. Common work-related injuries include torn ligaments in the shoulders, elbows, hands, and wrists. Injuries can occur from different types of accidents, such as falls, twisting, or repeated straining. Repetitive stress injuries can cause serious impairments called carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and epicondylitis.

Who Qualifies for Benefits?

Any at-work arm, hand, or finger injuries qualify an individual for workers' compensation benefits. Insurance companies will frequently dispute a repetitive stress-type claim for any reason. For example, if the injury is new to the workplace or had pre-existing conditions, the insurance company may dispute the claim. It is important to have a lawyer investigate these claims as despite having a pre-existing condition, a work-related injury claim can be maintained.

Why is Having a Lawyer Important?

The assistance available from our Workers' Compensation lawyers specializing in arm injuries can begin before the injured workers receive their claim decision. Receiving a response, appealing a denial, and waiting for a hearing can extend unpaid leave for weeks or longer. A lawyer can help avoid denials and reduce delays for faster payments and medical coverage.

Employees hurt on the job may not realize how complicated the process becomes if the employer does not cooperate or the doctor required by the workplace fails to provide the testing needed to verify the injury. A torn rotator cuff or carpal tunnel syndrome may not present enough visible evidence to prove an injury. An injured worker may need extensive testing to give validity to the complaint. An attorney can guide clients through the process to get them access to the necessary medical treatments for claim approval.

How Much are the Benefits?

Benefits begin after employees miss seven or more workdays The first payment will usually include backpay to the first missed day. After that, compensation amounts use the injured worker's average weekly for the previous year before the injury. If the injured worker is out 14 or more days, payments should include back pay for the first missed day from work.

If an arm or hand injury results in any permanent impairment, the injured worker should be entitled to an award for the permanent loss of use for the injured body part called a schedule loss of use award. The amount paid varies depending on the part of the affected extremity. Once the injured worker is at maximum medical improvement, the treating physician should submit a report indicating the percentage for the loss of use of the body site.

If the injured worker has a permanent schedule loss of use, they are entitled to benefits for a certain number of weeks, depending on the affected body part, less previously paid benefits. An injured worker does not have to have lost time in order to have an entitlement to a permanent schedule loss of use payment.

The compensation board uses information and the percentage of the body part affected to determine an amount of compensation. The body part injured will decide how many weeks the worker receives the compensation payment. The maximum amount of compensation varies from 15 weeks for the fourth finger to 312 weeks for the loss of use of an arm.

Workers who receive approval for an SLU award may also receive a settlement offer. An arm injury law firm can also help with settlement negotiations. A reasonable agreement should include enough to cover lost wages, current and future medical expenses, and additional funds to compensate for the loss of use of the body part.

Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews Permanent Arm Injury Disability Client Testimonial

"My workers' compensation claim was approved. The problems began when I started to feel overly pressured to accept a settlement offer. My hand injury was severe enough to worry me about how much my medical expenses would cost over the next few years. Your team helped me to get the information needed to make an informed decision. Thank you."

-Maria, L., New Windsor, New York

Case Study Workers' Compensation Arm, Hand, Wrist, and Finger Law Firm, Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews, Servings Clients of the Hudson Valley for Over 45 Years

A Case Study On Why You Should Consult With A Lawyer In Regards To Your On The Job Arm Injury

A Department of Labor review in 2012 discussed the effectiveness of the Workers' Compensation program and if it met the needs of the labor force. The authors stated that since legislative changes in the 1990s, benefit amounts per every $100 of payroll paid to workers have dropped.

The decline was not because of safer work environments but because of the reduced availability of benefits. Additionally, changes since the 1990s have placed less importance on the quality of the care for workers and more attention on the potential for worker fraud during the claims process.

The report suggested implementing federal oversight of state programs to improve effectiveness and ensure workers received adequate care. Additional recommendations included better long-term management to help injured workers continue productive working lives and boost the quality and access to medical care for those workers.

The report makes it clear that the federal government understands the limitations and concerns with the workers' compensation program. Injured workers have access to benefits after a workplace accident but may not always receive the help they need or the funding they deserve. In addition, claim denials based on the belief of fraud can leave many genuinely injured and disabled people without compensation. Hiring a lawyer can help improve the opportunity of any worker to navigate a complex and often unfair system.

Featured Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews Disability Attorney

Louis M. Dauerer Esq. started as an intern at Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews, LLP in 1990. Lou remained at the firm after receiving his law degree from St. John's University School of Law. As an advocate for injured workers, Lou has dedicated himself to helping everyone receive the care they need. His work as a board member of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial, a non-profit that provides scholarships for the children of deceased or disabled parents affected by workplace injuries, reflects this dedication.

Lou is a founding member of The New York Workers' Compensation Alliance and the past president and current board member of The Injured Workers' Bar Association. In addition, he is associated with The Dutchess County Bar Association, The New York State Bar Association, The National Organization of Social Security Representatives, The Workplace Injury Litigation Group, and The Workers Injury Law & Advocacy Group.

Ouimette, Goldstein, & Andrews Convenient Office Locations

As a leading Workers' Compensation law firm for employee arm injuries, OGA Law assists clients in getting their rightful claim when they receive injuries at work. Our lawyers represent clients at hearings, correct paperwork errors, and negotiate settlement offers. We offer advice to our clients on any compensation-related topic. Our four convenient office locations make it simple to meet with us to discuss your case.

88 Market Street in Poughkeepsie NY
843 Union Avenue in New Windsor NY
100 Crystal Run Road, Suite 112 in Middletown NY
2 Executive Boulevard, Suite 410 in Suffern NY

Contact OGA Law Arm, Hand, Wrist, and Finger Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation

For over 45 years, the law firm of Ouimette, Goldstein & Andrews, LLP has defended the rights of injured workers. All employees should be able to continue to provide for themselves and their families after an injury. Our experienced arm, hand, and finger injury attorneys can explain your rights and answer your questions about your claim. We offer free consultations for anyone injured at work. Call today to schedule an appointment.

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