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Understanding Common Workplace Injuries in New York

Oct 30, 2025

A workplace injury can change your life in seconds. One moment you’re focused on doing your job — the next, you’re facing medical treatments, time away from work, and mounting bills. For thousands of New Yorkers every year, workers’ compensation is not just a benefit — it’s a lifeline.

At WRKRS Law Firm, we’ve dedicated our practice to helping injured employees across New York recover the benefits they deserve. We know the system can be confusing and that insurance companies often make things harder than they should be. That’s why we take a hands-on, personalized approach to every case — ensuring you have the clarity, support, and confidence you need to move forward.

What Is Covered Under New York Workers’ Compensation Law

Under New York law, almost every employee is covered by workers’ compensation — from construction workers and delivery drivers to nurses, teachers, and office employees. The system is designed to provide financial and medical protection when you’re hurt or become ill because of your job.

Unlike other types of injury claims, workers’ comp is a no-fault system. That means you don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong. As long as your injury or illness occurred while performing work duties, you’re likely entitled to benefits.

Coverage generally includes:

  • Accidental injuries that happen at work or during work-related travel.
  • Occupational diseases from long-term exposure to harmful substances.
  • Repetitive motion injuries, like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Aggravations of pre-existing conditions due to job activities.
  • Psychological trauma linked to workplace accidents in some cases.

Even if you were partly at fault for your injury, you can still collect benefits — the system focuses on getting you help, not assigning blame.

The Most Common Workplace Injuries in New York

While any job carries risks, certain industries experience higher rates of workplace injuries. At WRKRS Law Firm, we’ve helped clients from nearly every profession — from construction laborers and warehouse workers to nurses, drivers, and teachers.

Here are some of the most common types of workplace injuries:

  1. Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries:
    Wet floors, uneven flooring, or poorly lit hallways can cause falls that lead to broken bones, head injuries, or back damage.
  2. Back and Neck Injuries:
    These are among the most common workplace injuries. Lifting heavy objects, poor posture, or repetitive strain can lead to herniated discs or chronic pain.
  3. Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs):
    Workers who perform the same motion repeatedly — like typing, packaging, or scanning items — can develop serious conditions that worsen over time.
  4. Machinery and Equipment Accidents:
    On construction sites or in factories, defective or unguarded machinery can cause amputations, crush injuries, or severe lacerations.
  5. Occupational Illnesses:
    Exposure to chemicals, dust, or toxins can cause long-term respiratory or skin conditions. Healthcare and industrial workers are especially at risk.
  6. Falling Object Injuries:
    In warehouses or construction zones, falling tools and materials can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
  7. Burns and Electrical Injuries:
    Electricians, kitchen workers, and mechanics frequently face burn and shock risks on the job.

Each of these injuries can lead to weeks, months, or even years away from work. Workers’ compensation exists to help you recover without losing your financial stability.

Types of Benefits Available

If you’re injured at work in New York, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

  • Medical benefits: Coverage for hospital visits, physical therapy, surgery, medication, and medical devices.
  • Lost wages: Partial wage replacement while you’re unable to work.
  • Permanent disability benefits: For injuries that result in lasting impairment.
  • Vocational rehabilitation: Training or job placement assistance if you can’t return to your prior work.
  • Death benefits: Financial support for families who have lost a loved one due to a workplace accident.

The process can seem straightforward, but in reality, it’s common for employers and insurers to challenge claims — sometimes arguing that the injury didn’t occur at work, or that it’s not severe enough to qualify. That’s when having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney becomes critical.

How WRKRS Law Firm Supports Injured Workers

At WRKRS, we believe that every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. From your first call, you’ll speak with a team that genuinely cares about your recovery. We’ll help you file your claim correctly, gather evidence from your doctors, and communicate directly with insurance adjusters so you can focus on healing.

If your claim is denied — don’t panic. We have extensive experience handling appeals before the New York Workers’ Compensation Board, and we know how to build strong cases backed by medical and legal evidence.

Our mission is simple: get you the maximum benefits you deserve as quickly as possible.

Why Workers Choose WRKRS

  • No fees unless we win — you pay nothing upfront.
  • Personalized attention — every case is handled by attorneys, not just staff.
  • Proven success — we’ve recovered benefits and settlements for workers across New York.
  • Full transparency — we explain every step so you’re never left in the dark.

We’re proud to represent the people who keep New York moving — construction crews, delivery drivers, healthcare workers, and countless others who work hard every day.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t face the system alone. Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated, but with the right team on your side, you can recover faster and more fully.

At WRKRS Law Firm, we stand by workers — every day, in every case. We’ll fight for your benefits, defend your rights, and make sure you’re never treated like “just another file.”

Reach out today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Your recovery begins with one call — and WRKRS will be there every step of the way.

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Understanding Common Workplace Injuries in New York | WRKRS Law Firm