Workers’ Compensation Insurance in New York

Workers’ compensation insurance, purchased by an employer, provides coverage for employees who are injured or fall ill on the job. Pain and Injury offers a network of doctors who accept workers’ compensation insurance in New York, along with informative articles and answers to common questions about workers’ compensation.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation (workers’ comp) is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured while performing their job. In exchange, employees typically relinquish the right to sue their employer for negligence.

Finding a Workers’ Compensation Doctor in New York

In New York State, employees generally have the right to choose their own treating physician, unless their employer has a provider plan or managed care arrangement. You must select from a list of state-approved healthcare providers for treating workers’ compensation injuries.

One resource is the New York Pain and Injury Network, which helps patients locate doctors experienced in workers’ compensation cases.

Visit Pain and Injury for more information.

Expenses Covered by Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation insurance may cover:

• Medical care for the injury or illness

• Lost wages

• Rehabilitation and therapy

• Compensation for permanent injuries

• Benefits to surviving family members if the employee dies on the job

Employees Covered by Workers’ Compensation in New York

Most employers in New York State are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. This includes:

• Workers in for-profit businesses, including part-time, leased, or borrowed employees

• Public school teachers and certain state employees

• Domestic workers and farm workers (with applicable wage thresholds)

• Employees of nonprofit organizations

• Corporate officers under specific conditions

Exemptions are rare and may include certain volunteers, religious workers, federal employees, and some independent contractors. Employers must maintain a workers’ compensation insurance policy through a private carrier, the New York State Insurance Fund, or self-insurance. Proof of coverage is often required when obtaining business permits. Workers’ compensation operates as no-fault insurance, helping employees receive benefits for work-related injuries without pursuing a lawsuit against their employer.

It is important to realize that every patient’s situation is unique. Contact a qualified workers’ compensation doctor to discuss your specific circumstances and treatment options. Refer to official New York State Workers Compensation Website for most recent and accurate information.