What Forms Do I Need for My Workers’ Compensation Claim in New York?

Workplace injuries don’t just leave you hurting; they can leave you out of work, behind on bills, and overwhelmed with paperwork. That’s where workers’ compensation comes in. In New York, this system is in place to provide injured workers with wage support, medical treatment, and long-term care as needed.

But to access those benefits, you’ll need to file the right forms at the right time and follow a specific process that can feel confusing if you’re doing it alone.

Start With Notification, Then Get the Right Forms in Motion

The first step after a workplace injury is always reporting it. New York law requires that you notify your employer within 30 days of the incident. Even if the injury seems minor, such as a cut or a strain, it’s crucial to report it promptly. That minor injury could turn into a major problem weeks or months later, and if there’s no record of it, your benefits could be at risk.

Once you’ve reported the injury, your employer should provide you with a packet that includes everything needed to begin the workers’ compensation claim process. If they don’t, you can also access the necessary forms through the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) website.

The key form you’ll need is Form C-3, the "Employee Claim" form. This is the formal document used to notify the WCB of your injury and request benefits. It includes details about:

• The nature of your injury or illness
• When, where, and how the incident happened
• Your employer and job information
• Your medical treatment to date

You can complete Form C-3 online, by mail, or in person. The most common (and often fastest) method is online submission via the WCB portal. If you prefer paper filing, mail your completed form to:

NYS Workers’ Compensation Board

Centralized Mailing Address

PO Box 5205

Binghamton, NY 13902-5205

You can also hand-deliver the paperwork to your nearest WCB office; use their online tool to find the location closest to you.

Don’t Wait, Timelines Matter

In New York, even if you notify your employer within the 30-day deadline, you must still file your official claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board within two years of the incident. But don’t wait that long; delays in filing can delay benefits, create confusion, or even jeopardize your eligibility entirely.

The sooner you complete Form C-3 and receive proper medical documentation, the sooner you can begin receiving the support you need.

Medical Treatment and Documentation: What to Expect

After you file your claim, you’ll need to seek medical treatment from a provider authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board. Your doctor will complete forms like the C-4 (Doctor’s Initial Report) and C-4.2 (Progress Report) to submit updates about your condition. These medical reports are critical; without them, your claim can’t move forward.

In some cases, you may be required to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME). This is a one-time evaluation with a doctor chosen by the insurance company. While IMEs are supposed to be objective, they often result in opinions that downplay your injuries. If this happens, your attorney can challenge the findings and help provide alternative documentation from your primary doctor.

If you’re unhappy with the doctor you were assigned, you may request a change, but it must be done within system guidelines. An attorney can guide you through that process and ensure your treatment stays on track.

What Benefits Can You Receive?

If your claim is approved, workers’ compensation in New York may cover:

• Two-thirds of your average weekly wages (up to a state-set maximum)
• Full payment of medical expenses related to your injury
• Reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments
• Long-term medical care for chronic or permanent conditions
• Death benefits for the families of workers fatally injured on the job

These benefits are not taxable, and you are not required to pay premiums, copays, or legal fees upfront. If anyone tries to charge you for accessing workers’ compensation benefits, that’s a red flag, and you should alert the WCB or speak to an attorney right away.

What If Your Claim Gets Denied?

Even legitimate claims can be denied. Your employer might challenge whether your injury was truly work-related, or the insurance carrier may question the severity of your condition. In some cases, paperwork gets lost or medical documentation is incomplete.

A denial is not the end of the road; it simply means you’ll need to go through the appeals process, which may involve a hearing before a workers’ compensation law judge. That process can be intimidating, especially if you’re dealing with physical recovery or financial stress. An experienced lawyer can help you prepare your case, submit the correct forms, represent you at hearings, and push back against employer or insurer tactics designed to delay or avoid payment.

Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Worker

New York workers’ compensation law provides you with important rights and protections. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who file a claim. That means no demotions, firings, or harassment for asserting your right to benefits.

You also have the right to legal representation at any stage of the process. Whether you’re preparing your first claim or appealing a denial, an attorney can make sure you’re being treated fairly, receiving the full range of benefits available, and navigating the system without costly mistakes.

The Role of a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Filing a claim might seem straightforward, but in practice, workers’ compensation in New York can involve complex forms, strict timelines, medical disputes, and insurance negotiations. A lawyer can help you:

• Complete and submit Form C-3 correctly.
• Gather and organize your medical records.
• Prepare for and attend IMEs.
• Handle disputes over partial or total disability.
• Negotiate settlements if a lump-sum payout is on the table.
• Represent you in hearings or appeals if needed.

Legal fees for workers’ compensation representation in New York are controlled by law. You never pay anything upfront, and any fee comes out of your settlement or award, with oversight from a judge.

We Fight for Injured Workers in New York

Getting hurt on the job can change your life in an instant, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Whether you’re recovering from a fall on a Manhattan construction site or suffering from repetitive stress injuries at your desk job in Queens, Morgan & Morgan is here to help.

We’ve helped thousands of injured New Yorkers file claims, fight denials, and recover the benefits they are entitled to. With no upfront costs and no fee unless we win, we make it easier to take the first step.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. We’ll walk you through what forms you need, what deadlines apply, and what it will take to protect your health, your income, and your future.