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Quick Answer To file a Workers' Comp claim in NY: (1) Report your injury to your employer within 30 days, (2) Choose your own doctor — you have this right, (3) Get treatment and have your doctor file the C-4 medical report, (4) File Form C-3 with the NY Workers' Compensation Board. MAIC handles all medical documentation and WCB paperwork. Call (888) 991-5290.

Step 1: Report Your Injury to Your Employer

In New York, you must report a workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident. However, you should report it as soon as possible — ideally the same day. Delayed reporting is one of the most common reasons Workers' Comp claims are denied.

  • Report to your direct supervisor, manager, or HR department
  • Report in writing if possible — email or written incident report
  • Include the date, time, location, and how the injury happened
  • Keep a copy of the report for your own records

For occupational diseases or repetitive strain injuries, the 30-day clock starts from when you knew (or should have known) that your condition was work-related.

Step 2: Get Medical Treatment

In New York, you have the right to choose your own doctor for Workers' Compensation treatment. Your employer cannot force you to see a company doctor or a specific clinic.

Choose a facility experienced in Workers' Comp cases — one that understands WCB Medical Treatment Guidelines (MTG) and handles the paperwork. MAIC is a WCB-authorized treatment facility that provides same-day evaluations and handles all WC documentation.

At your first visit, your doctor will:

  • Perform a comprehensive evaluation of your injuries
  • Order diagnostic imaging (MRI, X-ray, NCV/EMG) as needed
  • Create a treatment plan following WCB MTG
  • File the C-4 medical report with the Workers' Compensation Board
  • Write a causation narrative linking your injury to your workplace accident

Step 3: File Form C-3 with the WCB

As the injured worker, you need to file Form C-3 (Employee Claim) with the New York Workers' Compensation Board within 2 years of your injury. You can file online at the WCB website or submit by mail.

Form C-3 includes:

  • Your personal information and employer details
  • Date, time, and location of the injury
  • Description of how the injury occurred
  • Body parts injured
  • Your treating physician's information

Step 4: Your Employer Files the C-2 Report

Once notified, your employer is required to file Form C-2 (Employer's Report of Work-Related Injury/Illness) with the WCB and their insurance carrier within 10 days. If they don't, contact the WCB directly.

What Workers' Comp Covers

New York Workers' Compensation provides:

  • All medical treatment — doctor visits, surgery, imaging, physical therapy, medication — at zero cost to you
  • Lost wages — two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to the state maximum) for time missed from work
  • Disability benefits — temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent partial disability, or permanent total disability
  • Vocational rehabilitation — if you can't return to your previous job

Common Reasons Claims Are Denied

Workers' Comp claims can be denied for several reasons. Knowing them helps you avoid mistakes:

  1. Late reporting — not telling your employer within 30 days
  2. Gaps in treatment — waiting too long between doctor visits, suggesting your injury isn't serious
  3. Pre-existing condition argument — the insurer claims your injury existed before the accident (proper medical documentation defeats this)
  4. Employer dispute — your employer claims the injury didn't happen at work
  5. Non-MTG treatment — treatment that doesn't follow the WCB Medical Treatment Guidelines may not be authorized

At MAIC, every treatment follows MTG from the first visit, and every medical report includes causation language that specifically addresses whether the injury is work-related.

Tips for a Successful Workers' Comp Claim

  • Report your injury immediately — don't wait
  • Choose a doctor experienced in Workers' Comp (like MAIC)
  • Attend all scheduled appointments — missed appointments create gaps in your record
  • Keep copies of everything — incident reports, medical records, correspondence
  • Don't give recorded statements to the insurance company without consulting an attorney
  • Consider consulting a Workers' Comp attorney, especially if your claim is contested

Start Your Workers' Comp Treatment Today

MAIC provides same-day work injury evaluations and handles all Workers' Compensation paperwork. We accept all WC carriers at $0 cost to you. Located at 2522 Hughes Ave in the Bronx. Call (888) 991-5290.