Understanding the Role of Prior Loss of Use in Workers’ Comp Cases

For the past few years, Segar & Sciortino has encountered resistance in certain types of Workers’ Compensation cases involving “schedule loss of use” (SLU) awards. Cases involving the arm, hand, leg, or foot can result in a schedule loss of use if a healthcare provider determines you have a permanent injury to one of those… Read More

I Was Just In A Car Accident … What Should I Do?

Getting in a car accident can be a scary experience that leaves many people uncertain about what to do in the immediate aftermath. The first step is to call 911 so that the appropriate emergency personnel can be dispatched. Having the police respond will also ensure that an official report will be filed—a document that… Read More

Workers’ Compensation Claims For COVID – 19 — A Changing Level of Proof

While the pandemic is now entering its third year and transitioning to an endemic, the long-term effects of COVID on our frontline workers are unknown. While Workers’ Compensation insurance carriers routinely deny claims for COVID claims, they do so under the misperception that workers can’t prove that they contracted the virus at work—and so the… Read More

The Truth Behind Car Insurance — Part Three

If your automobile insurance carrier sends you a denial for medical treatment that you’ve already had, or for future medical treatment, you can bring a lawsuit contesting that denial. However, that typically takes months or even years to resolve. Should your treatment be denied, there’s also an arbitration procedure available through the American Arbitration Association… Read More

The Truth Behind Car Insurance — Part Two

In Workers’ Compensation claims, medical treatment is preauthorized—not so with no-fault insurance coverage (medical treatment arising from a car accident). While a Workers’ Compensation insurance company must pay a medical bill because it’s already been authorized, that’s not how it works with no-fault car insurance in New York. In many no-fault cases, your automobile insurer… Read More

The Truth Behind Car Insurance — Part One

In New York state, automobile insurance companies are required to provide no-fault benefits as part of every policy for the vehicles they insure. Also known as personal injury protection (PIP), these benefits cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who or what was to blame for causing the accident. If you’re… Read More

Filing a No-Fault Claim After a Car Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident, either as the driver of your own vehicle, or as a passenger in someone else’s, you have certain obligations to ensure that your claim will be covered under the applicable “no-fault” insurance policy. If the car accident took place in New York state, you need to file your… Read More

What The Latest Updates To COVID-19-Related Workers’ Compensation Guidelines Mean For You

In response to COVID-19, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board made several policy and procedural changes to ensure that benefits for injured workers were not impacted. The guidelines were issued on March 16, 2020, for those making Workers’ Comp claims, attorneys, doctors, and insurance company representatives. On June 23, 2021, Governor Cuomo announced that… Read More

Don’t miss out on Workers’ Comp benefits—even if it’s years later

Regretting your decision to not pursue your Workers’ Compensation claim? It may not be too late. Sometimes injured workers will forego their Workers’ Compensation rights as a courtesy to their employers. Those employers are almost always indifferent to this decision. That leads to a situation where the worker forfeited their right to an insurance payment… Read More

When “No-Fault” Car Insurance Doesn’t Play Fair

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, your own automobile insurance, often referred to as “no-fault” or personal injury protection (PIP), pays for your medical expenses—or at least it’s supposed to. Many car insurers, especially those you see a lot of advertising for on TV, will typically have you examined by a doctor… Read More