Q: Denied workers' comp claim for NYC inhalation injury, need options for representation and strengthening my case.
I am facing a denial of my workers' compensation claim related to an inhalation injury I sustained while working in NYC. I believe I have a valid case, and the judge has offered me more time to retain a lawyer. What are my options for representation, and how can I strengthen my case to receive the compensation I deserve?
A: The judge is being nice to you. You ask about your options. You could use that opportunity to reach out to workers' comp attorneys to discuss your case. Workers' comp attorneys generally offer free initial consults without obligation. That could help you make the most well-informed decision about which direction you wish to take. You ask about how to get the compensation you deserve. Discuss that with attorneys. Respiratory cases involving exposure can be difficult. It would be helpful to an attorney if you have records that document your exposure, what materials were involved, what protective respiratory protective gear you used, and other factors. If you haven't already been seen by respiratory specialists, an attorney could discuss with you whether it could be necessary to consider pulmonary function testing, lab work, or other diagnostic testing to evaluate your exposure and condition. I hope you experience a healthy recovery. Good luck
Jonathan R. Ratchik agrees with this answer
A: You can find many excellent workers' compensation attorneys using the Find a Lawyer tab on the JUSTIA homepage. As my colleague correctly advised, the only real way to "strengthen" your case is to have medical documentation which proves that your respiratory ailments were caused by a condition at work. A hard lift by yourself, hence the reason you should hire an attorney.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.