In a recent update, the New York Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) could potentially increase the exposure of many companies when accepting claims without liability under Section 21-a. This development may lead to an increase in indemnity payments while investigations on liability are ongoing, with indemnity benefits now being based on the medical reports provided by the claimant’s treating medical providers.
The news of this update should be of particular interest to many corporations and law firms across New York given the implications for clients. Section 21-a outlines that New York employers must either accept or contest a claim for workers’ compensation within 18 days after the disability begins, or within 10 days after the employer has knowledge of the accident, whichever is greater.
If the employer accepts the claim without contesting it, it should furnish right and sufficient medical aid as the nature of the injury or the recovery process may require. The recent update from the WCB pertains precisely to such a scenario.
This update might have been overlooked by many due to its seemingly mundane nature, but it actually carries potential serious implications. An increase in indemnity payments could have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line, especially given the high costs often associated with medical treatments and workers’ compensation claims.
It is important that corporations and law firms remain up-to-date with such legal updates to ensure they appropriately manage their clients’ workers’ compensation claims and mitigate unnecessary financial exposure.
For those companies and legal professionals who wish to review the details of this update themselves, it can be accessed at JD Supra.
As this area of the law continues to evolve, understanding such updates will ensure that one is not caught off guard by new developments and can respond swiftly and adequately to protect their clients’ interests.