On April 10th, 2017, Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature made changes to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law. The law suggests several changes affecting injured workers since the enactment of the NYS Workers’ Compensation Reform Act of 2007.

The first change involves injured workers looking for work. This change reports that injured workers diagnosed with permanent partial disability (PPD) are no longer required to prove they were looking for work. This new change eases the stress of injured workers and eliminates the risk of losing lost income benefits.

A second change to the law affects first responders. First responders who suffer mental injuries on the job are now entitled to secure Workers’ Compensation benefits. Previously, first responders who suffered mental injuries were not entitled to WC benefits because their stress was not distinct in comparison to other first responders.

A third change involves permanency of injuries. Injured workers who have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) are entitled to start collecting lost income benefits once permanent injury is classified.

Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with concerns regarding the new changes to the New York Workers’ Compensation Law.