Bronx Workers' Compensation Attorney: New York's Rules, the New $1,281.50 Maximum, and SLU Awards
If you need a Bronx workers compensation attorney, the system you are entering is the New York Workers' Compensation Board: strict notice rules, a statewide maximum that just rose to $1,281.50 a week, Board-approved attorney fees, and - unique to New York - Schedule Loss of Use awards for permanent injuries to 27 listed body parts.
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Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
How New York Workers' Comp Works
New York requires coverage for virtually all employers. Benefits: medical care, cash wage benefits at two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum, Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) or non-schedule permanent partial disability awards, and death benefits. Disputes are decided by Workers' Compensation Law Judges, with appeals to the Board.
Case Details
Bronx claims are administered through the Board's New York City district operations (practitioner sources point to the Manhattan District Office at 215 W. 125th Street covering the five boroughs; confirm via wcb.ny.gov, 877-632-4996).
Benefit Rates Now (from July 1, 2026)
Deadlines
Give written notice to your employer within 30 days of the accident, stating when, where and how you were hurt (WCL § 18).
File the claim (Form C-3) within 2 years of the accident or death; for occupational disease, from when you knew or should have known it was work-related (§ 28).
What a Bronx Workers' Comp Lawyer Costs
How a Claim Proceeds
- 1
Report the Injury
Give written notice to your employer within 30 days of the accident, stating when, where and how you were hurt (WCL § 18).
- 2
Medical Care and Wage Benefits
Treatment begins; temporary disability pays while you cannot work (rates above).
- 3
File the Claim
File the claim (Form C-3) within 2 years of the accident or death; for occupational disease, from when you knew or should have known it was work-related (§ 28).
- 4
Permanent Impairment
At maximum medical improvement, a Schedule Loss of Use award (WCL § 15(3)) compensates permanent functional loss of 27 listed body parts by a fixed number of weeks under the 2018 Impairment Guidelines; your doctor files Form C-4.3, and the award can be paid as a lump sum.
- 5
Settlement or Hearing
Most disputed claims settle; the rest go to an administrative judge, then appeal.
Bronx-Specific Cautions
Three traps:
Missing the notice deadline
Report in writing and keep a copy - late notice is the #1 denial reason.
Accepting the first rating
Impairment ratings drive permanent benefits; second opinions are part of the system.
Referral-mill 'lawyers near me' sites
Ask who actually appears before the board and what their fee is - it is regulated.
Bronx Workers' Compensation - FAQ
How long do I have to report a work injury in the Bronx?
30 days, in writing, to your employer (WCL § 18); file the claim within 2 years (§ 28).
What is the New York workers' comp maximum in 2026?
$1,281.50 per week for injuries from July 1, 2026 (minimum $384.45) - two-thirds of the 2025 state average weekly wage.
How are Bronx workers' comp attorney fees set?
Approved by the Board case-by-case (WCL § 24); roughly 15% on Section 32 settlements under the current fee schedule, with no upfront cost.
What is a Schedule Loss of Use award?
A New York-specific payment for permanent functional loss of one of 27 listed body parts, measured in weeks under the 2018 Impairment Guidelines and often paid as a lump sum.
Where is the Workers' Compensation Board for the Bronx?
Board operations for the five boroughs run through the NYC district offices (Manhattan, 215 W. 125th St. per practitioner listings) - confirm at wcb.ny.gov or 877-632-4996.
Can I sue a third party?
Yes - e.g., a negligent driver, property owner or manufacturer - while still receiving comp; the carrier holds a lien on the recovery.
What is a Section 32 settlement?
A Board-approved lump-sum agreement that can close indemnity and/or medical; once approved it is final - review it with counsel first.
Separate from this case: were you injured in the last 2 years?
Class-action payouts are fixed amounts through an administrator. A personal injury claim is a different case — and often worth far more. Free estimate, no obligation.