Get Medical Attention First

Your health comes first. If your injury is severe, life-threatening, or involves a head injury, heavy bleeding, or a possible fracture, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For injuries that are not emergencies, it is still important to be evaluated promptly, even if you feel you can “work through it.” Some workplace injuries, such as soft-tissue strains, herniated discs, and repetitive-motion injuries, can worsen over days or weeks.

Injury Recovery MD is a multi-specialty medical practice serving Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk County) that treats work-related injuries and coordinates physical therapy, pain management, orthopedics, and chiropractic care in one plan. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Call (631) 560-8357 to request an appointment.

Report the Injury to Your Employer

New York Workers’ Compensation law generally requires you to notify your employer of a work-related injury in writing within 30 days of the accident. Reporting sooner is better. Waiting can make it harder to connect your injury to your job.

• Tell your supervisor or manager as soon as you are able.
• Put your notice in writing and keep a dated copy for yourself.
• Include the date, time, location, and how the injury happened.
• Note any coworkers who witnessed the incident.

For injuries that develop over time (an “occupational disease,” such as a repetitive-strain condition), the timing rules can differ. If you have questions about deadlines or your specific claim, consider speaking with an attorney. As a medical provider, we can document your condition, but we do not give legal advice.

How the Workers' Comp Process Works

Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system in New York, meaning you may be eligible for benefits regardless of who caused the accident. Every claim is different, and eligibility is determined by the insurance carrier and the Workers’ Compensation Board. In general terms, the process involves:

• Reporting the injury to your employer.
• Your employer notifying its insurance carrier and the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
• Filing an employee claim (Form C-3) with the Workers’ Compensation Board, generally within two years of the injury.
• Receiving medical treatment from an authorized provider, with covered care billed to the Workers’ Comp carrier.
• Possible wage-replacement benefits if your injury keeps you out of work.

Because our practice can bill New York Workers’ Comp directly, covered visits for an accepted claim are generally billed to the carrier rather than to you, so your out-of-pocket cost is typically $0. Learn more about our Workers’ Comp injury care.

See an Authorized Medical Provider

In New York, medical care for a Workers’ Comp injury must generally be provided by a doctor or facility authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board (emergency care is an exception). Choosing an authorized provider from the start can help keep your treatment and paperwork on track.

Injury Recovery MD coordinates care across multiple specialties, so you are not bounced between unrelated offices. Depending on your injury, your plan may include diagnostic testing such as EMG nerve testing, targeted injection treatments, and rehabilitation for conditions like back injuries, neck pain, sciatica, or a herniated disc. See our Long Island locations and medical team.

Keep Thorough Documentation

Good records support both your recovery and your claim. Keep track of:

• The written injury report you gave your employer and the date you gave it.
• Every medical visit, diagnosis, and treatment recommendation.
• Any work restrictions your provider gives you and how they affect your job.
• Names and contact information for witnesses.
• Mileage and out-of-pocket costs related to your care.

Our practice provides the medical documentation that Workers’ Comp carriers, employers, and attorneys typically require, so your treatment record is clear and complete.

Returning to Work Safely

Returning to work is a goal for many patients, and it should happen at a pace your body can handle. Your provider may recommend modified or light duty, gradual increases in activity, or continued therapy while you resume work. Follow the restrictions you are given, and let your medical team know if your symptoms change or your job duties make things worse.

Consistent follow-through on your treatment plan, including scheduled physical therapy and reassessments, gives your care team the information needed to adjust your return-to-work timeline appropriately. To schedule an evaluation for a workplace injury on Long Island, call (631) 560-8357.

Frequently asked questions

How soon do I have to report a workplace injury in New York?

You generally must notify your employer in writing within 30 days of the accident, though reporting right away is recommended. You generally have up to two years to file the employee claim (Form C-3) with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Deadlines can vary for injuries that develop over time, so consider consulting an attorney about your specific situation.

Does Workers' Comp cover my medical bills?

For an accepted work-related injury claim, covered medical care is generally billed directly to the Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier rather than to you. Because Injury Recovery MD bills New York Workers’ Comp directly, covered visits are typically $0 out of pocket. Coverage and eligibility are determined by the carrier and the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Can I choose my own doctor for a Workers' Comp injury?

In most non-emergency cases, your provider must be authorized by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Injury Recovery MD treats work-related injuries and coordinates multi-specialty care. Call (631) 560-8357 to schedule an evaluation.

What if my injury seems minor at first?

Some workplace injuries, including strains, herniated discs, and repetitive-motion conditions, can worsen over days or weeks. Getting evaluated promptly helps document the injury and start appropriate care. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available on Long Island.

Do you handle the paperwork my employer and insurer need?

Yes. As a medical provider, we supply the documentation that Workers’ Comp carriers, employers, and attorneys typically require to support your treatment record. For legal questions about your claim, we recommend consulting an attorney.