Hurt on the Job? What Long Island Workers Need to Know About Workplace Injury Claims

When an injury happens on the job, many workers assume the only path to compensation is through workers’ compensation. But in certain situations—especially when an employer is a “non-subscriber”—you may have additional legal rights. At the Noll Law Firm, we help injured workers in Long Island, New York navigate these complex claims and pursue the full compensation they deserve.

 

What is a “non-subscriber” employer?

In New York, most employers provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. However, some employers opt not to carry this coverage—they are called “non-subscribers.” When such an employer fails to follow required safety rules or otherwise causes an unsafe work environment, injured employees may have a broader right to bring a personal injury lawsuit, beyond the usual workers’ compensation system.

 

Why this matters

If you’re hurt at work, and the employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to:

 

Sue the employer directly for negligence

Recover for pain and suffering, lost wages, future medical costs, and other damages beyond what workers’ comp would allow

Address third-party liability (e.g., equipment manufacturers, contractors, property owners) in addition to employer liability

 

Common workplace injury scenarios we handle

 

Ladder or scaffold falls (construction, maintenance)

Falls from heights, slips/trips in warehouses or retail

Machinery accidents, amputations, crush injuries

Repetitive stress injuries or ergonomic injuries (where employer fails to provide safe tools)

Exposure to toxic substances, burn injuries, chemical hazards

 

What to do if you’re injured at work

  1. Report the injury immediately — Make sure your employer documents the incident; obtain a copy of the accident report.

  2. Seek prompt medical treatment — Follow doctor’s orders; preserve records of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

  3. Document everything — Take photographs of the scene, equipment, your injuries, and get contact info for witnesses.

  4. Don’t give a recorded statement to your employer’s insurer without legal advice — These insurers may attempt to minimize your case.

  5. Record lost time and wages — Keep a detailed log of time you cannot work, reduced duties, and impact on your earning capacity.

  6. Consult an attorney early — The distinctions between workers’ compensation claims and personal injury claims can be subtle; missing a deadlines or selecting the wrong claim path may limit recovery.

How Noll Law Firm supports injured workers

 

We evaluate whether your employer is a “non-subscriber” and what legal options you have.

We determine all potential defendants (employer, third-party contractors, equipment makers).

We pursue full compensation: current and future medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain & suffering.

We advocate at all levels—negotiation or trial—drawing on decades of experience. nytrialattorney.com

FAQs

Q: Am I limited to workers’ compensation only?
Not always. If your employer is a non-subscriber, or a third party caused the injury, you may pursue a separate personal injury lawsuit.

Q: What is the statute of limitations?
In New York, for most personal injury claims the deadline is three years from the date of the injury. Missing it can mean losing your right to sue.

Q: Do I need to worry about retaliation?
Workplace retaliation is illegal. If you experience discipline or termination because you reported the injury, you may have additional legal protections.

Conclusion

A workplace injury can upend your life—physically, financially, emotionally. The Noll Law Firm stands ready to help injured Long Island workers understand their rights, build a strong case, and pursue fair compensation. If you’ve been hurt on the job, contact us today for a free consultation—time matters.