Free Resources

Understand Your Workers' Comp Case

Free educational resources about NYS workers' compensation — built by a practicing WC attorney. Step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and a glossary of every WCB term you need to know.

Your Comp Journey

Every workers' compensation case in New York follows these five stages. Understanding where you are helps you know what comes next.

1

File Your Claim

Report your injury, file the C-3 form, and open your WCB case.

2

Get Your Benefits

Understand your AWW, comp rate, and weekly benefit payments.

3

Medical Evidence

Navigate IMEs, treating physician reports, and medical disputes.

4

Permanency

SLU awards, LWEC classification, and permanent impairment.

5

Settlement

Section 32 settlements, closing your case, and next steps.

Deep Dive Guides

In-depth guides covering every aspect of NYS workers' compensation — from your first hearing to final settlement.

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Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in NY

How to report your injury, file the C-3 form with the WCB, and what to expect in the first 30 days of your case. Includes employer notice requirements and deadlines.

Beginner
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Understanding Your Weekly Benefits

How your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is calculated under WCL §14, what your compensation rate means, and the different benefit categories — temporary total, temporary partial, and permanent.

Beginner
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IMEs & Medical Evidence Explained

What happens at an Independent Medical Examination (IME), how to prepare, and why the carrier's doctor might disagree with your treating physician. Learn how the Board resolves medical disputes.

Intermediate
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Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) Awards

How SLU awards work under WCL §15(3), which body parts qualify, how the percentage of loss is determined, and how to calculate your potential award. Includes the 2024 Permanency Guidelines update.

Intermediate
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LWEC Classification & Permanency

The Loss of Wage Earning Capacity (LWEC) system for non-schedule injuries (spine, brain, heart, lungs). How classification percentages are determined and what they mean for your long-term benefits.

Advanced
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Section 32 Settlements

Everything you need to know about settling your workers' comp case. How Section 32 agreements work, when settling makes sense, what to negotiate, and how the Board reviews your agreement.

Advanced

Video Library

Short, clear video tutorials that walk you through the most important concepts in NYS workers' compensation.

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What Is Schedule Loss of Use?

A 5-minute overview of how SLU works, which body parts qualify, and what determines your award amount.

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How Your AWW Is Calculated

Understanding the four statutory methods for calculating your Average Weekly Wage under WCL §14.

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Preparing for Your IME

What to expect at an Independent Medical Examination and how to protect your rights during the process.

More videos coming soon. Get the app for the full video library.

WCB Glossary

Key workers' compensation terms every injured worker and attorney should know.

Schedule Loss of Use (SLU)
Permanent impairment award for extremity injuries under WCL §15(3).
Average Weekly Wage (AWW)
The wage basis for calculating your weekly compensation rate.
LWEC
Loss of Wage Earning Capacity — classification for non-schedule injuries.
IME
Independent Medical Examination — exam by the carrier's doctor.
Section 32
Voluntary lump-sum settlement that closes the entire WC case.
Compensation Rate
Your weekly benefit amount — 2/3 of AWW, capped at the statutory max.
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
The point at which your condition has stabilized and further improvement is unlikely.
C-3 Form
Employee Claim form filed with the WCB to initiate a workers' comp case.
PPD
Permanent Partial Disability — ongoing benefits for partial permanent impairment.
WCLJ
Workers' Compensation Law Judge — presides over WCB hearings.
Causal Relationship
The medical connection between your work accident and your diagnosed injury.
Date of Disablement
The date you first lost time from work due to your occupational injury or disease.

The full interactive glossary is available in the Comp Desk app.