Buffalo Workers Comp Attorney Kate Kirsch News and Blog

Chili's shooting survivor battles NYS Workers Compensation Board For Telehealth Access

Fri, 20 May 2022 17:59:00 +0000

Thu May 19 2022 - The woman who survived the 2018 killings at the Chili's restaurant in DeWitt says she's come a long way, thanks to therapy and medications. But she has a major bone to pick with the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, and she's not alone. Jessica Saum says the Board allowed her to see her therapist and her psychiatrist via telehealth during the pandemic, which has put her on a path where she sees a future beyond being the "Chili's survivor.

Tonawanda Woman fights for change to Workers’ Compensation law after death of baby

Wed, 11 May 2022 17:35:00 +0000

(WIVB) — A Tonawanda woman, who lost her baby, is fighting to change Workers’ Compensation law in New York State. Michelle Waugaman was 16 weeks along in her pregnancy, working as an at-home care nurse, when she fell down the stairs of her patient’s home. “Everything was fine before that fall,” she told News 4. “I had a healthy pregnancy; there was not one complication.”

Want To Know More About Your Attorneys?!

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 05:50:00 +0000

You want to know more about your attorneys?! Here is more about Kallie Banker, the newest addition to our team of attorneys...

Welcome Kallie Banker

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 05:34:00 +0000

We are thrilled to welcome Kallie Banker to our team of attorneys!

Op-Ed | New York’s injured workers need support

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:30:00 +0000

New York’s injured workers have long had to deal with a confusing system to find solutions that meet their needs. Further complicating matters, the Workers’ Compensation Board has continued implementing new rules and regulations that put injured workers into uncomfortable and risky situations during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Aug. 16, 2021, a New York State Executive Order expired, forcing partially disabled workers to seek employment just to receive their rightful compensation. The Workers’ Compensation Board insisted that injured workers in New York resume job searches to receive ongoing lost-wage benefits, a practice that was suspended by the executive order due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board recently recognized the risks associated with the labor attachment and has now clarified that they will accommodate current restrictions in mobility associated with the recent uptick of the COVID-19 delta variant and does not require injured workers to leave home to apply for work in-person.

Take Action! Pass A1220-A/S1024

Thu, 13 May 2021 05:47:00 +0000

Injured workers shouldn’t have to prove loss of wage-earning capacity. A1220-A/S1024 would ensure injured workers have security!

Working New Yorkers are the backbone of New York's economy.

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 05:38:00 +0000

Working New Yorkers are the backbone of New York's economy. New York was the first state to adopt workers’ compensation and was once a national leader in protecting the rights and interests of workers injured on the job. Today the New York workers’ compensation system is broken.

Albany Bill: A3671/S845 To Gurantee Every Injured Worker a Hearing

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:19:00 +0000

Injured workers are not guaranteed a hearing by the Workers Comp Board, making it hard for them to receive benefits. Bill A3671/S845 would require a hearing for every case.

It's Time To Put Workers Over Profits

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:12:00 +0000

$1.6 BILLION. That's how much insurance companies profited from the NY workers' comp system in 2018. It's time to put workers over profits.

COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 20:06:00 +0000

To all of our valued clients: If you are now eligible for a COVID vaccine and do not have anyone to help you navigate online, or a computer to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call the office and ask for Kate.

1.6 Billion = Profit For Insurance Companies

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 19:49:00 +0000

According to a report by "The Center for New York City Affairs", in 2018, workers' compensation insurance company profits increased to $1.6 billion.

Essential Workers Continue to Struggle for Covid-Related Workers' Comp and Death Benefits

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Eight months into the coronavirus outbreak in New York, frontline workers and their families continue to struggle to receive workers' compensation and death benefits for covid-related injuries incurred on the job. A Gotham Gazette analysis of claim data from the Workers' Compensation Board reveals that fewer than 2% of workplace injury claims associated with the virus have had lost wages awarded through the Board, while thousands remain in limbo.

Do you think you contracted COVID at work?

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:31:00 +0000

Do you think you contacted COVID at work. Here is the information you need to file a claim.

NY Workers' Compensation Board by The Numbers

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 12:12:00 +0000

NY Workers' Compensation Board by The Numbers. Where the money comes from and how it is spent by the board.

Covid-19 Workers’ Comp Claims Are Being Held Up or Denied

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:33:00 +0000

COVID-19 and New York State Workers' Compensation...a system built for workers' continues to disappoint them..."Employers and insurance companies are insisting employees, even those directly exposed to the virus, can’t prove they got sick at work."

Take Action - Send A Letter

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 22:07:00 +0000

The Workers' Compensation Board, created to ensure that injured workers' obtain the benefits they are entitled to, is not only filing an appeal of an award to the injured worker's family, but is also permitting the carrier to withhold benefits pending the Court of Appeals decision. Please go to the landing page at the top of this page, click the link and SEND A LETTER TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES. It takes only a minute and is super easy!

Take Action - Let Your Representatives Know

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 15:59:00 +0000

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK and the let the Governor and your State representatives know!

COVID and workers' compensation - The Financial Tool of COVID-19 Deaths

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 15:54:00 +0000

Organizations in New York City have stepped in to help families with funeral costs and related matters in communities hit hard by the disease, but their money and resources are strained.

Is the NYSWCB unbiased in their oversight of injured workers' benefits or are they working with the business sector?

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 15:46:00 +0000

Spackenkill student's court case could set precedent in posthumous workers compensation.

Take Action - Protect Injured Workers

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 16:06:00 +0000

As you know, it is our mission to ensure that workers in New York State have the protections they need and deserve in the event of a workplace injury. There are several bills in the New York State Legislature that will help make our mission a reality. We need your help letting Albany lawmakers know that they have to pay attention to these bills.