Craig D. Rosenbaum | January 2, 2026 | Workers' Compensation
Slips, trips, and falls occur in the workplace more frequently than most people realize. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of slip, trip, and fall accidents resulting in missed work time exceeded 450,000 in 2021 and 2022. Unfortunately, these accidents sometimes lead to catastrophic injuries.
Understanding how these claims are handled under the New York workers’ compensation system is crucial to getting the compensation you are owed after your accident.
What Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation After a Fall?
If you suffered a slip, trip, and fall accident at work, you are likely covered by workers’ compensation benefits. Nearly all employers in New York are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and this coverage provides the following benefits after an on-the-job injury:
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation will pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatments after your fall. This may include:
- Emergency treatment
- Diagnostic imaging
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Doctor visits
If your doctor determines that a treatment is necessary for your injury, it will likely be covered.
Wage Replacement
If you are unable to work because of your injury, workers’ compensation will provide wage replacement benefits. Generally, these benefits may equal up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to statutory limits and your level of disability.
Survivor Benefits
In the event that someone loses their life as a result of an on-the-job fall, their family can receive survivor benefits. These benefits are provided in the form of weekly cash benefits equal to two-thirds of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage, as well as funeral and burial expenses.
What Are Common Causes of Job-Related Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall hazards exist in nearly every workplace in the country. Whether you work at a construction site or in an office building, these types of hazards are likely present in your workplace.
Some of the most common causes of slip, trip, and fall accidents include:
- Unsecured wiring
- Loose carpeting or rugs
- Lack of handrails or guardrails
- Inadequate lighting
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Wet or slippery floors
- Cracked sidewalks
- Loose gravel or potholes in parking lots
- Debris in the walkway
- Lack of proper warning signs
Knowing some of the most common causes of these accidents can help you avoid risky situations and potentially prevent injury.
What Types of Injuries Do Workers Who Fall on the Job Suffer?
Workers who are the victims of on-the-job falls may suffer many different types of injuries. It is a common misconception that a fall can only result in minor injuries.
In fact, some of the injuries resulting from these accidents can be devastating, such as:
- Brain injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Facial and dental injuries
- Paralysis or nerve damage
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Many of these injuries leave workers with permanent effects, and some workers are never able to perform the duties of their job again. The good news is that workers’ compensation benefits can provide valuable compensation to help you deal with the financial impact of your injury.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident
Knowing what to do after a workplace accident can be crucial to protecting your legal rights. First, ensure that you receive immediate medical attention for your injuries. Document your injuries as much as possible, including taking photos of your injuries as well as the conditions that led to your slip, trip, or fall.
Next, notify your employer of your accident as soon as possible. While you may have up to 30 days to let your employer know about your accident, notifying them as soon as possible is always a good idea. Finally, get help from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.
Call Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a New York City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you were injured in a workplace slip, trip, or fall in New York City, you do not have to navigate the workers’ compensation process alone. Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights, ensure your claim is properly filed, and pursue the full benefits available under New York law. For more information, contact our experienced New York City workers’ compensation lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
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About The Author
Craig D. Rosenbaum is licensed to practice in New York. He is part of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association of Justice. Click here to view some of the amazing case results that Craig has successfully handled.
