Individuals that volunteer their services for not-for-profits are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, so the not-for-profit entity using volunteers is not required to obtain a workers’ compensation insurance policy. Continue reading Explainer: Nonprofits and Workers’ Compensation →

Almost all workers in New York are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Law. of course, for every broad generalization like that one, there are exceptions. What are the exceptions to coverage requirements under New York’s law? Generally, see § 3 of the Workers’ Compensation Law. Here’s a non-exclusive list of some of the most commonly-excepted employments in New York: Continue reading Explainer: Who is NOT Covered by New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law? →

Wrap-Up Policies

On large construction projects the main general contractor may obtain a workers’ compensation insurance policy to cover all workers on a the job site – this policy is called a “wrap-up” policy. A wrap-up policy has an expiration date that coincides with the planned completion date of the project.

All the subcontractors should be listed as policyholders on the wrap-up policy. The general contractor and the majority of the sub-contractors should each also have their own separate workers’ compensation insurance policy. Continue reading Explainer: Special Categories of Employment for New York Workers’ Compensation Coverage →

Disability stemming from any disease within the course of employment may entitle the employee to compensation, if the disease is found to be occupational in nature. Di Nicola v. Crucible Steel, Inc., 83 A.D.2d 735, 736, 442 N.Y.S.2d 582, 584 (3d Dept. 1981); see also Rodriguez v. Atlantic Gummed Paper Corp., 61 A.D.2d 873, 402 N.Y.S.2d 238, 239 (3d Dept. 1978). To be considered an occupational disease, the disease must be the
“result of a distinctive feature of the kind of work performed by claimant and others similarly employed, not an ailment caused by the peculiar place in which the particular claimant happens to work … or caused by ordinary contact with a fellow employee ….”
Paider v. Park East Movers, 19 N.Y.2d 373, 380, 280 N.Y.S.2d 140, 144, 227 N.E.2d 40, 43 (1967) (citations omitted). In order to obtain workers’ compensation benefits based upon an occupational disease, the claimant must “establish a ‘recognizable link’ between his condition and a distinctive feature of his occupation.” Engler v UPS, 767 NYS2d 496, 498 [2003]. Therefore, the foundation of determining if a disability resulted from an occupational disease is whether a distinctive feature of employment caused the disability.

Two factors result in occupational diseases: exposure to toxins and repetitive activity. This article discusses both and then provides some practical takeaways for practictioners defending these claims. Continue reading Understanding the “Distinctive Feature of Employment” Requirement for Occupational Disease Claims In New York →

Virtually all employers in New York State must provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. WCL §§ 2, 3. An employer can be a natural person, an association or partnership, a corporation, or a municipal organization. Although circular, an employer is defined as “anyone who has employees.” Even just one. Continue reading Who is an “Employer” who requires Workers’ Compensation Insurance in New York? →