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Workers' compensation plays a critical role in supporting employees who develop illnesses directly related to their work environment or duties. Occupational diseases, such as respiratory conditions from prolonged exposure to hazardous substances or repetitive strain injuries from physical tasks, can...

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be a challenging and often overwhelming process. Many applicants find themselves facing delays, complications, and denials due to the intricate nature of the application process. Understanding the steps involved and preparing thoroughly can...

Navigating the Social Security Disability (SSD) application process can be daunting, especially when it comes time for your disability hearing. This hearing is a crucial step in securing the benefits you need and deserve. At Zea Proukou, we understand the complexities of the SSD process and are comm...

Experiencing a work-related injury can be a challenging and stressful time. Not only do you have to navigate the recovery process, but you also need to consider how and when you can return to work. Understanding the steps involved in returning to work after a workers' compensation injury is crucial...

Workers' compensation is a critical system designed to protect employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Despite its importance, many myths and misconceptions surround the process, leading to confusion and hesitation among workers. Zea Proukou is here to debunk some of the most common...

Medical evidence plays a critical role in Social Security Disability (SSD) claims, serving as the foundation for determining eligibility. Without concrete medical documentation, proving the severity and impact of a disability can be challenging. Here's how medical evidence influences the outcome of...

When a work injury occurs and a Workers’ Compensation claim is filed, the insurance company must file a form in response either accepting or controverting (denying or contesting) the claim. These controverted claims can be for a variety of reasons; the injury did not arise out of or in the course of...

In the vast Finger Lakes region of New York State, workers from all industries face the potential for workplace injuries that can disrupt their lives and livelihoods. Understanding and navigating the difficulties of Workers' Compensation claims is an intimidating task for many. That's where Zea Prou...

Receiving a denial on your application for a Social Security Disability (SSD) claim can be disheartening, but it's not the end of the road. At Zea Proukou, we understand the complexities of the SSD system and are here to guide you through the appeal process. Here’s how to effectively appeal a denied...

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be a complex and overwhelming process. At Zea Proukou, we have seen many individuals make unintentional errors that can significantly impact the outcome of their applications. We will highlight some common mistakes to avoid, ensuring that yo...

In the ever-evolving field of Workers' Compensation in New York State (NYS), attorneys specializing in this area must stay up to date on the latest laws and practices. Here's how they do it: 1. Continuing Legal Education (CLE): NYS mandates ongoing legal education for practicing attorn...

Navigating the complexities of a Workers' Compensation claim can be challenging, and this is where the assistance of an attorney becomes invaluable. Knowledgeable Guidance from the Start From the moment an injury occurs, our team at Zea Proukou is ready to guide you. We emphasize the i...

Workers’ compensation helps financially cover employees who are injured or become ill on the job. While the exact eligibility requirements can vary, some core requirements apply across the board. In this post, we will outline who is eligible for workers’ compensation so you’ll know if you qualify. ...

Over the last decade, the New York State weekly Workers’ Compensation minimum has remained stagnant. To quantify, it’s been a minimum of $150.00 per week since May 1, 2013. While the maximum per week rate has increased annually since 2008, the same cannot be said about the minimum per week rate, as...

If you’ve found yourself in the position of needing to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, we know just how stressful the process can be. In most cases, you may be suffering not only from medical symptoms, but facing financial pressures, as well. You’ve probably heard scary tales about th...

If you've been injured on the job, reporting a workplace injury is critical in protecting any financial or legal compensation that you may be entitled to receive as part of the injury. The reporting process can include filing papers with your employer and possible government agencies, and consulting...

Historically, stay-at-home parents have encountered difficulty when applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). With strict eligibility requirements in place, more than two-thirds of initial applications are denied. That said, there are certain situations wh...

The workers' compensation system provides two kinds of benefits: lost wages ("indemnity benefits") and coverage for medical bills. If you lose more than one week of work because of your work-related injury or illness you are entitled to be paid for the time you are out. In order to determine the amo...

While there are laws that may protect your rights and your employment if you’re injured while working, navigating those laws can be confusing and challenging, especially when you’re dealing with worries about your job, health, and finances. One of the most important decisions you can make is to prot...

A schedule loss of use award, or “SLU” as it is often referred to as, is an award paid to injured workers who have been determined to have a permanent loss of function to an extremity; this includes injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, fingers, hip, knee, foot, ankle, toes, eyes for vision...

If you’ve been hurt at work the workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits that cover the cost of medical expenses and lost wages. Workers’ compensation payments, which are dispensed through your employer’s insurance company, are paid in the form of bi-weekly checks based on your a...

You went to a doctor to begin documentation of a workplace injury or condition and reported it to your supervisor within 30 days of the occurrence. You successfully filed a C-3 Form with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board online, by mail, or over the phone. Perhaps you have sought profes...

Workplace injuries lead to stress and anxiety as employees worry about loss of income and job security. Luckily, the NY Workers’ Compensation Law is designed to help injured workers in situations just like these. However, understanding the Workers’ Comp process can be challenging. To help ease some...

No matter how many safety measures are in place and how cautious employees are, workplace injuries still occur each day. In New York State, the Workers’ Compensation Law exists to help those who have been injured on the job with medical bills and lost wages. However, filing for Workers’ Comp can see...

More often than not, making the decision to apply for SSD or SSI is a big step and isn’t always easy. However, if your health conditions and/or limitations are hindering your ability to perform normal life activities and your doctor confirms your disability, you have the option of applying for benef...

If you were injured on the job, you may be able to recover compensation to cover your lost wages by filing a workers’ compensation claim. Most people in this situation want to know “just how much money can I expect to receive?” This article explains how most workers’ comp benefits are calculated in...

We can help you through the entire process, from start to finish When you can't work because of an illness or injury, it's hard to know where to turn for help. Social Security Disability benefits provide some relief, but the application process can be confusing. This article walks you through...

Successfully representing clients in Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, and Supplemental Security Income cases When you're injured on the job, it's important to know your rights and options. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the process and protect your interests....

What should you do if you have a partial disability? And what does it mean to have a partial disability? If you're dealing with a partial disability and work restrictions, here are some tips from experienced attorneys to help you. But first, you’ll need a clear understanding of what a partial di...

Reopening of Cases In most Workers’ Compensation claims that are not settled by way of Section 32 agreements which close out medical treatment, even though your case may have been marked “no further action” by the Board and it goes dormant for some time, you still have the right to reopen your cl...