Workers’ Compensation Board Seeks Judgment Against New England Patriots Based on Road Game in New York
- posted: Apr. 16, 2025
Employees on a payroll in New York must be covered by workers’ compensation insurance regardless of where their employer’s headquarters is located or how long they’ll be working in the Empire State. This law applies to full-time, part-time and temporary employees, even those who are paid in the state one day out of every year.
Though most New York football fans root against them, the New England Patriots play an annual game in the state when they visit their division rival, the Buffalo Bills. Game checks that the players receive for this contest are subject to New York law. Now, the state’s Workers’ Compensation Board is seeking a $24,000 fine from the team for reportedly not carrying required coverage here for more than a year. The Board has even requested a court judgment to enforce the penalty.
Employers who fail to comply with these requirements face steep penalties, including fines, legal judgments and even potential criminal charges in severe cases. While NFL teams and other for-profit sports organizations playing here must have a workers’ comp policy in the state, this requirement does not extend to college athletics, despite the fact that students receive scholarships and other benefits.
New York provides specific guidance on workers’ compensation requirements for various categories of employees who might occasionally work within the state, such as foreign government employees, media sales representatives and performing artists. One exception to the New York workers’ compensation mandate exists for truck drivers and others who travel through New York while making deliveries. However, these employees must have appropriate coverage in their own state, with New York referenced in their policy. Likewise, someone who occasionally (less than once per month) travels here for a meeting, convention or seminar does not need a New York policy.
If you’re unsure about how your job is classified, or if you’ve been hurt at work and was told that your employer does not have New York coverage, it’s best to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. represents workers’ compensation claimants in the Hudson Valley parts of the state. Please call 845-640-3846 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation concerning how the law applies in your case. My office is in Highland.
Workers’ Compensation Board Seeks Judgment Against New England Patriots Based on Road Game in New York
- posted: Apr. 16, 2025
Employees on a payroll in New York must be covered by workers’ compensation insurance regardless of where their employer’s headquarters is located or how long they’ll be working in the Empire State. This law applies to full-time, part-time and temporary employees, even those who are paid in the state one day out of every year.
Though most New York football fans root against them, the New England Patriots play an annual game in the state when they visit their division rival, the Buffalo Bills. Game checks that the players receive for this contest are subject to New York law. Now, the state’s Workers’ Compensation Board is seeking a $24,000 fine from the team for reportedly not carrying required coverage here for more than a year. The Board has even requested a court judgment to enforce the penalty.
Employers who fail to comply with these requirements face steep penalties, including fines, legal judgments and even potential criminal charges in severe cases. While NFL teams and other for-profit sports organizations playing here must have a workers’ comp policy in the state, this requirement does not extend to college athletics, despite the fact that students receive scholarships and other benefits.
New York provides specific guidance on workers’ compensation requirements for various categories of employees who might occasionally work within the state, such as foreign government employees, media sales representatives and performing artists. One exception to the New York workers’ compensation mandate exists for truck drivers and others who travel through New York while making deliveries. However, these employees must have appropriate coverage in their own state, with New York referenced in their policy. Likewise, someone who occasionally (less than once per month) travels here for a meeting, convention or seminar does not need a New York policy.
If you’re unsure about how your job is classified, or if you’ve been hurt at work and was told that your employer does not have New York coverage, it’s best to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. represents workers’ compensation claimants in the Hudson Valley parts of the state. Please call 845-640-3846 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation concerning how the law applies in your case. My office is in Highland.
