Dutchess County Attorney for Benefits Claims Denials, and More
Serving Clients Throughout Ulster, Orange, Putnam, & Columbia Counties
The practice at the law office of Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. in Highland spans many areas designed to help the people of the mid-Hudson Valley with their most immediate legal needs. We represent people whose claims for disability benefits have been denied, or who have been injured in a car accident or workplace accident. We also defend people in New York DWI or DWAI matters. Additionally, we represent uninsured employers dealing with workers' compensation matters.
Below is a brief overview of our main practice areas and the assistance we provide. Click on a link for more information about how we can help in a particular area.
Benefits Claims Denials
If your claim for benefits has been denied, there are likely many levels of appeals or ways you can go about getting your claim reconsidered. We have decades of experience helping people work through a variety of different administrative agencies to get the benefits they need and deserve. Contact our office for help in any of the following areas:
Our FAQs
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Do workers' compensation benefits make up for the wages I miss while I cannot work?
Along with reimbursement for your medical expenses, wage replacement is a big part of your worker's compensation benefits. Exactly how much of your lost wages can be made up by workers' compensation depends upon a number of factors, including the date on which you were injured, the severity of the disability, and the terms of any negotiated agreement you may be covered under. In most cases, benefits are determined by a statutory formula that multiplies two-thirds of your average weekly wage by your disability percentage rating, up to a maximum amount. Some employees, depending upon their contract, are able to receive 60% of their wages for up to nine months as part of a Supplemental Pay Program, or up to six months of full wage replacement.
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Can I receive any benefits while my claim is being appealed?
If you are seeking review of an unfavorable decision, the carrier does not have to pay benefits during the review process. If your award is being appealed by the employer or workers' comp carrier, then you should receive medical payments and wage benefits during the appeal. If only a portion of your award is being contested, the uncontested portion will continue to be paid to you during any appeals or review process.
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What is a Section 32 Agreement, and how do I know if I need one?
A Section 32 Agreement is a waiver agreement between you and your company's workers' comp insurance carrier. If you negotiate a Section 32 Agreement, you agree to settle your claim in exchange for a lump sum cash payment, and you waive your rights to pursue the claim further. Once a Section 32 Agreement is negotiated and approved by the Workers' Compensation Board, your case is closed and cannot be reopened.
You should discuss the pros and cons of a Section 32 Agreement with your attorney before you sign one. For instance, a Section 32 wavier may not be good for you if you might need further treatment or therapy down the road, but it might be in your best interests if you have a permanent partial disability, due to the cap on how long you can collect benefits. A Section 32 waiver agreement is a complicated legal document, and you should definitely have legal advice and representation in negotiating, drafting or reviewing one.
Client Testimonials
Hear From Past Clients We've Helped
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"Thanks For All Your Help"
Thanks for all your help in getting this case resolved with WAMO. Your suggestion that I write to the Senior Law Judge was the key I think.
- Marge -
"Most Excellent Lawyer"
I would like to thank you, for all you have done for me and my son. You are the kindest person and most excellent lawyer I have known in my life. You are our angel.
- Maria I. -
"I'm in Good Hands"
You have been excellent in all matters pertaining to my case, and I feel I'm in good hands. I’ll keep in communication in updates as I'm sure PMA will as well God Bless...
- Darren P. -
"We Appreciate It More Than You Know"
We can’t thank you enough for all of your help! We appreciate it more than you know!
- Rick, Debbie, & Ricky -
"Levelheadedness and Perseverance"
I know we’ve had our difficult moments (usually due to my constant need for reassurance from you). But there isn’t a day that I don’t thank God for your levelheadedness and perseverance.
- Eileen -
"Thank You for Everything"
Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I really do appreciate you.
- Valerie S. -
"Caring and Professional"
Thank you for meeting us and assessing Spencer and his needs in such a caring and professional way. Your staff was friendly, caring and supportive the entire time we were in touch with your office. Many thanks for your time! Blessings to you all!
- D.E. -
"You’re the Best"
I would like to thank you for all you have done for me and my family. You’re the best!
- A. Chambers
Uninsured Employer Defense
Sometimes employers may misunderstand or misapply the legal requirements for workers' compensation coverage under New York State law. Unfortunately, the authorities go after uninsured employers aggressively with all the enforcement tools at their disposal, including stop work orders, steep civil fines and even criminal penalties including jail time. Our office has successfully defended clients in all of these areas for nearly 35+ years. If you are facing legal action for failure to get or keep Workers' Compensation insurance, contact our office for advice and representation in uninsured employer defense.
From our office in Highland, we represent people throughout the mid-Hudson Valley in Orange, Ulster & Dutchess counties.
If you find yourself in need of legal assistance in any of the above areas, contact the law office of Peter M. Cordovano, P.C. at (845) 414-8482.
