Are You A Union Delegate? Here’s What To Do When A Member Is Injured

When one of your members gets hurt on the job in New York, anything that happens in the first 24 to 48 hours can shape their workers’ compensation claim. As a union delegate, you’re often the first person they turn to. Knowing how to guide a member early on can make the difference between a smooth claim and a drawn-out fight with an insurance company.

Here’s what every delegate should know when dealing with an injured union member:

Follow Up On Their Injury

Don’t assume they handled everything on their own. Always confirm that your member has reported the injury to their supervisor in writing with details about the date, time, and what happened. In New York, a worker needs to report their injuries to their supervisor within 30 days of the incident. In most cases, anything after that will most likely lead to a claim dismissal.

Help Your Member Get the Right Medical Care

Medical records are one of the most important parts of a workers’ comp claim. Encourage your member to seek treatment right away to avoid suspicion and ensure they’re safe.

The type of doctor they go to also matters. Make sure they understand the difference between an authorized workers’ comp provider and their personal physician. Going to the wrong person or not seeking immediate care creates unnecessary gaps insurers could use to delay their claim.

Know Your Rights And Limitations As A Delegate

Your support is a valuable part of a member’s case. You can help them document what happened, connect them with union resources, and remind them of any deadlines.

But there’s a clear line between what you can and can’t do. Avoid giving legal advice or false hope on how their claim might turn out. In this case, you’re better off connecting them with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer who understands this process and can give them more accurate information.

Watch for Common Red Flags

Even though employer retaliation is illegal in New York, it still happens much more than we realize. As a delegate, your job is to step in and help union members whenever they’re in this situation.

A few signs to look out for include:

• Employer pressure to handle the accident off the books
• Random schedule changes after they report an injury
• Insurer delays
• Unfair settlement offers
• Requests for excessive documentation

If you see any of these signs, help your union member get in touch with a lawyer immediately.

A Trusted Resource For New York Union Workers

Don’t wait until the final second to speak to a lawyer. Many delegates work with the same firm across multiple cases, making future claims faster and less stressful for everyone.

At Turley Redmond & Rosasco, we work directly with union delegates and injured workers across NYC, Queens, and Long Island. If you need guidance on a specific case, our workers’ compensation attorneys are here to support your members and protect their rights. Contact us online or give us a call at 800-671-4927 for a free consultation today.