Every employee in New York — regardless of industry or immigration status — has the right to a safe and healthy work environment. If you were injured at work, exposed to unsafe conditions, or denied proper safety protections, you may be entitled to workers' compensation or even additional legal action if your employer was negligent.

While workers’ compensation covers most job-related injuries, many employees don’t receive the full benefits they deserve — or their claims are delayed or denied altogether. Some are pressured not to file at all, or even punished for reporting dangerous conditions.

Employers are required by law to follow OSHA safety standards, provide protective equipment, and take immediate action to correct hazards. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, the law is often on the employee’s side.

Your Rights Include:

• The right to a safe, hazard-free workplace

• The right to report unsafe conditions to your employer or OSHA without retaliation

• The right to file a workers’ compensation claim for injuries or occupational illness

• The right to medical treatment and lost wage benefits after a workplace injury

• The right to refuse dangerous work without being fired or penalized

• The right to file a legal claim if your injury was due to employer negligence, defective equipment, or a third party

Injuries don’t need to be catastrophic to be taken seriously. If you've been hurt, even if you're unsure of fault, it’s worth speaking to a lawyer.