Yes—but be careful of recorded statements by insurance adjusters.
Although New York workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, insurance adjusters often try to get you to say things like “I violated safety rules” or “I wasn’t really working at the time” to deny costly medical treatment, including surgery. Before giving any recorded statement, you should speak with a lawyer. A single phone call can help you describe the accident accurately and avoid verbal traps. Even if you have already said something that may hurt your case, contact us immediately—there may still be legal ways to protect your claim.

Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to workers’ compensation in New York.
The law protects all workers, regardless of status. Unfortunately, some employers use fear and threats to discourage injured workers from filing claims. At Werlin Ho & Co Law Firm, we strictly protect your privacy and handle all communication on your behalf. You do not need to confront the insurance company directly. Do not give up life-saving benefits out of fear—contact us for a confidential consultation.

This is exactly where experienced legal representation matters most.
Insurance companies routinely deny claims from cash-paid workers, but seasoned attorneys know how to establish income through alternative evidence—including coworker testimony, remittance records, and industry wage standards. Our firm has successfully handled many such cases across the Greater New York area, helping restaurant workers and construction tradespeople recover full wage-replacement benefits based on their actual earnings.

We understand the concern. Many workers worry that filing a claim will damage their relationship with their employer or cost them their job. In reality, workers’ compensation is paid by the insurance company—not directly by the employer.
Private settlements may seem convenient, but they are risky. If your condition worsens later, employers rarely cover ongoing medical costs once insurance protection is waived. When you retain a lawyer, we act as a buffer between you and the insurer, reducing direct conflict. Importantly, retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim is illegal, and we use the law to protect both your job and your health—so you don’t sacrifice long-term well-being for short-term peace.

In a properly handled workers’ compensation claim, you do not pay attorney’s fees upfront—and you should not be paying medical bills out of pocket.
We work on a no recovery, no fee basis. All legal work is free unless we secure compensation for you. By law, reasonable medical treatment related to a work injury must be paid directly by the insurance carrier to the medical provider. Doctors are not allowed to bill you for co-pays or balance charges.
If you have received medical bills or already paid expenses yourself, something has gone wrong. Contact us immediately—we can correct the process and recover money you should never have paid, so you can focus on healing.