Hello New Friends,

An employee injured his hand and was only out for 2 days. He was authorized to come back to work by the doctor. As I understand, worker's comp is only utilized if the person is absent for more than one week. If it was a job related injury, but employee was only out a few days, does the employee have to pay his own medical bill? The Company is in NY in case the laws are different. Thank!

I don't know the specific workers compensation rule in New York, but in general the employer (or the worker's comp. carrier) has to pay the medical expenses for work-related injuries, whether or not any time is lost from work.

For further information, one can look here (http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/onthejob/WCLawIntro.jsp). I don't see an exception such as the one you describe.

Doesn't the employee have medical insurance?

Doesn't the employee have medical insurance?

If he or she did, the medical insurance would be subrogated to the WC carrier.

WC would be primary for the injury. The employer may pay for the lost wages or salary but after 7 days LT it would probably also go the WC carrier.

It is reported, and workers comp will pay for the medical bills.
The issue of the lost time from work, It is possible that they do not pay for lost time from work, unless it is over a week.

This is also why you call and talk to your WC company, if and when there is questions.

Also all business must have posted, a sign which explains their rights under WC, and how the worker can contact the WC company.