After a work injury, you shouldn't have to figure this out alone.
Find an authorized doctor, never miss an IME, understand your rights, and connect with an experienced New York Workers' Comp attorney — all in one place. Always free for injured workers.
Everything an injured worker needs, in one calm place.
From the day you get hurt to the day your case closes — Comp Buddy walks with you, every step of the way.
Find a WCB-authorized doctor
Search the NYS WCB's authorized provider directory by location, specialty, and body part. Get the right care, fast.
Never miss an IME
Automatic reminders, directions, and a "What to Bring" checklist so you arrive prepared. One missed IME can derail your whole case.
Learn your rights
Plain-language guides that explain how workers' comp actually works in New York — what to file, what to expect, what you're entitled to.
Free benefit calculators
Estimate your AWW, weekly comp rate, SLU award, and settlement value using the same calculators attorneys use — every cited to the WCL section it implements.
Connect with an attorney
Neutral round-robin matching with a licensed NYS WC attorney in your county. No paid placement, no fees from you — attorneys are paid out of your eventual award by the Board.
Case tracker In Dev
One view of every hearing, decision, and deadline in your case, with plain-English explanations of what each event means and what comes next.
Every NY workers' comp case follows five stages.
Knowing where you are tells you what's coming next. Plain-language guides for each step.
File your claim
Report the injury, file the C-3, open your WCB case within the deadlines.
Get your benefits
Your AWW under WCL §14, your comp rate, weekly benefit payments.
Medical evidence
IMEs, treating physician reports, medical disputes, and how to protect your record.
Permanency
SLU awards, LWEC classification, what permanent impairment means for you.
Settlement
Section 32 settlements, closing your case, and what to negotiate.
One missed IME can cost you everything.
Independent Medical Exams are the moments insurance carriers use to challenge your case. Comp Buddy adds them to your calendar the moment they're scheduled, reminds you the week before, the day before, and the morning of — with directions and a prep checklist. You show up calm and ready.
The questions injured workers ask first.
Do I have to pay for an attorney?
No. In New York, claimant-side workers' compensation attorneys are paid out of your award by the Workers' Compensation Board — never by you directly. The Board approves the attorney fee at the end of the case. You don't pay out of pocket and you don't pay if there's no recovery.
What is an IME and why is it so important?
An Independent Medical Examination is a one-time exam by a doctor chosen by the insurance carrier. The IME report is the single most common piece of evidence carriers use to challenge or reduce benefits. Showing up prepared — and on time — matters enormously. Missing an IME can suspend your benefits.
How is my weekly benefit calculated?
Your weekly indemnity rate is two-thirds of your Average Weekly Wage (AWW), capped at the statutory maximum for your date of injury. AWW is calculated under WCL §14 using your earnings in the year before the injury — multiple statutory methods may apply depending on your work pattern. Our free AWW calculator shows you the number.
What is Schedule Loss of Use (SLU)?
SLU is a permanent award for extremity injuries (arms, legs, hands, feet, eyes, ears, fingers, toes) under WCL §15(3). The award equals your weekly rate × the statutory weeks for that body part × the percentage of loss assigned to your injury. More on SLU here.
What if the carrier denies my claim?
You request a hearing. A Workers' Compensation Law Judge (WCLJ) reviews the medical evidence, your testimony, and the carrier's defense, and decides whether to establish your claim. Having an attorney at that hearing materially changes the outcome — that's the moment representation matters most.
Does The Comp Desk recommend specific attorneys?
No. Attorney matching is mechanical and neutral — round-robin by your county. We don't endorse, certify, or recommend specific attorneys. We're a software platform, not a law firm.
You don't pay a dime. The attorney does.
In New York, claimant-side workers' comp attorneys are paid out of your award by the Workers' Compensation Board — never by you. Our neutral, round-robin network connects you with an experienced attorney who handles your kind of case. No paid placement, no spam.
"Workers' compensation in New York is built to be confusing — and the people most hurt by that confusion are the injured workers trying to navigate it alone. Comp Buddy is my answer."
— Joel Mays, Esq. · NYS Workers' Compensation Attorney · Shulman & Hill, PLLC