Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted New York Workers Compensation Lawyers & SSD Attorneys
For over 85 years, O'Connor Law has stood as a pillar of justice and support for individuals navigating New York's complex workers' compensation and Social Security disability systems. Guided by our founder's unique experience as a former insurance attorney, we offer clients unparalleled insight into the strategies insurers useand how to counter them effectively. With over 100,000 cases handled and a multilingual team ready to serve, we pride ourselves on being the firm that New Yorkers trust when their future is on the line.Our commitment to clients goes beyond legal expertisewe provide personalized support, treating each case with the urgency and care it deserves. Known as the 'iron fist in a velvet glove,' we blend empathy with fierce advocacy to secure outcomes that matter most to our clients' livelihoods and families. Our 4.9 average rating across 150+ Google reviews and a perfect 10 on Avvo reflect the trust and respect we've earned through decades of dedicated service.
Services
Workers Compensation
Social Security Disability
Corrections Officer Claims
Knee Injuries
Power Tools Injuries
Details
- Year established: 1939
Highlights and features
- We have a unique perspective gained from our founder's past experience serving as defense counsel for workers' compensation insurance firms.
- We've handled over 100,000 cases with a proven track record of results.
- Our compassionate, client-focused approach treats every case as a personal priority.
- We combine empathy with aggressive advocacy to counter insurance company tactics.
- Our firm maintains a 4.9 average rating across 150+ Google reviews and a perfect 10 on Avvo.
What people say
Highly recommended
Professional and helpful
Never rushed or ignored
Feel like family
Excellent communication
Services
Workers Compensation
We represent injured workers in securing compensation for job-related injuries or illnesses. Our expertise covers construction accidents, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational diseases. With insider knowledge of insurance tactics, we ensure clients receive full benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.
Social Security Disability
Our attorneys guide clients through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications and appeals. We specialize in complex cases involving chronic illnesses, neurological disorders, and permanent disabilities. We help clients meet strict eligibility criteria while protecting their rights against insurance company pushback.
Corrections Officer Claims
We advocate for correctional officers injured on duty, including injuries from assaults, slips/falls, and toxic exposure. Our team understands the unique risks of this profession and fights for compensation covering medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income while maintaining client confidentiality.
Knee Injuries
Specialized representation for workers suffering knee injuries from construction, manufacturing, and service industry jobs. We document long-term impacts like chronic pain and mobility limitations to secure comprehensive settlements covering surgery, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
Power Tools Injuries
We handle severe injuries caused by power tools in construction and industrial settings. Our attorneys prove employer negligence in safety violations while countering insurance attempts to minimize compensation for amputations, fractures, and nerve damage through aggressive litigation when necessary.
People
Mary Ellen O'Connor
Founder / Attorney
With 30+ years of experience, Mary Ellen O'Connor leads the firm with expertise in workers' compensation and SSD cases. Formerly a defense attorney for insurance companies, she uses insider knowledge to benefit clients. Known for personalized attention and high settlement rates.
Vanessa Noel
Attorney
Specializing in complex workers' comp cases, Vanessa Noel provides dedicated client communication and thorough case preparation. She focuses on construction injuries and third-party liability claims with a 95% success rate in initial hearings.
John Talbot
Attorney
John Talbot handles SSD appeals and occupational disease claims. With a background in insurance litigation, he effectively challenges denied claims while maintaining compassionate client relationships throughout the legal process.
Bernadette Tuazon
Attorney
Bernadette Tuazon specializes in repetitive stress injuries and workplace PTSD cases. She combines legal expertise with multilingual support to serve diverse client needs across New York State.
Karlee Makely
Attorney
Karlee Makely focuses on corrections officer injuries and toxic exposure claims. She advocates for clients with chronic conditions requiring long-term medical care and wage replacement benefits.
Questions
What are the most common construction worker injuries?
Falls from heights (35% of cases), falling debris injuries, and equipment-related accidents are the most frequent construction site injuries we handle.
Can I get workers' comp for PTSD?
Yes, if you can prove work-related stress exceeds typical job pressures through documented evidence and medical diagnosis.
How are workers' comp payments calculated?
Payments are based on 70% of your average weekly wage over the 52 weeks before injury, adjusted for disability percentage.
Can I apply for SSDI while receiving workers' comp?
Yes, but we'll coordinate both claims to maximize total benefits without triggering offset reductions.
What happens if my claim gets denied?
We'll file a formal appeal with the Workers' Compensation Board within 30 days, preparing medical evidence and witness testimony for your hearing.
Do I need to look for work while receiving benefits?
Partial disability recipients must document job searches within medical restrictions to maintain eligibility under New York law.
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