Bill > A03293

This bill modifies the workers' compensation law to limit how liens can be placed on recoveries from third-party actions. Currently, when an employee is injured due to another party's negligence, they can receive workers' compensation benefits and still pursue a legal claim against the responsible party. Under the proposed changes, any liens placed by the state insurance fund or other compensation providers would be restricted to only covering lost wages and medical expenses, rather than potentially encompassing the entire compensation award. The bill allows employees or their dependents to apply to a court for an equitable apportionment of legal expenses involved in recovering damages, and adds a provision that permits filing a petition to allocate a portion of the third-party recovery specifically to lost wages and/or medical treatment. The changes aim to provide more clarity and flexibility for workers who are seeking compensation after being injured due to another party's actions, ensuring that liens are more narrowly focused on direct economic losses. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3293