After more than 20 years of defending high-risk employers in workers’ compensation claims, we have made the difficult decision to close that practice area in 2024. It was not an easy decision. We have worked with many of our clients since 2004 and have outlasted many of their:
- Claims adjusters
- Employees
- Human Resources supervisors
- Operations managers
- Risk managers
On one of our clients’ teams, we were the longest serving member of the workers compensation claims team. We grew to know the employees well and could often predict the course of a case. Yet is has been clear to us for years that litigation is not the best way to resolve workplace disputes. It’s time for us to fully commit to the power of informal resolution and mediation.
This change marks a significant shift for us, and we want to address some important questions you might have.
What Will Happen to Clients’ Open Claims?
Rest assured, we will continue to defend all workers compensation claims currently assigned to us and see them through to closure, unless clients choose to reassign them. Our commitment to our clients remains unwavering during this transition.
What Will Happen to Client Files?
We are in the process of sending each client a list of claims now subject to Section 123 Closure. If you would like the electronic files we have maintained for these claims, please notify us by January 31, 2024, to arrange the transfer. Otherwise, these files will be destroyed. For all other workers compensation claims, files will be kept for 18 years from the date of the accident before they are destroyed.
What Prompted This Decision?
The past few years have been challenging since the 2020 pandemic, prompting us to refocus our limited time, money, and energy elsewhere in 2024. There are additional reasons behind this decision, which we will share more about in the coming months.
What’s Next for Third Ear Conflict Resolution?
Our journey doesn’t end here. We will continue to practice New York employment law and provide mediation and informal resolution services globally. If you receive a penalty notice from the New York State Workers Compensation Board, don’t hesitate to reach out.
You will also still find Nance presenting continuing education courses to funeral directors and other licensed professionals, as well as offering training in various settings. Feel free to contact us if you need any of these services or know someone who does.
It has been an absolute pleasure being part of some of the best risk management teams in the world for nearly 20 years. We’ve made significant progress together, despite the many changes and challenges. We hope you are proud of the work we’ve done, and we look forward to seeing you achieve big goals with your new workers’ compensation defense counsel.
Thank you for your continued support and trust.
Continue Reading
- Frequently-Asked Questions About NYS Workers Compensation
- Best Practices for Employers After an Employee Is Injured
- What to Expect in a Workers Compensation Trial
Want to Discuss Taking Next Steps Together?
Testimonials
Best wishes as you concentrate your attention in other areas!!! You are irreplaceable in my mind and have been such an asset to our team. Thank you for all of your hard work for us over the years. It was a pleasure to work with you. ~ M.O., Corporate Claims Supervisor, OH (with hundreds of employees in NY)
Thank you Nance. I wish you nothing but the best! You have been an absolute pleasure to work with. Good luck and I am sure you will continue to do great things. ~ K.M., Corporate Risk Management Adjuster, TX (with hundreds of employees in NY)