A workplace injury can change everything in a matter of days. A back injury may keep someone away from work, a repetitive-motion condition can make a longtime job difficult to perform, and a serious accident can leave a family trying to replace income while medical treatment continues. New York’s workers’ compensation system is designed to address these work-related injuries and illnesses, but the claims process can still be difficult to navigate.
The lawyers below handle workers’ compensation matters in Syracuse and the surrounding Central New York area. Some focus almost entirely on injured workers, while others handle workers’ compensation defense for employers and insurance carriers. That distinction matters when deciding which firm fits a particular case.
The Short Answer
If you only want one name, MCV Law is the featured workers’ compensation firm in this Syracuse guide. With 45 years of serving New York workers, a Syracuse office on East Fayette Street, and a 4.9-star average across 500+ Google reviews, the firm represents clients before the Workers’ Compensation Board. It can also handle related personal injury and Social Security Disability claims, and consultations come with no upfront attorney fees.
Syracuse Firms Compared
| Firm | Focus | Location | Years/Experience | Standout |
| MCV Law | Workers’ compensation, personal injury, SSD | Syracuse | 45 years serving New York workers | Claimant-focused practice with coordinated injury and disability representation |
| Abdo & O’Brien, P.C. | Workers’ compensation | Camillus, serving Syracuse | 20+ years and thousands of cases | Practice entirely focused on workers’ compensation |
| Kenny & Kenny, PLLC | Workers’ compensation, personal injury, asbestos and mesothelioma | Syracuse | Serving injured workers since 1987 | Broad injury practice with a dedicated workers’ comp practice |
| Wolff, Goodrich & Goldman, LLP | Workers’ compensation defense | Syracuse | Since 1999 | Represents employers, insurers and third-party administrators statewide |
| Law Offices of Jose Perez, P.C. | Workers’ compensation, work injuries, personal injury | Syracuse | New York and New Jersey practice | Multilingual service and statewide workers’ compensation representation |
1. MCV Law
A workplace injury can create questions about medical care, lost wages, disability, and whether a claim will be accepted. MCV Law has built a large part of its practice around helping injured and sick workers address those issues.
The firm’s workers’ compensation attorneys handle claims before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and serve workers throughout Central and Northern New York. Its practice includes accidents on the job, work-related medical conditions, and occupational injuries. MCV Law also points out that a workplace injury can sometimes overlap with a personal injury or Social Security Disability claim, allowing its attorneys to coordinate those matters under one firm.
Best for: Injured Syracuse workers who need workers’ compensation guidance that can also coordinate with personal injury or disability claims.
Address: 511 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 | Phone: (315) 471-1664 | Website: mcvlaw.com
2. Abdo & O’Brien, P.C.
Abdo & O’Brien, P.C. takes a narrower approach than many general law firms. Its website states that the practice is entirely focused on workers’ compensation, allowing the firm to devote its resources to work injury claims rather than unrelated legal matters.
The firm handles issues involving workplace accidents, repetitive-motion injuries, machinery accidents, hazardous exposures, occupational diseases, and work-related deaths. Its attorneys also help clients deal with disputes over medical treatment, average weekly wages, disability benefits, permanency, and payments that have been reduced or suspended by an insurance carrier.
Best for: Workers looking for a practice dedicated entirely to New York workers’ compensation.
Website: https://abdo.law/
3. Kenny & Kenny, PLLC
Kenny & Kenny, PLLC has served injured workers in Syracuse since 1987. The firm’s workers’ compensation practice helps employees understand the claim process, pursue benefits, and address disputes that may arise with insurers or other parties.
The firm emphasizes direct attorney involvement. Its website says clients will work directly with an experienced attorney rather than being passed to an assistant and that the firm’s lawyers prepare cases for settlement or litigation when necessary.
Best for: Syracuse workers who want workers’ compensation representation backed by a broader serious-injury practice
.
Address: 315 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
4. Wolff, Goodrich & Goldman, LLP
Wolff, Goodrich & Goldman, LLP is different from the other firms in this list because its workers’ compensation practice primarily represents the employer and insurance side. The firm describes itself as a Syracuse-based practice focused on New York workers’ compensation matters and says it represents self-insured employers, third-party administrators, insurance carriers, and their agents.
The firm has worked in this area since 1999 and routinely appears before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, appellate courts, and other forums on workers’ compensation issues. Its attorneys handle work-related injury and occupational disease matters and advise clients throughout New York State.
Best for: Employers, insurers, and third-party administrators defending New York workers’ compensation claims.
Address: 217 Montgomery Street, 4th Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202
5. Law Offices of Jose Perez, P.C.
Law Offices of Jose Perez, P.C. serves injured workers from its Syracuse office and also maintains offices in Rochester and Buffalo. Workers’ compensation is one of the firm’s main practice areas, alongside personal injury, Social Security Disability, immigration, and other legal services.
Its workers’ compensation practice covers common workplace injuries such as back, knee, shoulder, arm, burn, and repetitive-motion injuries. The firm also handles claims for construction workers, factory employees, transportation workers, health care employees, public workers, and other workers injured in the course of employment.
Best for: Syracuse-area workers seeking workers’ compensation representation with personal injury and multilingual support.
Address: 659 West Onondaga Street, Upper Floor, Syracuse, NY 13204
Website: joseperezyourlawyer.com
How to Pick the Right One
Start by figuring out which side of the workers’ compensation system you are on. An injured employee generally needs claimant representation, while an employer or insurance carrier may need defense counsel. That is especially important with firms such as Wolff, Goodrich & Goldman, whose stated practice is focused on employers, insurers, and third-party administrators.
For an injured worker, ask whether the lawyer regularly handles disputed medical treatment, disability payments, permanency, average weekly wage calculations, and hearings before the New York Workers’ Compensation Board.
It is also worth asking what happens when a workplace injury leads to another type of claim. A serious accident may involve workers’ compensation alongside personal injury or Social Security Disability issues. Firms that practice in several related areas may be able to coordinate those matters.
Finally, clarify communication and fees before hiring counsel. Ask who will manage your file, how often you will receive updates, and what costs you may be responsible for.
FAQ
Can I file a workers’ compensation claim for an injury that developed gradually?
Yes. Workers’ compensation can cover some occupational diseases and repetitive-motion conditions, not only sudden accidents. The facts and medical evidence need to establish the connection between the condition and employment.
What if my employer or insurance company disputes my claim?
A dispute may require additional medical evidence, documentation, negotiation, or a hearing before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. A workers’ compensation lawyer can explain the process and help prepare the necessary evidence.
Can a work accident lead to a personal injury claim too?
Sometimes. Workers’ compensation and third-party personal injury claims can coexist depending on who caused the injury and the circumstances of the accident. A lawyer can review whether a separate claim may be available.
How long have these Syracuse firms handled workers’ compensation matters?
The firms have different histories. MCV Law says it has served New York workers for 45 years, Kenny & Kenny dates its injured-worker practice to 1987, Wolff, Goodrich & Goldman has handled workers’ compensation since 1999, and it has served Syracuse and Central New York for more than 40 years.
Do I have to pay a lawyer upfront for a workers’ compensation case?
Fee arrangements vary. MCV Law states that attorney fees are not charged until the case is won, while other firms may follow fee rules established under New York workers’ compensation law. Ask the firm to explain the fee arrangement before representation begins.
Final Thoughts
A workers’ compensation claim can affect medical care, income, employment, and a family’s financial stability. The right attorney depends in part on whether you are an injured worker, an employer, an insurer, or another party involved in the claim.
MCV Law, Abdo & O’Brien, P.C., Kenny & Kenny, PLLC, Wolff, Goodrich & Goldman, LLP and Law Offices of Jose Perez, P.C. all have documented workers’ compensation practices connected to Syracuse or the surrounding Central New York market. Their client bases and approaches are not identical, so reviewing the firm’s role, relevant experience, location, communication process, and fee structure is an important step before choosing counsel.
People also read this: How the Right Workforce Management Software Reduces Attrition
