In the Matter of the Claim of Marvin Andino
Marvin Andino appealed a Workers' Compensation Board decision that denied his claim for benefits due to untimely notice of injury. Andino allegedly suffered work-related injuries on July 17, 2019, but failed to provide written notice to his employer, Structural Preservation System, until March 18, 2021, significantly past the 30-day statutory period. Despite a Workers' Compensation Law Judge initially establishing the claim, the Board reversed, concluding that Andino did not provide timely notice as required by Workers' Compensation Law § 18. The Board also found that Andino's reasons for the delay, including fear of job loss and underestimation of injury severity, were insufficient given his ongoing pain and subsequent surgery. The Appellate Division affirmed the Board's decision, finding no abuse of discretion in denying to excuse the untimely notice.