Individualized Attention
At many workers compensation law firms, clients are treated like numbers—and rarely speak to an actual work comp lawyer. At Rothermel & Wilson, PLLC, that’s not how we operate. I make it a priority to meet with every new client face-to-face, so we can build trust from day one.
Unlike other firms where cases are handled by paralegals, I personally oversee most aspects of your claim. If you ever have questions or want to talk, you’re welcome to email me directly or Call 607.432.7410 to schedule a phone or in-office appointment. You deserve real access to your workers’ compensation attorney—and that’s exactly what you’ll get here.
Attorney Christopher “Kip” Wilson
I grew up in Syracuse. I received a BA in Chemistry from Wesleyan University in 1996 and an MS in Chemistry from Northwestern University in 1997. I graduated from Cornell Law School in 2001, then worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan.
For the past 20+ years I’ve lived in Oneonta, NY, with a practice focused on helping injured workers navigate the New York State Workers’ Compensation system. I’ve litigated against most major employers in our area and know how they — and their insurance carriers — handle workers’ comp claims.
My clients often come to me at the worst moment of their lives — hurt, out of work, and dealing with an insurance company that won’t return their calls. My job is to make sure they don’t face that alone. If you’ve been injured on the job and have questions about your case, call or email any time. Consultations are free, and you’ll speak directly with me.
Workers’ Compensation Cases from Norwich, NY
Many of the injured workers I represent in Norwich come from a few major area employers — Chobani, Blue Ox, BOCES, and First Transport. Each one produces its own pattern of workers’ compensation claims, and over more than 20 years of practicing workers’ comp law in this region, I’ve handled cases from every category.
Common workplace injuries in the Norwich area
Chobani. As a large dairy and yogurt manufacturer, Chobani employs hundreds of workers in production, maintenance, and warehouse roles. The injuries I see most often from food-manufacturing work include repetitive-motion injuries to the wrists, shoulders, and back; lifting and overexertion injuries; slips on wet floors; cold-stress injuries from refrigerated work areas; and machinery-related injuries.
Blue Ox. Manufacturing work at Blue Ox produces its own pattern of injuries — cuts and lacerations, repetitive-motion injuries, lifting injuries, vibration-related conditions, hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure, and machine-press and stamping accidents.
BOCES. Board of Cooperative Educational Services workers face many of the same risks as school district employees, plus a few unique to vocational and special-education programs. The cases I see include student-handling injuries; injuries from automotive, welding, and shop classes; slip-and-falls; and bus-loading injuries.
First Transport. School-bus drivers and aides are among the most-injured public-service workers in any community. Common injuries from bus work include motor vehicle accidents, lifting and assisting students (especially students with disabilities or in wheelchairs), slip-and-falls entering or exiting buses, and on-the-job assaults.
If you’ve been injured at any of these employers — or any other employer — in or around Norwich, you have rights under New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law, and I can help you navigate the process.
Meeting with me
My office is in downtown Oneonta, about 35 minutes from Norwich. Most of my Norwich clients drive over and meet with me in person — it’s a short trip and a face-to-face meeting at the start of a case is worth it.
I don’t outsource cases. When you schedule an appointment, you’ll talk to me. When you have a hearing, I’m the one representing you.
What to expect when you call
The initial consultation is free, and there’s no upfront fee. Workers’ compensation lawyers in New York are paid on a contingency basis set by the Workers’ Compensation Board — fees are only paid out of awarded benefits, so you owe nothing if I don’t win benefits for you.
When you call or email me, I’ll listen to what happened, ask a few questions about your injury, your employer, and the medical care you’ve received, and tell you whether you have a workers’ comp claim and what your next steps look like. No pressure, no commitment.
How to reach me
Call 607.432.7410 or email me directly. Consultations are free, and you’ll speak with me — not a paralegal.
Why You Should Hire Us To Represent You In Your Work Accident Claim.
Local Roots, Local Knowledge
Many workers’ compensation law firms claim to “serve” our area, yet their offices are over an hour or more away. This often means you may never meet your attorney in person or be able to drop off paperwork at their office. At those distant firms, cases are frequently managed by paralegals rather than dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys.
We are the only workers’ compensation law firm headquartered on our area. Located in Oneonta, we can meet with you face to face. You can stop in our office when you want. At Rothermel & Wilson, I personally manage your claim, making it a priority to meet every potential client in person so you can get to know me before deciding to hire us..
Better Prepared
Whenever a hearing is scheduled in your case, I personally prepare every detail. I’ll provide you with a clear letter explanation outlining the issues to be addressed, what to expect during the hearing, and the steps we need to take to be fully prepared.
I make it a priority to speak with or meet each client before each hearing. If you’re scheduled to testify, I’ll meet with you face-to-face to walk you through the process and make sure you’re fully prepared and confident. You won’t face your work injury alone—I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Your Lawyer, Start to Finish
Workers’ comp cases can stretch on for years — through hearings, appeals, independent medical exams, settlement discussions. I stay with my clients through all of it. Same lawyer, same phone number, same approach from start to finish. You won’t get handed off.
How Are Attorneys Paid?
In NY Workers’ Compensation, Lawyers are paid on a contingency fee basis. This means that there will only be a fee if there is money moving to you. Fees for NYS Comp are set by statute at 15% of any retroactive or lump sum payment, 1/3 of a single weeks payments if there is a hearing, or 15 weeks of benefits when you are found to have a permanent disability, payable at some small amount per week. All fees must be approved by a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge. Although fees come out of your award, they are paid directly by the insurance company, so you never pay directly.
Call or Email for a Free Consultation
Our firm is dedicated exclusively to representing injured workers before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. If you’ve been hurt on the job, call us today. We’ll explain how we can help you secure every benefit you’re entitled to, guide you through the complexities of the Workers’ Comp. system, and advocate for you both inside and outside the courtroom.
Complete the form and we will call you to schedule your free consultation.
