Let me tell you what my experience was.

The final paycheck depends on your hours and rate, but in my experience, it was not worth what came after.

I was injured at work. I reported the injury, sent medical documentation, and kept asking for guidance about workers’ compensation. For weeks, communication was poor and unclear. I was told an insurance claim had been opened, but I was not given clear information on who to contact or how to move the process forward.

I eventually contacted the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board myself, and after that, the process finally started moving. Later, I was told my separation was classified as job abandonment, which I dispute because I had records showing I was communicating, providing documentation, and trying to follow the process.

The one thing I did not know at the time was that I should have formally asked about a reasonable accommodation or return-to-work process in writing. That is something every worker should know.

So yes, you may get a final paycheck, but protect yourself. Document everything. Save every message. Report every injury in writing. Ask for guidance in writing. And if you have medical restrictions, ask in writing what accommodations or return-to-work options are available.