Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Injury accidents can happen anywhere, including at work. Work injuries frequently occur, especially in jobs that involve:

• Construction
• The use of heavy machinery
• Inventory stocking
• Package delivery
• Moving furniture
• Frequent heavy lifting
• Repetitive movements

Even employees who sit at an office desk all day can sustain workplace injuries, such as vision problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, or from a slip and fall on a wet floor nearby. 

Suppose you were injured at work or in the course of performing your job. In that case, it’s to your benefit to speak with a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer.

What is the Purpose of Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Since work injuries are commonplace, most states have enacted employment laws mandating participation in a state workers’ compensation insurance system, funded by employers, that offers financial compensation to employees if they get injured on the job. Illinois is no different. 

Workers’ compensation programs provide a reliable means for workers to receive a remedy for the financial impacts of their work-related injuries. The workers’ compensation system is also beneficial as it helps to avoid the inconsistent applications, results, and costs associated with attempts to compensate employees through personal injury lawsuits.

Even still, these programs are not always administered the way they were designed to be. In these cases, injured parties can rely on a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney’s experience and knowledge to help them receive the payments they deserve.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws

In Illinois, the first workers’ compensation law was ratified in 1912. Currently, the law that oversees workers’ compensation is called the Workers’ Compensation Act. All claims in this program are governed by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Under current workers’ compensation laws, employers must pay for workers’ compensation insurance policies. However, they may self-insure if they meet specific requirements. Workers’ compensation insurance premium rates depend on the type of business and the number of people employed there. For instance, businesses or jobs that carry an increased risk of injury will pay higher premiums.

If you suffer an injury or contract a disease directly related to your employment, you can file a claim for compensation against your employer’s workers’ compensation policy. In contrast to a personal injury claim, you aren’t required to prove or show that your illness or accident was a result of another party’s negligence. Even if you were the cause of the injury or partially at fault, workers’ compensation still applies in the same manner.

What to Do After a Work Accident

Getting injured at work can come as a complete shock. You’re likely in pain and might lose your bearings. You might be unsure of what your next steps should be. Always report the accident, injury, or condition to your employer as soon as possible. Even if an injury appears minor, it’s still an essential step. Injuries or conditions that may seem like no big deal at first can become increasingly more severe in the following days or weeks.

An injury that may seem like a simple pulled muscle might be a sign of permanent nerve damage. A sore lower back from lifting or carrying heavy objects could be a herniated disc that will require surgery. Documenting and treating these injuries as soon as possible increases your chances of physical and financial recovery.

It’s imperative always to have a job-related injury examined by a medical professional. It’s the only way to determine the extent of your injury, learn about your treatment options, and set yourself up for the best recovery possible. 

This is especially important for repetitive motion or stress injuries. Changing the ergonomic environment cannot only reduce or alleviate your pain and injuries but can also help prevent similar injuries to others at work. It can support the long-term ability of an employee to keep and carry on in their job.

Waiting to report an injury on the job may cause you to lose your right to claim any workers’ compensation benefits. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, such as one that is life- or limb-threatening, seek medical care immediately. Once you are medically stable, take the necessary steps to report the accident and your injuries to your employer.

Once you’ve reported your injury to your employer, you will need to complete paperwork and learn more about workers’ compensation requirements. If you aren’t aware of the requirements or don’t comply with certain requests, your benefits could be denied or decreased.

Illinois Work Comp Benefits

Depending upon the nature, endurance, and severity of your injury, Illinois workers’ compensation benefits can cover:

• Medical expenses
• Continued medical care
• Temporary disability benefits
• Temporary partial disability benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Permanent disability benefits

It’s also crucial to note that if there is a fatality, the survivors of the employee may be able to receive death benefits on their behalf.

What Problems Could Arise in my Workers’ Compensation Injury Claim?

Like all insurance claims, workers’ compensation claims are sometimes riddled with problems, big and small. Many different issues can arise. For instance:

• Even if the workers’ compensation insurance company agrees to pay out some benefits to you, you might not receive the amount you are entitled to
• The insurance carrier might deny you a benefit that you are lawfully entitled to, such as disability pay
• The insurance company may provide you with inaccurate or unclear information about which doctors you can go to for treatment
• They might attempt to limit the type and number of medical treatments that they will cover
• They might even argue that your injury or condition isn’t the result of your job and deny your claim entirely

An experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer can protect and enforce your rights. They will review your entire claim to ensure that you’re receiving the full compensation you deserve for your injury.

Seek the Help of a Skilled Chicago Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Whether you were just recently injured on the job, learned that you have a repetitive use injury, or were diagnosed with a work-related illness, the Law Offices of Michael J. Brennan can help. Call 708-894-1611 today to receive your free workers’ compensation consultation.