Workers’ Compensation is insurance that allows workers who have been injured on the job to be compensated financially. In the state of Illinois, Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system. In other words, it does not matter who was at fault for the injury, you are still entitled to receive Workers’ Compensation.
Why You Should File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim is important because it may entitle you to receive one or more of these benefits:
- Paid medical costs related to the injury;
- Temporary Total Disability benefits (TTD) – While you are unable to work, you can receive 2/3 of your average weekly wage; and/or
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Lump sum amount for permanent disability related to your injury.
There may also be additional benefits available to you depending on the specifics of your situation. A Chicago injury lawyer can talk to you about your various options after experiencing a work-related injury.
What to Do If You Are Involved In a Chicago Work Accident
If you have been injured in a Chicago work accident, you should file a Workers’ Compensation disability claim. Because of the complications that can arise, it is always a good idea to consult with a Chicago injury lawyer who is familiar with Workers’ Compensation claims.
Some people hesitate to hire an attorney because they fear the possibility of losing their job. However, in the state of Illinois, it is illegal for an employer to fire a worker because they have filed a Workers’ Compensation claim.
The misconception that a worker could lose their job will often cause them to handle the Workers’ Compensation process on their own. This is not a good idea, especially if you have been seriously injured. A qualified and experienced Chicago injury lawyer can guide you through the process, protecting your interests and rights.
It is especially important to seek a Chicago injury lawyer if your work-related injuries are serious. Without understanding your rights, you could end up being underpaid the amount of Workers’ Compensation disability benefits to which you are entitled. This can lead to financial devastation for you and your family.
There is another important risk to consider if you decide to handle your Workers’ Compensation claim on your own. You may find yourself being sent for an “independent medical exam,” which could be biased in the insurance company’s favor. Insurance companies are looking out for their own interests, not yours.
Even if the doctor who is treating your injuries does not believe you are ready to return to work, the insurance company can decide to cut your benefits based on their exam and order you back to work much sooner than you should be.
This may occur when an injured worker decides to seek legal counsel. By seeking a Chicago injury lawyer from the outset, you will have someone looking out for your interests and making sure that your rights are protected.
Third-Party Liability in an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Case
Another situation that can arise with a Workers’ Compensation claim is third-party liability. If someone in addition to your employer-an outside contractor or an equipment manufacturer, for instance-is to blame for your injuries, you can file both a Workers’ Compensation claim and a third-party liability claim.
A situation like this requires the help of knowledgeable and experienced legal counsel, as the way these two claims work can be very complex. These are separate cases that will still interrelate to one another. An experienced Chicago injury lawyer can assist you through this complex process.
Hiring a Chicago Injury Lawyer
During this time, recovering from your injuries should be your main focus, not dealing with insurance adjusters and escalating medical bills. Retaining the legal services of a Chicago injury lawyer can help you focus on getting better while your attorney deals with the insurance companies on your behalf.
The Chicago injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. will help you monitor your medical expenses and work toward a settlement to cover all of the treatments you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – (312) 263-1080
