Workers Compensation Injury

Illinois injury attorneys serving Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Kendall and Will counties

Under Illinois law, employers must carry workers compensation insurance for their employees or must self-insure. If you were injured on the job or developed a work-related disease, you have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Common work-related injuries are fractures, herniated disks, knee injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, hearing or vision loss, burns and cuts.

Workers Compensation Benefits

Depending on the nature of your injury, workers’ compensation benefits will provide:

• coverage for reasonable medical expenses;
• TTD benefits (payment while unable to work);
• compensation for diminished earning capacity;
• compensation for total or partial disability;
• rehabilitation costs;
• payment for life, if permanently disabled;
• compensation for wrongful death to surviving family members.

Reporting Your Injury

Because delay in reporting an injury may result in the loss of all benefits, it is important to report your injury to your employer or a person in a position of authority (manager, foreman, supervisor, owner, safety supervisor, etc.) as soon as possible. Early reporting lends more credibility to your workers’ compensation claim. To be legally eligible for workers compensation benefits, you must report:

• a work accident within 45 days after the occurrence;
• a repetitive work injury within 45 days after the condition becomes apparent;
• a radiation injury within 90 days after you suspect exposure;
• an occupational disease as soon as practical after becoming aware of the condition.

Writing an accident report is preferable to orally reporting an injury because it precludes an employer from saying you failed to report the injury. Ensure you note all details in your report, such as the date of the occurrence, a brief description of the injury and your name, address, phone number, birth date and Social Security number. Request a copy of your written notice when you submit it. Keep records of all documentation regarding your injury — doctor’s visits and contact dates by insurance claims adjusters, case managers, insurance nurses, etc.

Legal Help

A workers compensation claim delay or denial, along with other complexities, often makes legal representation necessary. The settlement amount offered by an insurance company might be so far below what you need to cover expenses that you need legal leverage to negotiate a more favorable compensation. Lawyers can uncover third-party liability that you might be unaware of, which also helps you obtain adequate compensation.

Third-Party Liability

A third-party case is a lawsuit brought against a third party who bears responsibility for the work injury, such as a manufacturer of faulty equipment, a negligent or careless contractor, or a co-worker who broke the law and put you in jeopardy. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, no fixed limit exists on third-party claims. Your attorney can help you determine whether a third party is legally liable for your injury.

It is wise to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a work injury, while evidence is fresh, witnesses are available and equipment can be inspected. If you are a construction worker, you should contact an Illinois construction-site–accident lawyer. Construction-site accidents frequently involve third parties. See our section on construction site accidents for more information.

The Chicago Workers Compensation Lawyers at Steven H. Mevorah & Associates stand ready to put their years of experience to work on your behalf. Rely on our skills and integrity to provide you with effective legal advice and help you get the compensation you are entitled to receive. Contact the law firm of Steven H. Mevorah & Associates today or call 630-932-9100 to arrange a free consultation.