Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in Effingham County, IL
Work Comp Attorney in Effingham County, IL. When an illness or injury occurs while at work, you have every right to seek compensation so that you can continue to provide for you and your family|If you ever get hurt on the job, it’s your right to seek compensation so that you can continue to keep the lights on and put food on the table for you and your family; however, the workers’ compensation process is complicated no matter the state you live in. Any error you make could result in your employer or the insurance company rejecting your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work injury lawyers will take you through every aspect of your claim from beginning to end. We can facilitate communication with all parties involved, fill out crucial paperwork on your behalf, and negotiate with your employer and their insurance company for just and fair compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, speak with a work comp attorney in Effingham County, IL, at Drummond Law today. Please contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free consultation.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Effingham County, IL
Injuries may result from either one single traumatic event (like a slip and fall, electrocution, machine-related accident, etc.) or they can develop over time (such as toxic exposure, repetitive stress, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally deserving of compensation.
No work injury is ever too minor, and you shouldn’t brush one aside. As soon as you find out about an injury that was caused by a job-related duty, there is no time to waste. You need to explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here are the steps below:
- Notify your employer, manager or HR rep about the injury – You should also insist they fill out an accident report as soon as possible. Furthermore, it is good practice to give them a written notice within 45 days of the incident detailing the date of the accident and a short description of the injury.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible – Tell the doctor that your injury is work-related, and give him or her the name of your employer. Once you leave the treatment center, be sure to follow your physician’s instructions for medical treatment; failure to do so could hurt your claim.
- Obtain ALL copies of present and past medical records – No document is unimportant when it comes to your health and wellbeing.
- File an Application for Adjustment of Claim – If you feel your employer may resist paying for your treatments now or in the future, you will want to file this form.
- Ensure that your employer reports the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They’ll review your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Get in touch with an experienced work comp attorney in Effingham County, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our seasoned work comp attorneys in Effingham County listen to you and know that your work injury is valid. We’ll shoulder some of the burdens you face during a time that is already stressful. If you have been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the workmans comp benefits you need.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Effingham County?
The laws are different from state to state, but in general you’re entitled to workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you have been injured while performing a work-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so do not delaying in filing your claim.
Settlements for workers’ compensation claims typically include mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We’re familiar with all the regulations, rules, and laws associated with the often complicated work comp legal process, so speak with us to learn more now.
Common Work Injuries
No matter how relatively safe a place may be, an accident can happen anywhere. At Drummond Law, we take on cases with a variety of accident causes. Here are the most common types of work accidents that qualify for work comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the number one thing many people imagine when thinking about a work accident. Injuries can result from ice, spills, uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, debris in walkways, and oily surfaces. You are entitled to a work comp claim if you suffered one of these injuries because the employer should have taken steps to prevent this injury, such as putting proper safety signs in place, non-slip mats, de-icing walkways, fixing broken lights, etc.
- Being hit by an object – This is common in physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, including construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person can be struck by a swinging, rolling, flying, or falling object causing blunt-force trauma. Employers should ensure that all hazards are identified and give their workers proper warnings and gear to protect against them.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – This can be caused by exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, gas lines, combustible materials, and open flames. Beyond just the burns these cause, the injuries can include internal organ damage, respiratory issues, and in the worst cases, death.
- Vehicular accidents – These involve people who may drive for a living (such as truck drivers), those who are driving while performing a work-related task, or anyone who spends time working near machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is considered personal injury or work comp will depend on the facts of your case.
- Repetitive stress and overexertion – If your job involves a lot of pulling, pushing, lifting, throwing, carrying, and holding motions, it can lead to lasting effects including lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, and more. A worker may be entitled to a workers’ compensation claim because employers should allow frequent breaks and provide protective gear.
- Work-related illness – For example, working in an old building may expose you to asbestos which may cause a cancer known as mesothelioma. Other types of toxic, chemical, or illness exposures may be common in everything from manufacturing facilities to corporate offices. Whether the onset of the illness took place over the years or in a shortened period of time, you may still be eligible for a claim.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied
In far too many cases, employers will try to skirt responsibility for the injuries their employees faced while on the job. When this happens, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Verifying your disability or injury is often one of the most onerous components of fighting for the benefits you are entitled to, so it’s vitally important to partner with a Effingham County work comp attorney throughout this process.
Your work comp attorney will:
- Prove to the courts your injury and need for compensation
- Discover all the ways how your employer did not take proper safety precautions or let your workplace run the risk of injury
- Submit your petition for benefits
- Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
- Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary
Speak to Our Work Comp Attorneys in Effingham County, IL | Contact Drummond Law
We believe that hardworking individuals who’ve fallen victim to a workplace injury are entitled to maximum benefits. Since 1976, Drummond Law has been helping people in Effingham County receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To get in touch with our work comp attorneys in Effingham County, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.