Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in Herrin, IL
Work Comp Attorney in Herrin, IL. After a hardworking individual suffers an injury while on the job, they shouldn’t have to worry about how they will provide for themselves and their 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 what part of the country you call home. Any misstep you take could result in the insurance company or your employer contesting your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work comp attorneys want to help take you through the process from start to finish. We can facilitate communication with all parties involved, fill out crucial paperwork on your behalf, and negotiate with the insurance company and your employer for fair and just compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, talk to a work comp attorney in Herrin, IL, at Drummond Law now. Feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
How to File a Work Comp Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Herrin, IL
Injuries may result from either one single traumatic event (such as a machine-related accident, slip and fall, electrocution, etc.) or they can develop over time (such as toxic exposure, repetitive trauma, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally worthy of compensation.
No work injury is ever too minor, and you should never minimize them. 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 important steps to follow:
- Tell your manager, HR representative, or employer 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.
- Hold on to ALL copies of present and past medical records – No piece of information is unimportant when it comes to your health and wellbeing.
- File an Application for Adjustment of Claim – If you anticipate that your employer may need to be forced to pay for your benefits now and into the future, you should file this form.
- Make sure that your employer reports your injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They’ll look over your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Contact a qualified work comp attorney in Herrin, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our knowledgeable work comp attorneys in Herrin listen to you and believe that your work injury is valid. We’ll shoulder some of the burdens you face during a time that is already stressful. If you’ve been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Herrin?
Laws differ depending on state, but in general you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you are considered a legal employee and you’ve been injured while performing a job-related task. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim as soon as possible.
Settlements for workers’ compensation claims usually include mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, and other costs related to a workplace accident. We are familiar with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so give us a call today.
Most Common Work Injuries
Even if you work in a small operation or an office-setting, a workplace accident can happen anywhere, anytime. At Drummond Law, we take on cases with a variety of accident causes. Here are the most common types of workplace injuries that are eligible for work comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the first thing most 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 sustained an injury because the employer should have taken measures to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, non-slip mats, proper safety signage, de-icing walkways, etc.
- Getting struck by an object – This is common in physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person can be struck by a swinging, rolling, flying, or falling object resulting in blunt-force trauma. Employers should ensure that all hazards are identified and give their workers proper warnings and gear to protect against them.
- Electrocution, fire, explosion – This can be caused by exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, gas lines, combustible materials, and open flames. Besides the burns these cause, the injuries can include internal organ damage, respiratory issues, and in the worst cases, death.
- Vehicle-related accidents – These involve anyone who was driving while performing a work-related task, people who may drive for a living (such as truck drivers), or those who spend their time working near machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is viewed as a work comp or personal injury claim will depend on your specific case.
- Repetitive stress and overexertion – If your job involves a lot of holding, throwing, pulling, carrying, pushing, and lifting motions, it can lead to long-term physical harm including chronic joint pain, muscle strain, carpal tunnel, lower-back injuries, and more. A worker might be entitled to a workers’ compensation claim because employers should allow frequent breaks and provide protective gear.
- Work-related illness – In many cases, working in an older 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 entitled to a claim.
What to Do If Your Work Comp Claim Is Denied
In far too many cases, employers will try to skirt responsibility for the injuries their employees faced while on the job. If this is happening to you, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Proving your disability or injury is often one of the most onerous parts of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s crucial to work with a Herrin work comp attorney throughout this process.
A work comp attorney at Drummond Law will:
- Help you prove your inability to work and need for benefits
- 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
Get in Touch With Our Work Comp Attorneys in Herrin, IL | Contact Drummond Law
We believe that hardworking individuals who’ve fallen victim to a workplace injury are entitled to maximum benefits. Since our founding, our mission at Drummond Law has been to help people in Herrin get the help they need. To get in touch with our work comp attorneys in Herrin, IL, for a free case discussion, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.