Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in Macon County, IL
Work Comp Attorney in Macon County, IL. When unsafe work conditions result in an illness or a work injury, it’s within your rights to seek the benefits necessary to cover providing for yourself 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 where you live. Any error you make could result in your employer or the insurance company denying your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work injury lawyers want to help guide you through the process from start to finish. We can fill out crucial paperwork on your behalf, facilitate communication with all parties involved, and negotiate with your employer and their insurance company for full and fair compensation.
If you have been injured on the job and need help filing a workers’ compensation claim or appealing a denial, talk to a work comp attorney in Macon County, IL, at Drummond Law now. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
How to File a Workers’ Comp Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Macon County, IL
Injuries can 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 stress, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally deserving of compensation.
No work injury is ever too minor, and you should never take them lightly. The moment you discover a work-related injury, time is quite literally money. You need to explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here are important steps to follow:
- 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 care 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 past and present medical reports – No document is unimportant when it comes to your health and wellness.
- 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.
- Make sure that your employer reports the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They will look over your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Speak to a qualified work comp attorney in Macon County, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our compassionate work comp attorneys in Macon County listen to you and believe that your injuries are legitimate. 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 Macon County?
Laws differ depending on state, but in general you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you have been injured while performing a work-related responsibility. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.
Settlements for work comp claims usually include medical bills, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to a workplace incident. We’re well-acquainted with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often complicated work comp legal process, so contact us to learn more now.
Common Workplace Accidents
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 kinds of workplace injuries that qualify for work comp.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the number one thing many people think of when they imagine a work accident. Injuries can result from spills, debris in walkways, poor lighting, oily surfaces, ice, and uneven walking surfaces. You may be entitled to a work comp claim if you sustained an injury because the employer should’ve taken steps to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, putting proper safety signs up, non-slip mats, de-icing walkways, etc.
- Contact with an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, such as manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person may be struck by a flying, rolling, falling, or swinging 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.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – This can result from exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. Beyond just the burns these cause, further injuries include respiratory issues, internal damage, and in the worst cases, death.
- Vehicle-related 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 other cars on the road or machinery. Whether or not this is viewed as a work comp or personal injury claim depends on your specific case.
- Overexertion or repetitive stress – If your job involves a lot of throwing, lifting, carrying, pulling, holding, and pushing motions, it can lead to long-term physical harm including lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, and more. A worker might be entitled to a workers’ compensation claim because employers should provide protective gear and allow frequent breaks.
- 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 corporate offices to manufacturing plants. Whether the onset of the illness took place in a short amount of time or over years, you may still be eligible for a claim.
What to Do If Your Work Comp Claim Is Denied
Far too many times, employers will shirk their responsibilities when their workers get injured on the job. When this happens, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Proving your injury or disability is often one of the most difficult components of the fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s critical to partner with a Macon County work comp attorney to protect your rights.
Your work comp attorney 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
- Fill out the paperwork on your behalf to petition for benefits
- Gather all necessary information to include in the petition
- Represent you in front of the various levels of the appellate courts
Get in Touch With Our Work Comp Attorneys in Macon County, 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 Macon County get the help they need. To speak to our work comp attorneys in Macon County, IL, for a free case evaluation, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.