Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Belleville, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Belleville, 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; however, the workers’ compensation process is complex no matter what part of the country you call home. Any mistake you make could result in the insurance company or your employer denying your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work comp lawyers will guide you through every aspect of your claim from beginning to end. 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 just and fair compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, speak with a workmans comp lawyer in Belleville, 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 Workmans Comp Lawyer in Belleville, 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 trauma, etc.) Both types of injuries are equally valid and equally worthy of compensation.
No work injury is ever insignificant, and you should never brush one aside. As soon as you are injured at work, time is of the essence. You need to explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here are important steps to follow:
- Tell 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.
- Seek medical treatment 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.
- Keep track of ALL copies of present and past healthcare records – No piece of information is unimportant when it comes to your wellbeing and health.
- 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.
- Ensure that your employer reports the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They will review your claim and you will receive either an approval or contest of the claim.
- Get in touch with a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in Belleville, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our seasoned workmans comp lawyers in Belleville listen to you and believe that your work injury is valid. We can help shoulder some of the burden you face during what is already a stressful time. If you have been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the work comp benefits you need.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Belleville?
The laws vary by state, but generally you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you’ve been hurt while performing a job-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.
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 confusing work comp legal process, so speak with us today.
Types of Work Injuries
Any number of accidents can happen when you are working somewhere for eight hours a day, five days a week. At Drummond Law, we take on cases with a variety of accident causes. Here are the most common kinds of work injuries that are eligible for work comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the first thing many people think about in regard to a work accident. Injuries can be caused by poor lighting, spills, debris in walkways, and icy, wet, oily, or uneven surfaces. You are entitled to a work comp claim if you suffer an injury because the employer should have 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 swinging, rolling, flying, or falling object causing blunt-force trauma. The employer should cover this type of work injury because they had a duty to properly train employees, supply appropriate protective gear, post signs of imminent danger, etc.
- Electrocution, fire, explosion – This can be caused by exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. Beyond just the burns these cause, the injuries can include respiratory issues, internal damage, 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 other cars on the road or machinery. Whether or not this is considered personal injury or work comp will depend on the facts of your case.
- Overexertion or repetitive stress – If your job involves a lot of throwing, lifting, carrying, pulling, holding, and pushing motions, it can lead to lasting effects such as chronic joint pain, muscle strain, carpal tunnel, lower-back injuries, and more. A worker may be entitled to a work comp 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 rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of illness, chemical, or toxic exposures may be common in everything from manufacturing to corporate offices. Whether the onset of the illness took place in a short amount of time or over years, you may still be entitled to 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. 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 difficult components of your fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s crucial to work with a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights.
Your workmans comp lawyer will:
- Help you prove your inability to work and need for benefits
- Uncover the ways in which your employer failed to take adequate safety measures or allowed your work environment to become a risk
- 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
Hire Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Belleville, 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 Belleville get the help they need. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Belleville, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.