Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Butler, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Butler, 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; however, the workers’ compensation process is often complex no matter where you live. Any mistake you make could result in your employer or the insurance company denying your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work comp lawyers will guide 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 just and fair compensation.
If you have been injured on the job and need help filing a workers’ compensation claim or appealing a denial, speak with a workmans comp lawyer in Butler, IL, at Drummond Law today. Feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim With the Help of a Workmans Comp Lawyer in Butler, IL
Injuries can result from either one single traumatic event (such as a slip and fall, electrocution, machine-related accident, etc.) or they can occur over time (such as repetitive trauma, toxic exposure, etc.) Both types of injuries are equally valid and equally deserving of compensation.
No work injury is ever insignificant, 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 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.
- Seek 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.
- Keep track of ALL copies of present and past healthcare 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 your injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They’ll 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 Butler, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our experienced workmans comp lawyers in Butler listen to you and know that your injuries are 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 Butler?
The laws are different from state to state, but in general you’re eligible for workers’ compensation if you are considered a legal employee and you’ve been hurt while performing a job-related responsibility. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.
Settlements for workers’ compensation claims generally include medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We’re familiar with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so speak with us to learn more now.
Types of 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 see them every day. Here are the most common types of workplace injuries that qualify for workers’ compensation.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the number one thing most people imagine when thinking about a work accident. Injuries can be caused by ice, spills, uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, debris in walkways, and oily surfaces. You are entitled to workmans comp if you suffer 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.
- Being hit by an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, such as manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person can 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.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – This can be caused by faulty electrical outlets, open flames, gas lines, improperly-stored combustible materials, and exposed wiring. 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 considered 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 such as lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, 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 causes a rare form of cancer called 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 over the years or in a shortened period of time, you may still be eligible for a claim.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied
Countless employers and their insurers attempt to escape responsibility for injuries that their employees suffer at the workplace. 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 aspects of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s crucial to work with a workers’ compensation attorney throughout this process.
Your workmans comp lawyer will:
- Prove to the courts your injury and need for compensation
- 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
- Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
- Represent you in front of the various levels of the appellate courts
Speak to Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Butler, IL | Contact Drummond Law
We understand how stressful it can be if you are injured on the job and cannot work and adequately provide for your family. Since 1976, Drummond Law has been helping people in Butler receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Butler, IL, for a free case evaluation, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.