Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Crawford County, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Crawford County, 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 misstep you take could result in your employer or the insurance company denying your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work comp 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 just and fair compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, speak with a workmans comp lawyer in Crawford County, 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 Crawford County, IL
Injuries can result from either one single traumatic event (such as a slip and fall, electrocution, machine-related accident, 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. Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be the first option to explore. Here are the steps below:
- Inform 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 care as soon as you can – 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 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 will review your claim and you will receive either an approval or contest of the claim.
- Contact a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in Crawford County, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our compassionate workmans comp lawyers in Crawford County listen to you and believe that your injuries are 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 Crawford County?
The laws are different from state to state, but in general you’re eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you have been injured while performing a job-related responsibility. Statute of limitations do apply, so do not delaying in filing your claim.
Settlements for work comp claims generally include mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We are familiar with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often confusing work comp legal process, so speak with us to learn more now.
Most Common Workplace Accidents
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 types of work accidents that qualify for workmans comp.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the number one thing most people think about in regard to a workplace accident. Injuries can be caused by poor lighting, spills, debris in walkways, and icy, wet, oily, or uneven surfaces. You may be entitled to a work comp claim if you suffered an injury because the employer should have taken steps to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, non-slip mats, proper safety signage, de-icing walkways, etc.
- Being hit by an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, including manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person may be hit 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, gas lines, combustible materials, and open flames. 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 machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is considered personal injury or work comp will depend on your specific case.
- Overexertion or repetitive stress – If your job involves a lot of pulling, pushing, lifting, throwing, carrying, and holding 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 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 illness, chemical, or toxic 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 entitled to 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 challenging components of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s crucial to partner with a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights.
A workmans comp lawyer at Drummond Law will:
- Prove to the courts your injury and need for compensation
- Investigate the ways in which your employer may have acted with negligence causing your workplace 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 Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Crawford County, 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 Crawford County receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Crawford County, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.