Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in DeWitt County, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in DeWitt County, 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 misstep you take could result in the insurance company or your employer denying your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work injury 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 fair and just compensation.
If you have been injured on the job and need help filing a workers’ compensation claim or appealing a denial, talk to a workmans comp lawyer in DeWitt County, IL, at Drummond Law now. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim With the Help of a Workmans Comp Lawyer in DeWitt 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 repetitive trauma, toxic exposure, etc.) Both kinds 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 are injured at work, time is of the essence. You need to explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim. 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 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.
- Obtain ALL copies of present and past healthcare reports – 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.
- Make sure 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 denial of the claim.
- Contact a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in DeWitt County, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our experienced workmans comp lawyers in DeWitt County listen to you and believe that your injuries are valid. We can help shoulder some of the burden you face during what is already a stressful time. If you’ve been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the workers’ comp benefits you need.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in DeWitt 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 hurt while performing a job-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so do not delaying in filing your claim.
Settlements for work comp claims generally include medical bills, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We’re familiar with all the regulations, rules, and laws associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so speak with us today.
Types of 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 see them every day. Here are the most common kinds of work injuries that are eligible 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 spills, debris in walkways, poor lighting, oily surfaces, ice, and uneven walking surfaces. You may be entitled to workmans comp if you suffer an injury because the employer should’ve taken steps to prevent this injury, such as putting proper safety signs in place, non-slip mats, de-icing walkways, fixing broken lights, etc.
- Contact with an object – This is common in physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person may be hit by a swinging, rolling, flying, or falling object causing 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 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 pulling, pushing, lifting, throwing, carrying, and holding 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 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 causes a rare form of cancer called 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 eligible for a claim.
What to Do If Your Workers’ 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 challenging components of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s vitally important to work with a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights.
A workmans comp lawyer at Drummond Law 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
- Submit your 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt County get the help they need. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in DeWitt County, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.