Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Edgar County, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Edgar 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; however, the workers’ compensation process is complicated no matter what part of the country you call home. 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 every aspect of your claim from beginning to end. 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 full and fair compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, talk to a workmans comp lawyer in Edgar County, IL, at Drummond Law today. Feel free 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 Workmans Comp Lawyer in Edgar County, IL
Injuries may 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 repetitive trauma, toxic exposure, 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:
- 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 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 medical reports – 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.
- 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 denial of the claim.
- Get in touch with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Edgar County, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our knowledgeable workmans comp lawyers in Edgar County 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 workmans comp benefits you need.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Edgar County?
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 injured while performing a job-related responsibility. Statute of limitations do apply, so do not delaying in filing your claim.
Settlements for workers’ compensation claims generally include mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, and other expenses related to a workplace incident. We’re familiar with all the regulations, rules, and laws associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so speak with us to learn more now.
Types of Work Injuries
No matter how relatively safe a place may be, an accident can happen anywhere. At Drummond Law, we take on cases with a variety of accident causes. Here are the most common types of workplace accidents that qualify for work comp.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the first thing most people imagine when thinking about a workplace accident. Injuries can be caused by ice, spills, uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, debris in walkways, and oily surfaces. You may be entitled to workmans comp 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, including manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person may be struck by a swinging, flying, falling, or rolling 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.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – 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 people who may drive for a living (such as truck drivers), those who are driving while performing a work-related task, 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 allow frequent breaks and provide protective gear.
- Work-related illness – In many cases, working in an old building may expose you to asbestos which causes 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 eligible for 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 throughout this process.
Your workmans comp lawyer 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
- Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
- Represent you in front of the various levels of the appellate courts
Hire Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Edgar 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 our founding, our mission at Drummond Law has been to help people in Edgar County get the help they need. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Edgar County, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.