Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Edwardsville, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Edwardsville, 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 complicated no matter what part of the country you call home. Any mistake you make could result in the insurance company or your employer contesting your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work comp lawyers want to help 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 the insurance company and your employer 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 Edwardsville, IL, at Drummond Law now. 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 Edwardsville, 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 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 the steps below:
- Tell your employer, manager or HR rep about the injury – Also, insist that they fill out an accident report. It is also good practice to send them a notice detailing the accident and the injury in writing.
- 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.
- Obtain ALL copies of present and past medical reports – No piece of information is unimportant when it comes to your wellbeing and health.
- 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 will review your claim and you will receive either an approval or contest of the claim.
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Edwardsville, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our compassionate workmans comp lawyers in Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville?
The laws vary by state, but generally you are 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 medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We are familiar with all the regulations, rules, and laws associated with the often confusing work comp legal process, so speak with us today.
Types of Workplace Accidents
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 are eligible for workers’ compensation.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the number one thing many people imagine when thinking about a work accident. Injuries can be caused by spills, debris in walkways, poor lighting, oily surfaces, ice, and uneven walking surfaces. You may be entitled to a work comp claim if you suffered one of these injuries because the employer should have 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, including construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person may be struck by a flying, rolling, falling, or swinging 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, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. Beyond just the burns these cause, the injuries can include internal organ damage, respiratory issues, 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 lasting effects 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 – 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 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’ Comp Claim Is Denied
Countless employers and their insurers attempt to escape responsibility for injuries that their employees suffer at the workplace. When this happens, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Proving your disability or injury is often one of the most challenging aspects of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s vitally important to partner with a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights.
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
- Submit your 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
Get in Touch With Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Edwardsville, IL | Contact Drummond Law
We believe that hardworking individuals who’ve fallen victim to a workplace injury are entitled to maximum benefits. Since 1976, Drummond Law has been helping people in Edwardsville receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Edwardsville, IL, for a free case review, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.