Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Girard, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Girard, 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 the insurance company or your employer contesting your claim.
At Drummond Law, our work injury lawyers want to help 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 your employer and their insurance company for fair and just compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, talk to a workmans comp lawyer in Girard, 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’ Compensation Claim With the Help of a Workmans Comp Lawyer in Girard, IL
Injuries may 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 kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally deserving 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:
- Tell 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 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 reports – No piece of information 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.
- 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 Girard, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our compassionate workmans comp lawyers in Girard listen to you and believe that your work injury is 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 Girard?
The laws vary by state, but generally you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you’ve been hurt while performing a job-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so do not delaying in filing your claim.
Settlements for workers’ compensation claims typically 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 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 kinds of work accidents that qualify for workers’ compensation.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the number one thing many people think about in regard to a work 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 suffered 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.
- Being hit by an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person may be struck 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.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – 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 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 lasting effects such as chronic joint pain, muscle strain, carpal tunnel, lower-back injuries, 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 may cause a cancer known as mesothelioma. Other types of illness, chemical, or toxic exposures may be common in everything from manufacturing to corporate offices. Whether the onset of the illness took place over the years or in a shortened period of time, 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 your fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s vitally important to partner with a workers’ compensation attorney throughout this process.
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
- 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 Girard, 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 Girard receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Girard, IL, for a free case review, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.