Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Metropolis, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Metropolis, 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 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 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 the insurance company and your employer 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, speak with a workmans comp lawyer in Metropolis, IL, at Drummond Law today. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
Filing a Work Comp Claim With the Help of a Workmans Comp Lawyer in Metropolis, IL
Injuries may 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 kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally worthy of compensation.
No work injury is ever too minor, 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:
- 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 attention as soon as possible – Inform the doctor that the injury happened while at work and tell them the name of your employer. Also, be sure to follow all of the physician’s orders for treatment, because failure to do so may jeopardize your claim.
- Obtain 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.
- 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 denial of the claim.
- Get in touch with a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in Metropolis, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our seasoned workmans comp lawyers in Metropolis 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 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 Metropolis?
The laws vary by state, but generally you are 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 file your claim in a timely manner.
Settlements for work comp claims typically 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.
Most Common Work Injuries
No matter how relatively safe a place may be, an accident can happen anywhere. At Drummond Law, we see them every day. Here are the most common kinds of work injuries that are eligible for work comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the first thing many 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 are entitled to a work comp claim if you suffer an injury 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.
- Being hit by an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person can 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, gas lines, combustible materials, and open flames. Besides 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 a work comp or personal injury claim 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 long-term physical harm such as chronic joint pain, muscle strain, carpal tunnel, lower-back injuries, and more. A worker might be entitled to a workers’ compensation 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 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’ Compensation 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 injury or disability is often one of the most challenging aspects of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s crucial 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
- Gather all necessary information to include in the petition
- Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary
Get in Touch With Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Metropolis, 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 Metropolis get the help they need. To speak to our workers’ compensation lawyers in Metropolis, IL, for a free case evaluation, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.