Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Mt. Vernon, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Mt. Vernon, 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 complex no matter what part of the country you call home. Any misstep you take could result in your employer or the insurance company contesting 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 the insurance company and your employer for full and fair 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 Mt. Vernon, IL, at Drummond Law today. Please 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 Mt. Vernon, IL
Injuries can 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 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 find out about an injury that was caused by a job-related duty, there is no time to waste. Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be the first option to explore. 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 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.
- Keep track of ALL copies of present and past medical reports – No document 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.
- Ensure that your employer reports the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They’ll review your claim and you will receive either an approval or contest of the claim.
- Speak to a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in Mt. Vernon, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our seasoned workmans comp lawyers in Mt. Vernon 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 Mt. Vernon?
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 have 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 generally include mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We are 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
Any number of accidents can happen when you are working somewhere for eight hours a day, five days a week. At Drummond Law, we take on cases with a variety of accident causes. Here are the most common types of workplace injuries that are eligible for workers’ compensation.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the number one thing many people imagine when thinking about a workplace accident. Injuries can be caused by spills, debris in walkways, poor lighting, oily surfaces, ice, and uneven walking 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 fixing broken lights, non-slip mats, proper safety signage, de-icing walkways, etc.
- Being hit by an object – This is common in physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, including construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person can be hit 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, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. 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 other cars on the road or machinery. Whether or not this is considered personal injury or work comp 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 provide protective gear and allow frequent breaks.
- Work-related illness – In many cases, working in an old building may expose you to asbestos which may cause a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of toxic, chemical, or illness exposures may be common in everything from corporate offices to manufacturing plants. 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
In far too many cases, employers will try to skirt responsibility for the injuries their employees faced while on the job. When this happens, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Proving your injury or disability is often one of the most difficult 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
- Investigate the ways in which your employer may have acted with negligence causing your workplace injury
- 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
Get in Touch With Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Mt. Vernon, 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 Mt. Vernon get the help they need. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Mt. Vernon, IL, for a free case evaluation, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.