Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Murphysboro, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Murphysboro, IL. After a hardworking individual suffers an injury while on the job, they shouldn’t have to worry about how they will provide for themselves and their family; however, the workers’ compensation process is complex no matter what part of the country you call home. Any mistake you make could result in the insurance company or your employer 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 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 Murphysboro, IL, at Drummond Law today. Please 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 Murphysboro, 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 repetitive trauma, toxic exposure, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally deserving 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 important steps to follow:
- Tell your manager, HR representative, or employer 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 attention 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 past and present healthcare records – No piece of information 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 contest of the claim.
- Speak to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Murphysboro, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our experienced workmans comp lawyers in Murphysboro listen to you and know that your injuries are valid. We’ll shoulder some of the burdens you face during a time that is already stressful. If you’ve 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 Murphysboro?
The laws are different from state to state, but in general you’re eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you’ve been injured while performing a job-related responsibility. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.
Settlements for work comp claims generally include medical bills, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to a workplace incident. We are 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 Workplace Accidents
Even if you work in a small operation or an office-setting, a workplace accident can happen anywhere, anytime. 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 work comp.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the number one thing many people imagine when thinking about a work accident. Injuries can be caused by poor lighting, spills, debris in walkways, and icy, wet, oily, or uneven surfaces. You may be entitled to workmans comp if you suffer one of these injuries because the employer should’ve 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 physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, such as manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person can be hit 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.
- Electrocution, fire, explosion – 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 throwing, lifting, carrying, pulling, holding, and pushing motions, it can lead to lasting effects such as lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, and more. A worker might 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 causes a cancer known as 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 over the years or in a shortened period of time, 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 disability or injury is often one of the most difficult aspects of your fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s crucial 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
- Submit your petition for benefits
- Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
- Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary
Get in Touch With Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Murphysboro, 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 Murphysboro get the help they need. To speak to our workers’ compensation lawyers in Murphysboro, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.