Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Nokomis, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Nokomis, 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 the insurance company or your employer contesting 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.
If you have been injured on the job and need help filing a workers’ compensation claim or appealing a denial, talk to a workmans comp lawyer in Nokomis, IL, at Drummond Law today. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
How to File a Work Comp Claim With the Help of a Workmans Comp Lawyer in Nokomis, IL
Injuries may result from either one single traumatic event (such as a machine-related accident, slip and fall, electrocution, etc.) or they can occur over time (such as repetitive trauma, toxic exposure, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally worthy of compensation.
No work injury is ever insignificant, and you shouldn’t brush one aside. As soon as you are injured at work, time is of the essence. Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be the first option to explore. 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 attention 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 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’ll review your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Speak to a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in Nokomis, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our compassionate workmans comp lawyers in Nokomis listen to you and know that your work injury is valid. We’ll shoulder some of the burdens you face during a time that is already stressful. If you have been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the workers’ comp benefits you need.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Nokomis?
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 do not delaying in filing your claim.
Settlements for workers’ compensation claims generally include medical bills, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We’re familiar with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so speak with us to learn more now.
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 injuries that are eligible for work comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the first thing many people think about in regard to a workplace 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 suffered one of these injuries 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, including construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person can be hit by a swinging, flying, falling, or rolling object causing blunt-force trauma. The employer should cover this type of work injury because they had a duty to properly train employees, supply appropriate protective gear, post signs of imminent danger, etc.
- Explosions, fire, electrocution – This can be caused by faulty electrical outlets, open flames, gas lines, improperly-stored combustible materials, and exposed wiring. Besides 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 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 throwing, lifting, carrying, pulling, holding, and pushing motions, it can lead to long-term physical harm such as lower-back injuries, chronic joint pain, carpal tunnel, muscle strain, and more. A worker might be entitled to a workers’ compensation 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 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 eligible for 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. 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 challenging aspects of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s vitally important to partner with a workers’ compensation attorney throughout this process.
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
- 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 Nokomis, 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 Nokomis receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To speak to our workers’ compensation lawyers in Nokomis, IL, for a free case review, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.