Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Oconee, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Oconee, 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 complicated no matter what part of the country you call home. Any misstep you take could result in your employer or the insurance company denying 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 the insurance company and your employer for fair and just compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, speak with a workmans comp lawyer in Oconee, IL, at Drummond Law today. Feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim With the Help of a Workmans Comp Lawyer in Oconee, 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 too minor, and you shouldn’t 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 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 care as soon as you can – 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.
- Keep track of ALL copies of present and past medical 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.
- 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 denial of the claim.
- Get in touch with a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in Oconee, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our compassionate workmans comp lawyers in Oconee 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 have 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 Oconee?
The laws vary by state, but generally you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you have 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 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 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 kinds of workplace injuries that are eligible for workmans comp.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the first thing many people imagine when thinking about a work accident. Injuries can be caused by spills, debris in walkways, poor lighting, oily surfaces, ice, and uneven walking surfaces. You may be entitled to workmans comp if you suffered an injury because the employer should’ve taken steps to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, non-slip mats, proper safety signage, de-icing walkways, etc.
- Contact with an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person may 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.
- 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 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 the facts of your 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 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 may cause a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of illness, chemical, or toxic exposures may be common in everything from corporate offices to manufacturing plants. 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 Work 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 injury or disability is often one of the most difficult components of your fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s vitally important to partner with a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights.
A workmans comp lawyer at Drummond Law will:
- Help you prove your inability to work and need for benefits
- Investigate the ways in which your employer may have acted with negligence causing your workplace injury
- 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
Get in Touch With Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Oconee, 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 1976, Drummond Law has been helping people in Oconee receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Oconee, IL, for a free case evaluation, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.