Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Schuyler County, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Schuyler County, 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 often complex no matter where you live. Any mistake you make could result in your employer or the insurance company denying 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 your employer and their insurance company for just 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 Schuyler County, IL, at Drummond Law now. 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 Schuyler County, IL
Injuries may 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 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 manager, HR representative, or employer 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 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.
- Obtain ALL copies of past and present healthcare 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.
- Make sure 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 Schuyler County, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our experienced workmans comp lawyers in Schuyler County 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’ve 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 Schuyler County?
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 typically include medical bills, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We are familiar with all the laws, regulations, and rules associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so speak with us today.
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 types of work injuries that are eligible for workers’ compensation.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the first thing many people think about in regard to 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 workmans comp if you suffered one of these injuries 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, including manufacturing, construction, 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.
- Electrocution, fire, explosion – 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 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.
- Overexertion or repetitive stress – If your job involves a lot of holding, throwing, pulling, carrying, pushing, and lifting 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 work comp claim because employers should provide protective gear and allow frequent breaks.
- Work-related illness – For example, 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 in a short amount of time or over years, you may still be eligible for a claim.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Compensation 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 difficult aspects of your fight for the benefits you are owed, 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
- Fill out the paperwork on your behalf to petition for benefits
- Gather all necessary information to include in the petition
- Represent you in front of the various levels of the appellate courts
Hire Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Schuyler County, 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 Schuyler County get the help they need. To speak to our workers’ compensation lawyers in Schuyler County, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.