Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in Brighton, IL
Work Comp Attorney in Brighton, 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|If you ever get hurt on the job, it’s your right to seek compensation so that you can continue to keep the lights on and put food on the table for you and your family; however, the workers’ compensation process is oftentimes complicated no matter where you live. 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 take you through every aspect of your claim from beginning to end. We can fill out critical paperwork for you, facilitate necessary communication with all involved parties, and negotiate with the insurance company and your employer for just and fair compensation.
For help filing for workers’ compensation or any other issues regarding your claim, speak with a work comp attorney in Brighton, IL, at Drummond Law today. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free document review.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Brighton, IL
Injuries can result from either one single traumatic event (like 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 deserving of compensation.
No work injury is ever insignificant, and you shouldn’t take them lightly. 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:
- Notify 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.
- Get medical care 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 healthcare records – No piece of information is unimportant when it comes to your health and wellness.
- 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.
- Make sure that your employer reports your injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They’ll look over your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Speak to a qualified work comp attorney in Brighton, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.
Our seasoned work comp attorneys in Brighton listen to you and believe 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 workers’ comp benefits you need.
Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Brighton?
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 injured while performing a job-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim as soon as possible.
Settlements for work comp claims usually 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 regulations, rules, and laws associated with the often confusing work comp legal process, so contact us to learn more now.
Types of Work Injuries
Any number of accidents can happen when you are working somewhere for eight hours a day, five days a week. At Drummond Law, we see them every day. Here are the most common kinds of workplace injuries that qualify for workmans comp.
- Slips, falls, and trips – This is the number one thing many people think of when they imagine a work accident. Injuries can be caused by ice, spills, uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, debris in walkways, and oily surfaces. You may be entitled to a work comp claim if you suffer an injury because the employer should’ve taken measures to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, non-slip mats, proper safety signage, de-icing walkways, etc.
- Getting struck by an object – This is common in physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, such as manufacturing, construction, and farming. A person may be struck by a flying, rolling, falling, or swinging object resulting in 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 result from 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.
- Vehicular 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 anyone who spends time working near other cars on the road or machinery. Whether or not this is seen as a work comp or personal injury claim depends 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 including 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 older building may expose you to asbestos which causes a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of toxic, chemical, or illness exposures can occur in everything from manufacturing facilities 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 eligible for a claim.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied
Far too many times, employers will shirk their responsibilities when their workers get injured on the job. When this happens, you must file a Claim Petition for Workers’ Compensation benefits in court. Verifying your injury or disability is often one of the most challenging components of fighting for the benefits you are entitled to, so it’s vitally important to work with a Brighton work comp attorney to protect your rights.
Your work comp attorney will:
- Help verify that you cannot work and need compensation
- Investigate the ways in which your employer may have acted with negligence causing your workplace injury
- File all paperwork on your behalf
- Gather all necessary information to include in the petition
- Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary
Speak to Our Work Comp Attorneys in Brighton, 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 Brighton get the help they need. To get in touch with our work comp attorneys in Brighton, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.