Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Attorney in Jackson County, IL
Work Comp Attorney in Jackson County, 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 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 comp attorneys want to help take 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 the insurance company and your employer for fair and just compensation.
If you’ve been hurt on the job and need assistance with any issues relating to a work comp claim, speak with a work comp attorney in Jackson County, IL, at Drummond Law now. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Jackson 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 occur over time (such as repetitive stress, toxic exposure, etc.) Both types of injuries are equally valid and equally worthy of compensation.
No work injury is ever insignificant, and you should never take them lightly. The moment you discover a work-related injury, time is quite literally money. Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be the first option to explore. Here are several important steps to take:
- 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 care 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.
- Hold on to ALL copies of past and present healthcare reports – No document 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.
- Ensure that your employer reports the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They will review your claim and you will receive either an approval or contest of the claim.
- Speak to a qualified work comp attorney in Jackson County, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our knowledgeable work comp attorneys in Jackson County listen to you and know that your work injury is valid. We will take some of the load off of your shoulders during a time that is no doubt stressful enough. 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 Jackson County?
Laws differ depending on state, but in general you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re 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 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 are well-acquainted with all the regulations, rules, and laws associated with the often muddled work comp legal process, so contact us today.
Most Common Work Injuries
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 accidents that qualify for work comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the main thing most people imagine when thinking about a work accident. Injuries can result from spills, debris in walkways, poor lighting, oily surfaces, ice, and uneven walking surfaces. You are entitled to a work comp claim if you sustained an injury because the employer should have taken acts 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, including 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.
- 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, further injuries include internal organ damage, respiratory issues, and in the worst cases, death.
- Vehicular accidents – These involve anyone who was driving while performing a work-related task, people who may drive for a living (such as truck drivers), or those who spend their time working near machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is viewed as personal injury or work comp will depend on the facts of your case.
- Repetitive stress and overexertion – If your job involves a lot of pulling, pushing, lifting, throwing, carrying, and holding 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 workers’ compensation claim because employers should allow frequent breaks and provide protective gear.
- Work-related illness – In many cases, working in an older building may expose you to asbestos which causes a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma. Other types of illness, chemical, or toxic 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
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. Verifying your injury or disability is often one of the most difficult components of the fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s crucial to partner with a Jackson County work comp attorney throughout this process.
Your work comp attorney 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
- File all paperwork on your behalf
- Ensure that all necessary information is included in the petition
- Represent you in the meditation hearing and trial, if necessary
Speak to Our Work Comp Attorneys in Jackson 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 1976, Drummond Law has been helping people in Jackson County receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To get in touch with our work comp attorneys in Jackson County, IL, for a free case review, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.