Workers’ Compensation

Work Comp Attorney in Oconee, IL

Work Comp Attorney in Oconee, IL. After a hardworking individual suffers an injury while on the job, they shouldn’t have to worry about how they will provide for themselves and their 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 complex no matter where you live. Any error you make could result in the insurance company or your employer rejecting your claim.

At Drummond Law, our work comp attorneys will guide you through the process from start to finish. We can fill out critical paperwork for you, facilitate necessary communication with all involved parties, 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 work comp attorney in Oconee, IL, at Drummond Law now. Do not hesitate to contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free consultation.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim With the Help of a Work Comp Attorney in Oconee, IL

Injuries can result from either one single traumatic event (like a slip and fall, electrocution, machine-related accident, etc.) or they can occur over time (such as toxic exposure, repetitive trauma, etc.) Both types of injuries are equally valid and equally worthy of compensation.

No work injury is ever too minor, and you should never take them lightly. As soon as you find out about an injury that was caused by a job-related duty, there is no time to waste. You need to explore your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here are the steps below:

• Notify 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.
• 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.
• Obtain 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 think that your employer may not pay your benefits either now or in the future, file this form.
• Make sure 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 contest of the claim.
• Contact an experienced work comp attorney in Oconee, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against private industry, state and local government employers, and more.

Our compassionate work comp attorneys in Oconee listen to you and know that your work injury is valid. We can help shoulder some of the burdens you face during what is already a stressful time. If you’ve been injured on the job, Drummond Law can help you get the workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to.

Am I Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Oconee?

The laws vary by state, but generally you are entitled to workers’ compensation if you are considered a legal employee and you have been hurt while performing a work-related responsibility. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.

Settlements for work comp claims generally include medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of affection and income, mileage and rehabilitation reimbursement, and other expenses related to a workplace accident. We are familiar with all the regulations, rules, and laws associated with the often confusing work comp legal process, so contact us today.

Common Work Injuries

Even if you work in a small operation or an office-setting, a workplace accident can happen anywhere, anytime. At Drummond Law, we see them every day. Here are the most common types of work accidents that are eligible for workmans comp.

• Falls, slips, and trips – This is the main thing many people think of when they imagine a work accident. Injuries can be caused by spills, debris in walkways, poor lighting, oily surfaces, ice, and uneven walking surfaces. You are entitled to workmans comp if you sustained an injury because the employer should’ve taken measures to prevent this injury, such as fixing broken lights, putting proper safety signs up, non-slip mats, de-icing walkways, etc.
• Getting struck by an object – This is common in careers that involve heavy machinery, including construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person can be hit by a flying, rolling, falling, or swinging object resulting in 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.
• Electrocution, fire, explosion – This can be caused by exposed wiring, faulty electrical outlets, combustible materials, open flames, and gas lines. In addition to the burns these cause, the injuries can include respiratory issues, internal damage, 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 other cars on the road or machinery. Whether or not this is considered a work comp or personal injury claim depends on your specific 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 may be entitled to a workers’ compensation 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 may cause a cancer known as mesothelioma. Other types of toxic, chemical, or illness exposures can occur in everything from corporate offices to manufacturing plants. Whether the onset of the illness took place over the years or in a shortened period of time, you may still be entitled to a claim.

What to Do If Your Work 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 injury or disability is often one of the most challenging aspects of victims’ fights for benefits, so it’s crucial to partner with a Oconee work comp attorney throughout this process.

Your work comp attorney will:

• Help you prove your inability to work and need for benefits
• Discover all the ways how your employer did not take proper safety precautions or let your workplace run the risk of 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 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. For more than 45 years, Drummond Law has been helping Oconee workers get the benefits they deserve after getting hurt on the job. To get in touch with our work comp attorneys in Oconee, IL, for a free case review, please contact us or call 800-842-0426.