Workers’ Compensation
Workmans Comp Lawyer in Vermilion County, IL
Workmans comp lawyer in Vermilion County, 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; however, the workers’ compensation process is complicated no matter where you live. Any misstep you take could result in the insurance company or your employer contesting 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 Vermilion County, IL, at Drummond Law now. Please contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.
How to File a Work Comp Claim With the Help of a Workmans Comp Lawyer in Vermilion County, IL
Injuries can 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 trauma, toxic exposure, etc.) Both kinds of injuries are equally valid and equally worthy of compensation.
No work injury is ever insignificant, and you shouldn’t brush one aside. As soon as you find out about an injury that was caused by a job-related duty, there is no time to waste. Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be the first option to explore. Here are important steps to follow:
- Tell your employer, manager or HR rep 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 attention 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.
- Obtain 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.
- Make sure that your employer reports your injury to the workers’ compensation insurance company – They will review your claim and you will receive either an approval or denial of the claim.
- Contact a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer in Vermilion County, IL – Our law firm handles workers’ compensation claims against state and local government employers, private industry, and more.
Our knowledgeable workmans comp lawyers in Vermilion County listen to you and believe that your work injury is valid. We can help shoulder some of the burden you face during what is already a stressful time. If you have 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 Vermilion County?
The laws are different from state to state, but in general you’re eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re a legal employee and you’ve been hurt while performing a job-related duty. Statute of limitations do apply, so file your claim in a timely manner.
Settlements for work comp 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 to learn more now.
Most 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 take on cases with a variety of accident causes. Here are the most common kinds of workplace injuries that qualify for workmans comp.
- Falls, slips, and trips – This is the first thing many people think about in regard to a work 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 suffer one of these injuries because the employer should’ve 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 physically-demanding environments with lots of machinery, such as construction, manufacturing, and farming. A person may be struck by a flying, rolling, falling, or swinging 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 machinery or other cars on the road. Whether or not this is considered personal injury or work comp will depend on your specific case.
- Repetitive stress and overexertion – If your job involves a lot of pulling, pushing, lifting, throwing, carrying, and holding motions, it can lead to long-term physical harm such as chronic joint pain, muscle strain, carpal tunnel, lower-back injuries, 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 – 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 toxic, chemical, or illness exposures may be common 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 eligible for 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 disability or injury is often one of the most challenging components of your fight for the benefits you are owed, so it’s vitally important to work with a workers’ compensation attorney throughout this process.
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
Speak to Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Vermilion County, IL | Contact Drummond Law
We believe that hardworking individuals who’ve fallen victim to a workplace injury are entitled to maximum benefits. Since 1976, Drummond Law has been helping people in Vermilion County receive work comp benefits after an injury has put them out. To get in touch with our workers’ compensation lawyers in Vermilion County, IL, for a free case evaluation, feel free to contact us or call 800-842-0426.