Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
We Can Handle Your Claim Following an Occupational Accident
Becoming hurt in a workplace injury can be a traumatic experience. You may be worried that your employer is going to retaliate against you if you file a workers’ compensation claim. However, you have the right to collect benefits while you are unable to work and should not be plagued with the fear of financial insecurity.
With more than 75 years of experience litigating personal injury claims, the Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers at Walner Law® care about your well-being and have the skills and knowledge to win you the money you deserve while you are unable to work.
Schedule a free consultation at (312) 410-8496.
Illinois’ Workers’ Compensation Program
The State of Illinois maintains a good workers’ compensation program that issues decent benefits for injured workers. It is important that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled when you have suffered a workplace accident. Unfortunately, obtaining workers’ compensation benefits can be discouraging and intimidating. Mistakes in applying for benefits can cause your application to be denied. This can leave you injured and out of work, with no income for you and your family.
Workers’ compensation benefits cover any workplace injury that requires medical treatment, causing you to miss time off work and forgo your wages. Common work-related injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Severe strains and sprains
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Toxic exposure
- Paralysis
- Partial or permanent disability
Protection from Retaliation
It is against the law for your employer to retaliate against you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim. This includes discrimination or disciplinary action of any kind — such as termination or demotion — in relation to your claim. You may be entitled to additional compensation if your employer has retaliated against you.
What You Should Know About Filing for Workers’ Comp
Workers’ compensation is a government program created to provide benefits to those injured on the job or made ill due to the workplace. Filing for workers’ compensation, however, is no easy task. There is a great deal of paperwork and deadlines that must be met. If there is even just one error in the forms you fill out or one deadline missed, your claim will be denied. For this reason, we highly suggest that if you are injured on the job, you seek out the assistance of experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers at Walner Law!
An on-the-job injury is traumatic physically, emotionally, and financially. If you were the “breadwinner” in the family, you are probably fearful that you can no longer provide for your loved ones. Our legal team knows the workers’ compensation law inside and out. We will work tirelessly to get you the benefits to which you are entitled.
A staggering number of injured workers who apply without legal representation are denied. We will do everything we can to make sure your hard-earned benefits are not denied. If you live in Chicago and were injured on the job, please contact the Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers at Walner Law. We can help.
Choosing A Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Your Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers should possess four important qualities:
- Experience
- Proven results
- Dedication
- Efficiency
In an ideal world, injured workers would not face any difficulties applying for and receiving workers’ compensation. The reality is that injured workers often face obstacles from both employers and their insurance companies following workplace injuries. This makes it important to have experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers on your side before you file for benefits.
Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state. For the most effective representation, you need an attorney who has experience with workers’ compensation in Illinois. To illustrate his effectiveness, your lawyer should be able to provide you with information about previous cases he has handled as well.
Most importantly, your lawyer needs to be dedicated to helping you get the compensation you are entitled to. This means working individually with you and taking the time to understand your unique needs. Your Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers should see you as more than just another case and be willing to stand by your side until you have obtained the compensation you deserve.
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Requirements
- Employers must have worker’s compensation insurance OR get permission to self-insure.
- Information regarding the insurance must be posted in an accessible area and should list the insurance provider, contact information, and policy number.
- Employers must keep records of work-related injuries.
- Employers must report any injuries that cause more than 3 days of lost work.
- Employers must report any work-related death within 2 days of the incident.
- Remember, though employers are required to report to the IWCC, the IWCC will not act unless an employee officially files a worker’s compensation claim.
Employers may NOT charge their employees for any part of the workers’ comp insurance and/or benefits.
Employers may NOT discriminate against an employee utilizing their right under the law. This can include but is not limited to; harassing, firing, and refusing to rehire once the claim has been resolved.