Garbage truck drivers work long hours and often push themselves beyond their physical capabilities. This often leads to work-related injuries or illnesses. Illinois workers’ compensation law provides wage replacement and medical benefits to cover these drivers.
But employers–and their insurance carriers–are often quick to look for an excuse to deny payment. That is why if you find yourself in this situation it is best to work with an experienced Chicago Garbage truck driver injury lawyer who understands the system and will fight for your rights under the law.
At Connolly Injury Law, attorney Mark Connolly and his team represent garbage truck drivers just like you that have been hurt in a variety of work-related accidents. We understand that any time missed from work imposes a financial strain on you and your family. And that is why we will make every effort to ensure that you receive full compensation for your losses.
Workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system. This means that you do not need to prove your employer did anything to actually cause your work-related injury or illness. Likewise, your employer cannot deny your workers’ compensation claim simply because your own conduct may have been partly to blame for your injury.
As a garbage truck driver, you already know there are a myriad of ways you can be injured on the job. Of course, there is always the risk of getting into an accident while driving. When jumping on and off a garbage truck, you can fall and injure your ankle or foot. And simply sitting in a garbage truck day-after-day increases your risk of suffering from many types of chronic injuries, which may also be subject to workers’ compensation.
Anytime you are injured on the job, no matter how minor it might seem at the time, it is crucial that you immediately inform your supervisor and seek medical attention. This is the first step towards pursuing a potential workers’ compensation claim. If your employer ultimately rejects your claim, or pays less than you think the law entitles you to, then you also need to take prompt action to contest that decision with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. This is where working with an experienced attorney can help.
Beyond workers’ compensation, if your injury was the result of third-party negligence–such as a traffic accident caused by another driver–workers’ compensation does not apply to that third party. But you may still have the right to file a separate personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party and recover damages that would not otherwise be available in workers’ compensation.
We can help you with such claims as well. So if you are a garbage truck driver who has been hurt on the job for any reason and need to speak with a skilled Chicago Garbage truck driver injury/workers comp lawyer, contact Connolly Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation.