Forest Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
No employee heads off to work expecting to be hurt in an accident, but data reveals that on-the-job injuries and occupational diseases are more common than you think. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 127,700 employees report a work-related medical condition every year. Almost 71,000 of these individuals will have days away from work, a job transfer, or work restriction because of their ailment. If you were injured or lost a loved one because of job-related conditions, you may know that relief is available under Illinois workers’ compensation laws.
However, the process for obtaining benefits can be complicated, especially when you are dealing with your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company. Our team at Connolly Injury Law can alleviate the hassles, as we have decades of combined experience advocating on behalf of injured employees. Please contact our office to set up a no-cost consultation with a Forest Park workers’ compensation lawyer, and read on for some background information.
Summary of Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws
Decades ago, employees who were injured on the job were forced to sue their employers in court to recover for such damages as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While many workers were successful, litigation is time-consuming. As such, lawmakers established a no-fault workers’ compensation system. Key provisions include:
- You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent in causing your medical condition.
- Most Illinois employers are required to carry worker’s comp insurance, which is where you file a claim for benefits.
- You must be a covered employee, as independent contractors do not qualify for workers’ comp.
- You must suffer from an injury from a workplace accident OR an occupational illness that you contracted as a direct result of work-related conditions.
Challenges with the Workers’ Comp Process
Despite meeting the requirements listed above and complying with relevant deadlines, you may encounter hurdles in dealing with your employer and/or workers’ comp insurance company. There are many legitimate reasons that they deny payment, but insurers also dispute many rightful claims.
At Connolly Injury Law, our Forest Park workers’ comp attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights in dealings with the insurance company. We are also ready to take the next steps, including requesting a hearing before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and litigation. We strive to ensure you receive fair benefits for:
- Costs for current medical treatment and future care;
- Wage replacement for your time away from work;
- Partial or total disability, on a permanent or temporary basis; and,
- Death benefits, if you lost a loved one in a workplace accident.
Speak to Our Forest Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Free
As you can see from the above description, obtaining the benefits you are entitled to by law can be complicated. There is much more to the process than filling out forms, so count on Connolly Injury Law to tackle the legal hurdles. To learn more about our services, please call 312-780-0816 or visit us online to set up a free consultation.
