Signs You Need An Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you suffered injuries in Illinois while on the job. If you are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. While you have the right to handle your workers’ compensation claim alone without the help of an attorney, it is best to hire an attorney. But while it is generally a good idea to hire a workers’ compensation attorney after suffering a work-related injury, the following are some signs that you need to contact a workers’ compensation attorney:
Your Employer Does Not File the Paperwork
In Illinois, injured employees are required to notify their employers of their injury no later than 45 days after the accident. However, it is advisable to report a work-related injury as soon as possible. After an employer receives notice of an accident, they are required to inform their insurance carrier about the injury and report the accident to the Illinois workers’ Compensation Commission on Form 45. If your employer does not file Form 45 after you tell them about your injury, it is a sign you need a workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you with your next steps.
Your Employer or The Insurance Company Denies Your Injury Is Work-related
This is common in cases involving injuries that occur over time. For example, when an employee suffers an illness after being exposed to a toxic substance for years, the employer or insurance company may deny the injury happened at work. An employer or the insurance company may also deny an injury occurred at work if the employee delayed reporting the injury. A qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to fight back.
You Suffered a Permanent Disability That Will Prevent You From Ever Fully Returning to Work
Employers and their insurance companies are more likely to contest permanent disability claims because these claims are the most expensive to compensate. If you sustained a permanent injury, ensure you retain an attorney who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
You Have a Pre-existing Condition
You still have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and recover compensation even if you have a pre-existing condition. If your pre-existing condition was aggravated, you have the right to recover workers’ compensation benefits. For instance, if you have a pre-existing neck condition that was worsened by your work, you are entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, the insurance company will try to use your pre-existing condition against you. You need an attorney to help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Your Settlement Does Not Cover All Your Losses
If you’ve already started on the workers’ compensation claims process and the settlement offer does not cover all your medical expenses, lost wages, and/or other losses, you need to retain a skilled attorney. A qualified workers’ compensation attorney can do what it takes to ensure that the insurance company pays you what you deserve.
Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve suffered a work injury in Illinois and are looking to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, contact our Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law to schedule a consultation.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/workers_compensation
