Naperville Workers Compensation Lawyer

Any work environment carries the potential to be the scene of an accident. When an employee is injured on the job in Naperville, they can file a workers’ compensation claim that can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other impending debts. Navigating this complex system often requires the help of a Naperville workers’ compensation lawyer, who can make the necessary filings on your behalf. Our team at Connolly Injury Law can help you do just that.

Common Workplace Injuries in Naperville

Certain workplace injuries are more common than others. If you have experienced any of the following accidents or other injuries, you should hire a workplace injury attorney and work together to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Slip-and-Fall Injuries: These serious injuries occur when a worker slips, trips, or falls due to hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles. Common injuries include fractures, sprains, and head injuries.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): RSIs develop over time from repetitive motions or overuse of certain body parts, such as typing or lifting. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis are examples of RSIs. Repetitive strain injuries can happen anywhere, but they are most common in office settings where workers are required to sit in place and conduct work that is repetitive.
Back Injuries: Back injuries often result from lifting heavy objects, improper lifting techniques, or prolonged periods of sitting or standing. These injuries can include herniated discs, strains, and chronic back pain. Even in cases where a worker had previous back pain and pre-existing injuries, a workplace injury can re-injure or exacerbate those injuries and require a worker to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Equipment Malfunction: Injuries from machinery can occur in manufacturing or construction environments where workers operate heavy equipment. These accidents can lead to severe injuries like amputations, crush injuries, and lacerations. These types of accidents are more common at construction sites and factory settings.
Harmful Substance Exposure: Workers in industries dealing with chemicals, asbestos, or other hazardous materials can suffer from exposure-related illnesses. This can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, or long-term illnesses like cancer.
Vehicle Accidents: Driving and operating vehicles are often work-related activities. Truck drivers and delivery personnel are often at higher risk of accidents. These incidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including whiplash, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.

No matter the cause of your injury, any accident that leaves you hurt can allow you to request benefits from the employer’s workers’ compensation carrier. Insurance providers are required by law to provide a wide range of benefits that can compensate injured workers for missed time at work, medical bills, and other injury-related expenses.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for?

Workers’ compensation programs in Illinois provide several types of benefits to employees who are injured on the job. One of the most important types of benefits covers medical expenses related to your injury. Doctor’s visits, treatments, and rehabilitation expenses can be covered by workers’ compensation once an injured worker’s claim is accepted.

Employees are also entitled to Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits while they are off work and recovering from their injuries. Workers’ compensation programs typically defer to medical doctors who can provide guidance on how long a worker should take off work to recover. Additionally, vocational rehabilitation and maintenance benefits are provided to injured employees who are participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program.

In cases where the employee sustains a permanent disability or disfigurement but can still work, Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits are available. If the injury renders the employee permanently unable to work, they may receive Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits.

In the event of an employee’s death due to a workplace injury, death benefits are provided to surviving family members through a wrongful death claim. These comprehensive benefits ensure that injured employees and their families receive the necessary support and financial assistance during recovery.

Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Illinois

If you are preparing to file a workers’ compensation claim, it is essential that you retain a skilled attorney who can guide you through the process. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can not only help you draft and file important paperwork, but they can also advocate for you during legal proceedings. By hiring an attorney, you can also remove the time-consuming burden of having to file and monitor your workers’ compensation claim, as they can do it for you.

An attorney also understands how to maximize your claim by carefully reviewing your case and examining medical records. Your lawyer can find expenses that you may not have considered, such as the future cost of medical bills or lost wages. Regardless of how complex your Naperville workers’ compensation claim may be, it is critical that you work with an experienced lawyer who can help you file a successful claim and acquire the compensation you deserve.

How Do You Find the Right Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

Finding the right attorney to handle your workers’ compensation claim is incredibly important. There are a variety of tips you should keep in mind when searching for a lawyer who is right for you:

Personal References. Personal references are a great source for recommendations. Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have had any good experiences working with a local attorney or law firm.
Online Reviews. You should always search online for personal injury lawyers and read their reviews. A quality attorney generally has recent reviews that state a client’s satisfaction. Reviews from past clients can offer an objective source of feedback about the lawyer’s past performance.
One of the most important qualities of a workers’ compensation attorney is experience. A lawyer who has only practiced law for a few years may not have the experience to navigate the complexities of your injured worker case. Look for a law firm that has experience helping clients receive favorable workers’ compensation benefits.

During your consultation, you should also ask important questions like:

What is the contingency fee you charge for legal services?
How many clients have you represented during workers’ compensation claims?
How many of those workers received favorable settlements
What do you think my workers’ compensation claim is worth?
How long do you anticipate my claim will take to resolve?
What is your experience with cases similar to mine?
How will you keep me updated on the progress of my case?
What potential challenges do you foresee in my claim?

A good attorney should be attentive to your questions and considerate of your concerns. They should provide clear and understandable answers, ensuring you are fully informed about your case and confident in their representation throughout the compensation process. At Connolly Injury Law, we work to ensure that each and every one of our clients receives the passionate, powerful representation they deserve.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Workers Compensation Lawyers Charge in Illinois?

A: A workers’ compensation attorney typically charges legal fees on a contingency basis. This means that they are only paid once their client is awarded a settlement. The contingency fee is typically a percentage that is deducted from the settlement. The client and attorney agree on this percentage early on in a case. Clients benefit from this arrangement because they do not have to pay upfront for legal representation.

Q: How Can You Maximize Your Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claim?

A: You can only seek compensation for losses you suffer from your work-related injury, but a workers’ compensation attorney can ensure that you receive every dollar that you need to fully recover. If you are not familiar with calculating medical expenses and future treatment costs, you may accidentally leave out important factors that should be included in your settlement.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Workers Compensation Claim in Illinois?

A: Under the Workers Compensation Act, you generally have three years to file your injured worker claim. If you fail to request workers’ compensation benefits within three years of your injury, you lose your right to access compensation through that system. There are often benefits to filing sooner rather than later. Even if you believe your injury is manageable, it is important to remember that access to benefits under the workers’ compensation system is a right.

Q: How Are Workers’ Compensation Settlements Calculated in Illinois?

A: Workers’ compensation settlements are calculated based on several factors that include the severity of the accident, the cost of medical treatment, time missed from work, the cost of rehabilitation, and the projected cost of future medical treatments. A workers’ compensation attorney can use those factors to come up with an accurate assessment of what a fair settlement looks like.

Q: What Is the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

A: The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission administers the judicial process for resolving disputed workers’ compensation claims between employees and employers. Acting as an administrative court, the Commission must remain impartial. While staff can explain procedures and basic legal provisions, they cannot offer legal advice or advocate for either party.

Schedule Your Naperville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Consultation Today

Following a workplace accident, you can protect your right to access benefits by hiring a workers’ compensation attorney. Individual businesses are required to maintain workers’ compensation policies, but that does not always mean that accessing benefits is easy.

By working with the attorneys at Connolly Injury Law, you can send a clear message to your employer and injured worker insurance carrier that you take your health and recovery seriously. Our attorneys can handle the workers’ compensation claim process on your behalf. To schedule your consultation with a member of our team, contact our office today.