Evergreen Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you’ve sustained a significant injury at your workplace in Evergreen Park, Cook County, or across Illinois, you’re not alone.

At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our Evergreen Park workers’ compensation lawyers represent hard-working injured workers like you. Our goal is to seek justice for you and secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Illinois law. Your recovery should be your top priority. Let us handle the legal complexities of personal injury law on your behalf.

Who Must Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Illinois?

In Illinois, under workers’ compensation law, almost every employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This requirement applies to employers who have at least one employee, regardless of whether the employees work full-time or part-time. The exceptions to workers compensation laws are very limited and are defined by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

What Employers Are Exempt from Carrying Workers’ Comp Insurance?

Only a few employers are exempt from carrying workers’ compensation insurance in Illinois, such as family members of the employer and certain agricultural workers.

What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Illinois workers’ compensation benefits that injured workers in Evergreen Park may be eligible to receive include:

1. Medical Benefits: Coverage for all necessary and reasonable medical treatment related to the work related injury.
2. Temporary Total Disability: Payments for workers unable to return to work during recovery.
3. Temporary Partial Disability: Benefits for workers who can perform limited work during recovery.
4. Permanent Partial Disability: Compensation for workers with permanent limitations post-recovery.
5. Permanent Total Disability: Benefits for those unable to work indefinitely due to the injury.
6. Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance with job retraining or job placement services.
7. Death Benefits: Financial support provided to families if a work injury results in death.

What Are the Most Common Workplace Accidents in Evergreen Park?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), some of the most common workplace accidents that produce workers’ compensation cases are:

• Falls: Accidents due to inadequate fall protection, often on a construction site.
• Struck-by Incidents: Workers hit by equipment, vehicles, or falling objects.
• Electrocutions: Accidents related to wiring and electrical systems
• Caught-in/between: Workers trapped or crushed between equipment or objects.

Common Injuries from Workplace Accidents

Among the injuries often seen in workplace accidents in Evergreen Park are:

• Broken Bones: Caused by high-impact forces or falls.
• Head Injuries: Includes concussions, often from falling objects.
• Sprains and Strains: Overexertion or awkward movements may cause these.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Often from mishandled machinery or tools.
• Burns: Could result from fire, chemicals or hot materials.
• Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise triggers this.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Caused by long-term repetitive motion.
• Respiratory Diseases: Result of exposure to harmful substances.
• Vision Loss: Eye injuries from direct or indirect exposure.
• Psychological Injuries: Stress or trauma from work-related incidents.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Evergreen Park

1. Report the Incident: Be sure to immediately notify your employer about the accident and injuries sustained, ensuring that it’s officially documented.
2. Seek Medical Help: Get professional medical attention promptly, even if injuries seem minor at first, to establish medical records.
3. Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of the incident, your injuries, and any related expenses to support your claim.
4. Witness Information: Gather the names and contact details of any witnesses who can corroborate your version of the incident.
5. Contact a Lawyer: Engage an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to help navigate the legal process and negotiate maximum settlements.

Why Are Workers’ Comp Claims Denied?

Workers’ compensation claims can be denied due to a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

• Lack of Medical Evidence: Insufficient proof of the injury’s work-related cause.
• Late Reporting: Failure to report the injury within the required time frame.
• Injury not Compensable: The injury doesn’t qualify under workers’ compensation law.
• Violation of Company Policy: If the injury resulted from violation of workplace rules.
• Failure to Seek Treatment: Neglecting to seek prompt medical attention post-injury.
• Discrepancies in Statements: Conflicting accounts of the accident and injury.

The Illinois Circuit Court hears appeals of workers’ compensation claims that have been denied by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Comp Claim? 

While it’s not mandatory to have a personal injury lawyer for a workers’ compensation case, their experience can be invaluable. Lawyers can establish liability, facilitate the legal process, handle communication with another attorney, negotiate with the insurance company to make sure your medical bills are paid and your checks don’t stop without warning. They ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time, help negotiate a fair settlement considering all your expenses, and represent you in court, if required.

By having a lawyer from a personal injury law firm, you can focus on your recovery while they navigate the complex legal aspects to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Illinois law.

How Much Time Does an Injured Employee Have to File a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Claim?

According to Illinois law, failing to file a workers’ compensation claim within the stipulated three-year period from the date of the accident or two years from the date of the last compensation payment, whichever is later, could lead to the dismissal of injury victims’ Illinois workers’ comp claims.

How Do Injured Workers Hold Negligent Third-Parties Accountable?  

A third-party lawsuit differs from a workers’ compensation claim primarily in who you’re suing and the damages recoverable.

A workers’ compensation claim under personal injury law is a no-fault claim against your employer and provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability, without proving fault.

Injured workers can file a third-party lawsuit against someone who is NOT your employer (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) who may be liable for your injury. In these cases, you must prove negligence. The benefits could be more extensive, including compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages, which are not recoverable in workers’ compensation claims.

What Is My Case Worth?

Determining the worth of your case involves several factors:

• Medical Expenses: Considers the cost of immediate and future medical care related to your injury.
• Lost Wages: Assesses income lost due to work absence during recovery.
• Earning Capacity: Evaluates potential future earnings lost due to lasting impairments.
• Severity of Injury: More severe injuries generally lead to higher compensation.
• Strength of Evidence: The amount and quality of evidence supporting your claim can impact its value.
• Negligence: If a third-party is found to be negligent, they may be liable for additional damages including pain and suffering and mental distress.

Contact Evergreen Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

Don’t hesitate, call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for your free case with our experienced team of Evergreen Park workers’ compensation lawyers today.

Free Consultation

An attorney will review your claim, discuss potential avenues for compensation, and explain our fee structure, which is contingent on successfully securing your compensation. We don’t get paid unless you do.