At our Oak Lawn personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we provide legal counsel and representation for injured workers with workers’ compensation claims. Understanding that workplace injuries can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain, we stand by your side, ensuring your rights are protected.
Our team of seasoned workers’ compensation attorneys is dedicated to securing the benefits and financial compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovery.
What Is the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Program?
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Program, mandated by the state and overseen by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), offers benefits to workers suffering from work-related injuries or illnesses.
All Illinois employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, regardless of the company’s size or the nature of its business. The program operates under a no-fault system, meaning benefits are paid without regard to who is to blame for the workplace injury or illness. It ensures that injured employees receive necessary medical care, wage replacement, and protection against job loss.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits include:
Medical Benefits: Covers all necessary and reasonable medical treatment related to work injury.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD): Provides wage replacement during the period of recovery, typically two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wages.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD): Compensates for wage loss when an injured worker can perform light duty at a lower wage.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD): Compensation for workers who suffer permanent but not total disability due to work injury.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD): Provides lifetime benefits to workers who are unable to return to any kind of work.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Covers retraining and job placement services for workers unable to return to their previous jobs.
Death Benefits: Provides financial support to the dependents of a worker who dies from a work-related injury or illness.
Common Reasons Why Workers’ Compensation Cases Are Denied
An Illinois workers’ comp case can be denied for various reasons.
Common causes include not filing the claim in a timely manner, lack of witnesses, discrepancies in the claimant’s statements, or evidence suggesting the injury didn’t occur while injured employee was at work.
Employers or insurance providers may also dispute the severity of the injury, its connection to the job, or the necessity of medical treatment provided.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Oak Lawn
Workplace accidents in Oak Lawn often include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These can occur due to wet or uneven surfaces, resulting in injuries such as fractures or sprains.
- Overexertion: Caused by activities like lifting heavy objects, leading to back or muscle strains.
- Equipment Accidents: Workers can be injured by malfunctioning equipment or tools, causing lacerations, crushing injuries, or even amputations.
- Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Prolonged exposure may lead to illnesses like respiratory problems or skin conditions.
The Fatal Four Accidents in Construction
“Fatal Four” are the leading causes of fatalities suffered by construction workers. They include:
- Falls: Often due to lack of fall protection.
- Struck by Object: Incidents involve falling, flying, or swinging objects.
- Electrocutions: Resulting from contact with power lines, inadequate grounding, or faulty equipment.
- Caught-in/between: Accidents where workers are caught, crushed, or compressed between equipment or objects.
Wrongful Death Claims in Workers’ Compensation
When workplace accidents result in the loss of life, a wrongful death claim can be filed within the workers’ compensation system.
This workers’ compensation law allows certain of the deceased worker’s family members or dependents to receive workers’ compensation benefits, providing some financial security during an immensely challenging time.
A wrongful death claim isn’t about placing blame, but rather about ensuring those left behind are not unduly burdened by financial hardships. As with other workers’ compensation claims, navigating this process can be complex, and our experienced work injury lawyers are here to guide you and ensure the best possible outcome.
Common Injuries from Workplace Accidents
A work accident can cause a wide variety of injuries. These can include, but are not limited to, musculoskeletal injuries like strains and sprains, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations or puncture wounds, chemical burns, respiratory diseases from exposure to hazardous substances, and repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Oak Lawn
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, it’s essential to take the following steps:
Notify Your Employer: Report your injury as soon as possible. If you are unable to do so, ask a coworker or family member to inform your employer.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment immediately and follow any prescribed care plans.
Document Everything: Keep records including your accident report, and all records of all doctor visits, medications, and expenses related to your injury.
Consult with an Attorney: It’s wise to consult with a Workers’ Compensation attorney before proceeding with any claim to receive benefits.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Yes, it’s highly recommended that you hire a skilled attorney when seeking workers’ compensation benefits. Dealing with workplace injuries can be overwhelming, and the process of claiming compensation is often complex. An experienced lawyer can alleviate this burden.
They will negotiate with the insurance provider on your behalf, ensuring that you receive all the benefits you deserve, that your medical bills are paid, and your checks don’t unexpectedly stop while you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Why Should I Consult a Lawyer Before the Insurance Company Makes an Offer?
Consulting a lawyer prior to accepting any insurance offer for your workers’ compensation claim ensures your interests are protected, and you receive the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to under Illinois workers’ compensation laws.
Holding Negligent Third-Parties Accountable
A third-party lawsuit is a legal action taken against an individual or entity that is not your employer and is separate from workers’ compensation no-fault benefits.
If this third party’s negligence contributed to your workplace accident, they could be held accountable through this lawsuit. Unlike workers’ compensation, which covers medical expenses and a portion of your average weekly wage, a third-party lawsuit allows you to claim additional damages for work injury claims such as compensation for pain and suffering, and full recovery of lost wages and medical bills that your workers’ compensation benefits may not fully cover.
What Is My Case Worth?
In evaluating a workers’ compensation case, an attorney will consider the severity and type of your injuries, the treatment required, and your prognosis for recovery. They will assess the impact on your ability to work, including any potential loss of earnings or long-term disability.
Contact Oak Lawn Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. We understand the Illinois workers’ compensation system and will work tirelessly to secure the maximum benefits you deserve.
Call for a Free Consultation
Don’t wait – contact us today. Remember, your first consultation is free, and we only get paid if you win your case. Your well-being is our top priority.
(312) 223-1700