If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to know your rights and the benefits available through workers’ compensation. A skilled Schaumburg workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. At our personal injury law firm, we have decades of experience fighting for injured workers and are here to support you with experienced legal representation.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Workers’ Compensation Accident in Schaumburg?
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) oversees a no-fault system that requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures both union and non-union workers receive financial and medical benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses without needing to prove fault.
Benefits include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) for wage replacement and medical expenses when unable to work
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) for workers returning with reduced earnings
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) for permanent impairments
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) for lifetime financial support due to permanent disability
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits for job training, if returning to a previous role is not possible
- Death benefits to provide financial support and cover funeral costs for families of workers who die from workplace injuries
Why Can Workers’ Compensation Cases Be Denied?
Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, employers deny benefits for reasons such as late reporting, insufficient evidence, or preexisting conditions. If the injuries were sustained outside of work or during non-work activities, benefits may also be denied.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Schaumburg, IL
Workers’ comp claims often stem from various workplace accidents and job-related injuries. These can include slips, trips, and falls; overexertion or repetitive stress; equipment failures; hazardous material exposure; and semi-truck driver (or other vehicle) accidents on the job.
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Some of the more common injuries include:
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
- Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back, spine, and neck injuries
- Head trauma and brain injuries
- Wrongful death
- Other injuries
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Schaumburg
If you’ve been injured while performing job duties and need disability benefits:
- Report the incident to your employer immediately. They are required to notify their workers’ compensation insurance company.
- Seek medical care for your injuries and follow the doctor’s orders.
- Document all medical costs, lost wages, and missed work due to your injury.
- Consult with workers’ compensation lawyers knowledgeable in Illinois law to help secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Do I Need a Schaumburg, Illinois, Workers’ Comp Attorney?
A workers’ compensation attorney can negotiate insurance claims to get you maximum compensation, ensure your medical bills are paid, and prevent your checks from stopping unexpectedly. An IL workers’ comp attorney can also handle employer disputes or complications during the process.
What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit in a Workers’ Compensation Case?
In some workers’ comp cases, an injured worker can sue a third party if their negligence caused the injury. These lawsuits may offer additional compensation beyond Illinois workers’ comp, including pain and suffering.
For example, a worker injured in a car accident on the job might file a personal injury claim.
Contact a Schaumburg Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
Our personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of helping injured employees in Cook County, DuPage County, and surrounding communities. We work on a contingency fee basis, so our clients don’t pay unless we win their case.
If you’ve been injured on the job, contact our law firm for a free consultation to discuss your work injury claim.
(312) 223-1700