If you’ve experienced a serious workplace injury, a Springfield workers’ compensation lawyer at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is here to help.
Our workers’ compensation attorneys provide skilled legal representation for workers’ compensation claims, ensuring you receive the benefits you’re entitled to for your workplace injuries.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can I Get in Springfield?
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305), is the workers’ compensation law that ensures benefits and medical treatment for employees who have been injured or become ill as a result of their work. It covers compensation for medical expenses, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, permanent disability, or death.
Why Can Workers’ Comp Claims be Denied?
Workers’ comp claims could be denied due to lack of medical evidence supporting the work injury, delayed reporting of the injury, disputed claim by the employer, or the injury not classified as work-related.
What If the Employer Refuses to Pay Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The employee or the employee’s attorney should contact the employer directly to determine why benefits are not being paid. Poor communication often causes delays and misunderstanding. If the employer still does not pay benefits, the employee’s other option is to file a claim at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Please note that an accident report does not trigger any action by the Commission.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Springfield
Some kind of common types of workplace accidents in Springfield, IL include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Overexertion Injuries
- Being Struck by Falling Objects
- Accidents Involving Machinery
- Work-Related Vehicle Accidents
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
The Fatal Four Accidents in Construction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) “Fatal Four” refers to the four most common fatal workplace hazards in the construction industry: falls, struck by object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Wrongful Death Claims in Workers’ Compensation
Wrongful death claims may be filed when a worker’s death results from a work-related injury or illness. These claims provide financial compensation to the deceased worker’s dependents, helping to mitigate the economic hardship resulting from their tragic loss.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Springfield
When you are involved in a workplace accident it’s important to take certain steps to not only prioritize your health but also protect your rights. These steps include:
- Report the Accident Immediately: Notify your supervisor about the injury. The employer, upon notification, submits the workers’ compensation claim to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care, even if injuries initially seem minor.
- Document the Incident: Make detailed notes about the accident, including time, place, and circumstances. Retain a copy of any accident report that was produced.
- Consult a Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for professional guidance.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Comp Claim?
A seriously injured worker should talk to a workers’ compensation attorney before the insurance company makes an offer because personal injury attorneys in Springfield, IL are well-versed in workers’ compensation laws can:
- negotiate for them with the insurance company,
- make sure their medical bills are covered, and
- make sure that their benefits checks arrive and are not unexpectedly cut off, which happens to injured workers frequently.
Third-Party Lawsuits in Workers’ Compensation Cases
Apart from workers’ compensation, employees harmed in work-related injuries could qualify to file a third-party lawsuit when a negligent party —NOT the employer— is implicated in the accident.
This claim seeks compensation for damages like pain and suffering from on-the-job injuries that are not covered under a no-fault workers’ compensation claim.
Contact Springfield Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Contact us now for a free initial consultation with our Springfield, IL workers’ compensation lawyers.
(312) 223-1700