If you are dealing with an injury that occurred at work and are wondering about the workers’ compensation process, then contact our Schaumburg, IL workers’ compensation lawyer. Dealing with workers’ compensation claims is not always one of the easiest things to do for an individual. There are statutes of limitations, key details, and more things that are involved with these cases.
Your Dedicated Workers Compensation Attorneys
With our skills, experience, and knowledge we believe that we are the right lawyers to help you out with your case. We will strategize with you to build a strong case going forward and help you to receive the benefits and compensation that you deserve. We will listen to all of your details and concerns and will be with you at every step of the process. We have more than 35 years of combined experience, so contact Therman Law Offices, LTD today to set up a consultation and get your case going in the right direction.
Why You Need Legal Representation for Your Worker’s Compensation Claim
Being injured while working is unfortunately a common occurrence. Many people question why they would need an attorney for a “routine” workers compensation claim. When you have experienced an injury on the job, you may think that the best thing to do is simply follow your employer’s instructions and let them handle all the details. However, our team of compensation lawyers in Schaumburg, IL can make the difference between doing what’s best for your company and doing what’s best for you.
Even the Odds
Employers and insurance companies have professionals working on their side of a worker’s compensation claim. Their purpose is to meet the minimum requirements of the law and keep the costs to them as low as possible. You, on the other hand, are not an insurance professional who knows all the ins and outs of workers’ compensation claims. Who is looking out for your best interest in this process? You need someone just as knowledgeable working on your side.
Be Ready for the Unexpected
Your employer may seem very supportive and concerned about your injury in the beginning. However, what happens if your recovery is lengthier or more expensive than expected? Some people who have experienced an injury on the job sadly find that if their health situation changes, their employer’s attitude does as well. With over three decades of experience in workers’ compensation, we can make sure that your employer continues to respect your rights, protecting your health as well as your job.
Managing the Regulations
As you would expect with any federal regulations, the rules governing worker’s compensation are convoluted. You need to be sure that you don’t unknowingly surrender some of your rights. This can be easy to do if you simply go along with whatever you have been told at work. Our team of workers’ compensation lawyers knows all the twists and turns of workers’ compensation rules. We may apply the regulations to the specifics of your case and advise you on what your rights and obligations are.
Hazards in the Warehouse
Many warehouses employ hundreds, if not thousands, of workers at a time. They are filled with a massive inventory of products, conveyor belts, forklifts, pallet racks, and other equipment. Accidents are unfortunately too common of an occurrence, even when safety precautions are taken. Some of the most common warehouse work injuries include accidents caused by explosions and fires, falling objects, falls, heavy material accidents, lack of proper training for employees, lack of proper safety measures by employers, large equipment, slips, too many moving parts, toxic substance exposure, trips, and more.
Workers’ Compensation Denials
Denials happen to many workers’ compensation claims. This could be due to not submitting the injury within the statute of limitations or maybe fundamental details were left out of your case. A hearing may be needed if you have been declined for workers’ compensation and believe that you were declined wrongly. Our lawyers can help out with any supporting evidence that is needed for your case and look over all of the details of the circumstances of your injury.
Signs You Need to Hire a Strong Legal Defense
If you were recently hurt at your job, you’re likely thinking about filing for workers’ compensation. However, you may wonder if you should handle the claim on your own or hire a lawyer. Whether or not you need legal assistance depends on the specifics of your case.
Your Employer Rejected Your Claim
It can be quite disheartening to have your workers’ compensation claim rejected by your employer, and this kind of thing happens more frequently than you might think. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up. You have the option to file an appeal. A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer with our firm can assist you with the process and improve your chances of getting approved the second time around.
Your Work Injury Resulted in Permanent Disability
Sometimes work injuries are so severe that they leave the person partially or completely disabled. If this applies to your situation, you might not be able to perform your job again. In this case, you may be entitled to receive weekly payments. However, these payments can get quite costly for insurance companies, so they won’t give in so easily. That’s why it pays to have an experienced legal firm who will stand up for your rights.
You’ve Experienced Retaliation
The law prohibits employers from retaliating against their workers for filing workers’ compensation claims, but that doesn’t stop some employers from trying it anyway. Common types of retaliation include demotion, pay cuts, harassment, and termination. If your employer has retaliated against you after you file a workers’ compensation claim, it’s in your best interest to speak to a lawyer.
Your Settlement Offer Is Too Low
Even if your employer accepts your workers’ compensation claim, your settlement offer might not be enough to cover your medical bills and lost wages. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t accept the offer and consult with your legal team for possible next steps.
A Third-Party Contributed to Your Accident
If a third party is also responsible for your work injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit outside of your workers’ compensation claim. For example, if you drive as part of your job and another motorist hits your vehicle, you may file a lawsuit against the individual. Each year some workers struggle to get their compensation benefits but our workers’ compensation lawyers in Schaumburg, IL are there to help you if you get hurt while on the job. If you’ve never had to seek out legal counsel though, then you might be unsure of what to even look for.
7 Common Injuries Claimed in Workers Compensation Cases
It’s easier than you think to get injured at work, even if you don’t work in an overly hazardous environment. There isn’t a restriction on the type of injury a lawyer can file on your behalf, as the damages or losses from the injury are what help determine compensation.
Lacerations
Deep tears or cuts in the flesh or skin can happen in any environment. However, those who work in machine shops, manufacturing, restaurants, or food production are more likely to experience these. Safety gear should always be worn and care should always be taken around knives, blades, or other sharp tools or machines.
Strains and Sprains
Torn ligaments or stretched or torn muscles can occur from pulling or pushing improperly, falling, or improper lifting. The back is one of the more common complaints and can also be the most debilitating.
Contusion
Contusions are bruises or skin marks from broken blood vessels. These can happen when an employee is hit by a falling object or when the employee drops an object. Safe working conditions are an employee’s right, and your lawyer can determine if poor conditions contribute to your claim.
Burns
The skin can be burned by several elements, and steam, chemicals, heat, radiation, electricity, and sunlight are frequently the cause of workplace injuries. Burns can also occur internally if an employee inhales chemical fumes or smoke.
Eye Injuries
The eyes are highly sensitive and easily damaged by environmental, chemical, or radiological hazards. Mechanical irritants can also damage the eyes, which is why wearing the right personal protective equipment is imperative for avoiding eye injuries.
Fractures
Trauma or overuse can lead to a break in the bone. For those in manual labor jobs who use heavy equipment, these injuries are more common. It’s possible to fall down the stairs at work and fracture a bone, potentially creating a claim for our team at Therman Law Offices, LTD to litigate.
Continual or Cumulative Trauma
Over time, exposure to certain conditions in the workplace can lead to the damage or degradation of muscles, joints, tendons, or other body part. These injuries are often seen in workers who have had long careers in manual labor.
Schaumburg Workers Compensation Infographic
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Statistics
According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, they receive over 40,000 contracts for settlement every year. In 2018, the average weekly wage across the state was $1110. In July 2024, that number has risen to $1430, highlighting the increasing economic demands on injured workers and their families. These figures underscore the importance of securing the maximum compensation available under the law, as even a small difference in weekly benefits can significantly impact your financial stability during recovery.
Schaumburg Workers’ Compensation FAQs
Therman Law Offices, LTD is a well-respected law firm in Schaumburg, Illinois, with extensive experience in handling workers’ compensation cases.
What is workers’ compensation, and who is eligible for it?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their jobs. In Illinois, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you must have been injured while performing your job duties.
What types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries, including those caused by accidents and those that develop over time due to repetitive motions or exposure to hazardous conditions. Some common workplace injuries include back and neck injuries, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hearing loss.
What benefits are available under workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical expenses related to your injury or illness, wage replacement for the time you are unable to work, vocational rehabilitation if you are unable to return to your previous job, and permanent disability benefits if your injury or illness leaves you with a permanent impairment.
How do I file a workers’ compensation claim?
If you have been injured on the job, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer should provide you with a claim form to fill out, which you should complete and return to them. Your employer is then required to notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier of your claim. We believe that it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, as they can help you manage the claims process and make certain that your rights are protected.
Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
No, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Retaliation can include firing, demoting, reducing your pay, or taking any other adverse action against you. If you believe you have been retaliated against for filing a workers’ compensation claim, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I choose my doctor for a workers’ compensation claim?
In Illinois, you have the right to choose your doctor for medical treatment related to your work injury. However, your employer’s insurance carrier may request that you see a doctor of their choosing for an evaluation.
What if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Our experienced lawyers may guide you through the appeals process and fight for the benefits you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire legal representation?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we win your case. Our fees are a percentage of the benefits we recover for you. This means that you do not have to pay anything upfront to hire us, and there are no out-of-pocket expenses for you to worry about.
What are the Statutes of Limitations?
Once you have been injured at work, you will want to make sure that you let your employer know as soon as possible that you have been injured. You will need to provide details of the injury to them as well like when it happened and also where it happened. Providing your employer with these details is paramount to receiving any benefits and you will want to make sure that it is submitted to them no more than 45 days after the injury.
For the sake of your case and possible benefits, writing out a letter of your injury details is what is recommended. A verbal conversation with your employer could be disputed, so doing it in writing is what is best.
Therman Law Offices, LTD, Schaumburg Workers Compensation Lawyer
1701 Woodfield Rd #1101, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Start Your Workers’ Compensation Journey with Schaumburg’s Best
A job-related injury or illness can have devastating consequences for you and your family. Consult with one of our workers’ compensation lawyers to make certain you receive the maximum benefits to assist with your physical and financial recovery. If you have been injured on the job and your employer is giving you a hard time about collecting the benefits you are entitled to or your claim is being denied, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our professionals and let us help get you the benefits you deserve.