Alton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Alton Workers’ Compensation Attorney

After a workplace accident, it can be difficult to focus on the details of your injury, let alone on the confusing Illinois workers’ compensation program. Benefits, such as medical care and lost wages, are provided through workers’ compensation and are vital for injured employees. Unfortunately, these benefits don’t always come easily. A knowledgeable Alton workers’ compensation lawyer can help you obtain your benefits and represent you if your claim is reduced or denied.

Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law: Your Alton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ compensation covers all injuries that happen due to a worker’s employment. These injuries can include traumatic wounds that debilitate an individual, such as a crushing injury from falling machinery. They may also involve development injuries that occur over time. Workers’ compensation pays for all economic damages from a work injury, such as lost wages and medical bills.

Joshua R. Evans is a tenacious personal injury lawyer who is willing to fight anyone who attempts to deny his clients their rightful compensation. With years of experience in a variety of trial settings, he can secure the compensation you need after a work injury and any other form of personal injury.

Types of Work-Related Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Alton

Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries that can occur during the course of one’s work. These include:

• Acute Injuries: Certain injuries occur as the direct result of a one-time event, such as a slip and fall.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Some injuries slowly develop over time due to repetitive motion or strains on certain body parts. Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis are examples of these conditions.
• Occupational Diseases: Long-term exposure to toxic substances or environments can cause conditions to develop over time, such as chronic respiratory issues.
• Off-Site Injuries: If you’re performing duties related to your employment and are injured while outside the physical workplace, your injuries are still covered by workers’ compensation.

Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Process in Alton

Knowing what you are entitled to and how the process works can increase the likelihood of receiving a favorable outcome. Here are a few steps to help you maintain your right to a claim:

• Report the Injury: Notify your employer of the injury within 45 days. It’s advisable to submit a written notice detailing your injury. Keep a copy for your records instead of just making a verbal report.
• Get Medical Treatment Approved: According to Illinois workers’ compensation laws, you must initially visit one of your employer’s approved providers if available. If you are not satisfied with the care, you can then choose a provider of your preference.
• Provide Medical Records: Ensure that your medical records related to the injury are made accessible to your employer.
• Comply With Treatment Plans: To maintain your entitlement to benefits, you must adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider. Non-compliance can result in the denial of benefits.
• File an Application for Adjustment of Claim: If your claim is denied, file an application to request an arbitration hearing. It is crucial to file this application even if you are currently receiving benefits, as it preserves your right to appeal if necessary.

Third-Party Claims for Additional Compensation

Usually, you are covered by workers’ compensation for any work injuries caused. However, you could file a third-party claim to receive additional compensation if your injury was the result of negligence by a third party.

Understanding Compensation and Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois can help you recover from your work-related injury and continue meeting your financial responsibilities. Illinois workers’ compensation benefits can include:

• Medical Expenses: All ‘reasonable and necessary’ medical treatments authorized for the injury should be covered by workers’ compensation.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you cannot work due to your injury, you may be entitled to TTD benefits.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you have an injury that creates an unhealable whole-body impairment (but less than a permanent total disability), then you might be eligible for these lifetime benefits.
• PTD (Permanent Total Disability): If your injury is so debilitating that you are unable to engage in work of any kind, you may be entitled to PTD benefits.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If you can’t go back to your last job, workers’ compensation benefits can pay for you to train for a new job.

FAQs

Q: How Does Illinois Calculate a Workers’ Comp Settlement?

A: Workers’ compensation settlements in Illinois are determined on a case-by-case basis. The amount that you are eligible for varies according to the nature and severity of the injury, whether you have a resulting permanent disability, and your average weekly wage. Payment may include reimbursement for medical costs, lost wages, and disability benefits.

Q: Can You Be Fired While on Workers’ Comp in Illinois?

A: While you can be fired while you continue to receive workers’ compensation benefits, your firing must be for a valid reason that is not related to your claim. It is illegal for an employer to fire a worker for making a workers’ comp claim. If you think that you have been fired for the wrong reason, a lawyer can help you analyze your situation.

Q: Does Illinois Workers’ Comp Pay for Pain and Suffering?

A: No. In Illinois (like most states), workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation pays medical benefits, lost wages, and disability benefits. If your injury occurred during the course of your employment but was caused or made worse by the negligence of a third party, you may bring a separate claim for personal injury against that third party.

Q: How Long Does a Workers’ Comp Case Take to Settle in Illinois?

A: A workers’ compensation case in Illinois can range from a few months (if there’s no dispute) to a few years (if the case ultimately ends up in arbitration or trial). An experienced lawyer can give you a better idea of how long your case may take as you seek a favorable outcome.

Contact an Alton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to assisting workers in Alton as they navigate the Illinois workers’ compensation system. We know how difficult it is after you have suffered a work-related injury. Our firm can advocate for you to get the full scope of workers’ comp benefits that your injury deserves.

Contact us today to set up a consultation about your workers’ compensation case.