Carlinville Workplace Injury Lawyer

Carlinville Workplace Injury Attorney

It can be a real hassle to deal with the aftermath of a workplace injury all on your own. That’s why legal representation is so important. Having someone in your corner who understands what’s at stake and knows the most effective way to secure your benefits can make all the difference at a time when you may be particularly vulnerable. Focused knowledge can improve your chances of success and give you much-needed clarity. Reach out to a Carlinville workplace injury lawyer today for assistance.

Why Should You Hire a Workplace Injury Lawyer?

Handling a workers’ comp application can be difficult and complicated, especially without detailed legal knowledge. Depending on your situation, you may be dealing with severe injuries and a hostile insurance company, among other potential complications. A Carlinville workers’ compensation lawyer can make sure you fill out the application correctly and quickly so you don’t miss any crucial filing deadlines. Their knowledge can help your application process go as smoothly as it can.

Having the aid of a legal professional who understands the complexities and inherent difficulties of a workers’ comp claim application can only improve the strength of your case. It is important to remember that Illinois has workplace injury laws that normally favor the employee when workers’ comp is needed. While you focus on your recovery and rejoining the workforce, your workplace injury lawyer can take control of your case and help you make informed decisions.

Illinois’s comprehensive Workers’ Compensation Act details the significant rights that Illinois workers have after a workplace accident. Illinois handles workers’ comp applications using a no-fault system. Basically, qualifying workers who suffer a workplace injury may automatically be granted workers’ comp if they can prove that the accident happened at work. It may not even matter if the worker caused the accident, within reason.

If you discover that your workplace injury was the cause of somebody else’s negligent or intentionally malicious behavior toward you, you may want to consider reaching out to a Carlinville personal injury lawyer to start building a separate case against that individual. In most situations, you can’t seek legal action against your employer for a work-related injury, but exceptions might be made in certain extreme cases where the injury was clearly intentionally caused.

What to Do If You Are Injured at Work

It is important to remember that every workplace has the potential for accidents. Sometimes, something as minor as a sudden fall can lead to catastrophic injuries. The most important thing you can do is constantly be aware of your surroundings and try hard to take precautions to avoid workplace accidents. It is equally important to take certain steps to protect yourself if a workplace accident happens to you.

Here are two tips that can preserve your claim:

• Get Immediate Help: Your first priority in an accident should always be your own health and safety. Depending on the severity of your injuries, it may not be easy to get to safety. If you are too injured to move, try to get somebody’s attention and have them call 911 on your behalf. If your workplace has an on-site medical facility, go there immediately or have someone take you there. Otherwise, stay put and wait for EMTs.
• Report the Accident: According to Illinois state law, you have 45 days from the date of your initial accident to report the incident to your employer. If you fail to do so, you may forfeit your right to workers’ comp benefits. Even though you have time to report it, it is recommended that you inform them of the accident as soon as you can. The sooner your employer is aware of your accident, the sooner your claim can be made.

Carlinville Workplace Injury FAQs

Q: Is My Job Protected While I Am on Workers’ Comp in Carlinville?

A: No, your job is not automatically protected while you are on workers’ comp in Carlinville, IL. Since Illinois is an at-will employment state, your employer does not need a valid reason to terminate your employment. It can happen whenever they want, even if you are on workers’ comp leave. As long as the reason for firing you is not related to your workers’ comp, there is very little you can do about it.

Q: Can You Ask for Workers’ Comp in Carlinville?

A: Yes, you can absolutely ask for workers’ comp in Illinois. If you are ever injured as a result of your job, you may qualify for workers’ comp benefits under the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act. Since the state works using a no-fault system, you don’t have to prove that the accident was anyone’s fault. You only have to prove that it happened at work to qualify for workers’ comp.

Q: What Qualifies as a Workplace Injury?

A: For an injury to qualify as a workplace injury, it must take place either at work or while traveling on the job, such as when making deliveries. Workplace injuries can take one of two general forms. In one category, they occur immediately, such as falling from scaffolding and breaking your leg on impact. In the other, the injury develops gradually over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome from years of typing. Both types of injuries qualify for workers’ comp as long as the injury is linked to your job.

Q: What Happens If I Get Fired While on Workers’ Comp in Carlinville?

A: If you are fired while you are on workers’ comp in Carlinville, you will continue to receive your workers’ comp benefits and disability benefits until your doctor decides that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). In short, your termination will likely have little effect on your benefits. If you are fired because you filed for workers’ comp, you could bring a case of wrongful termination against your employer.

Reach Out Today

Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, can provide you with the assistance you need when filing for workers’ comp benefits and dealing with the fallout of a workplace injury. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our law firm today.