Granite City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Granite City Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you’ve been injured at work in Granite City, you may find the Illinois workers’ compensation program surprisingly complex when seeking the benefits you’re entitled to. Workers’ compensation pays for medical treatment and a percentage of lost wages, thus aiding workers who are injured on the job. A Granite City workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get what you are owed. A skilled personal injury attorney can also fight for you if you are illegally denied benefits by your employer’s insurance carrier.

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

Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, proudly offers personalized and diligent workers’ compensation representation to the people of Granite City. Our office has fought for its clients for years and won substantial settlements and verdicts. As a results-oriented, highly skilled trial lawyer with broad litigation experience, Joshua R. Evans has argued numerous cases over the years, getting his clients substantial recoveries.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Granite City

Workers’ compensation covers injuries that occur in the course and scope of employment, whether a traumatic injury, such as from a single slip or fall or an injury from a condition that evolves over time, such as developing a back condition from years of heavy lifting. Workers’ compensation pays for medical treatment, lost work time, and wage replacement.

Types of Work-Related Injuries Covered

• Acute Injuries: These are specific injuries that occur during the course of a ‘specific accident’ (ex., a slip and fall).
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Repetitive motion or pressure on certain parts of the body can cause some injuries to develop, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. These injuries are generally slow to develop.
• Occupational Diseases: Some diseases can be caused by long-term exposure to toxic substances or environments.
• Off-Site Injuries: If you’re injured outside the physical workplace while performing duties related to your employment, you can still be covered by workers’ compensation.

Ensuring Your Rights in Granite City

Understanding your rights and responsibilities when navigating the workers’ compensation system can be confusing. The assistance of a Granite City workers’ compensation attorney can help you and your family avoid many problems along the way.

Key Steps to Protect Your Workers’ Compensation Rights

• Report the Injury Without Delay: You must notify your employer of the injury within 45 days. It’s better to submit a written document (as opposed to a verbal one) detailing your injury and keep a copy for your records.
• Get Approved Medical Treatment: Per the Illinois workers’ compensation laws, you have to visit one of your employer’s approved providers if one is provided. If you are dissatisfied, then you can visit a provider of your choice.
• Make Medical Records Available: Your medical records regarding the injury must be made available to your employer.
• Comply With Treatment Plans: Your entitlement to benefits may be denied if you do not follow the treatment plan that your healthcare provider has prescribed.
• File an Application for Adjustment of Claim: If your claim is denied, you need to file an application to request an arbitration hearing. It’s wise to file this application even if you are receiving benefits, as it preserves your right to appeal if the need arises.

Third-Party Claims for Additional Compensation

You are usually covered under workers’ compensation for injuries caused by work. However, if your injury was caused by the negligence of a third party, you may bring a third-party claim to receive additional compensation. Examples of these cases include:

• Car Accidents: If you suffered injuries from a car accident while performing a work-related duty, and the other driver involved is at fault, then you may submit a claim against the liability insurance coverage of the other driver.
• Defective Products: If you are injured following the use of faulty equipment or machinery, you can hold the manufacturer responsible.
• Independent Contractors: If you were injured because of a negligent independent contractor working for the same site/company, you can file a claim against them.

These claims can include damages beyond lost wages and medical expenses, such as the pain and suffering that a worker experienced on the job. Workers’ compensation alone does not provide such benefits.

Why Hire a Granite City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Having an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side could make the difference between winning and losing your claim. We offer:

• Case Navigation: The workers’ compensation system is complex. A lawyer can explain your rights and assist you in filing forms and meeting various deadlines.
• Dispute Resolution: If your claim is denied or contested, a lawyer can represent you at hearings and negotiations. This can increase your chances of receiving a favorable outcome.
• Maximizing Benefits: Lawyers can identify all the benefits you’re eligible for, as well as any potential claims against third parties.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Workers’ Comp Lawyers Charge in Illinois?

A: In Illinois, workers’ comp lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they are not paid anything unless they secure a settlement or judgment. The exact percentage of a contingency fee varies, depending on the type of case and the lawyer’s agreement with you. Speak with an attorney to understand more about your potential fees.

Q: What Is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement in Illinois?

A: The workers’ compensation settlement average in Illinois can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the injury, the medical care that is required, and the degree to which the victim’s ability to do their job in the future is impacted by the injury.

Q: Can You Sue for a Work Injury in Illinois?

A: In general, you can’t sue your employer for a work-related injury. You should instead seek workers’ compensation through a workers’ compensation claim. However, you are allowed to sue a third party if they are responsible for your injury in some way. Contact a lawyer to learn more about the possibilities for your particular case.

Q: Do All Workers’ Comp Cases End in a Settlement in Illinois?

A: No, not all workers’ comp cases end in a settlement in Illinois. In many cases, arbitration is necessary. Arbitration is the process by which a third party (an arbitrator) looks at all your evidence and decides what you are owed. In many cases, disputes are settled before arbitration begins.

Contact a Granite City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to helping workers in Granite City navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system. We understand the challenges you face after a work-related injury and are committed to providing the support and advocacy you need.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your workers’ compensation case.