Jersey County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Jersey County Workers’ Comp Attorney

If you are injured on the job, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation. This system is meant to provide compensation for injured workers or the surviving family members of workers killed on the job.

However, many employers and their insurance companies will attempt to avoid paying for injuries using various excuses. As such, it is recommended that you work with a skilled attorney on your claim after a workplace injury. A Jersey County workers’ compensation lawyer could fight for the benefits you are entitled to and protect your rights throughout the process.

Steps to Take after an On-the-Job Injury

The Illinois Workers Compensation Act at 820 ILCS § 305 requires that workers report their injuries within forty-five days of an on-the-job accident in order to recover damages. If an employee fails to report within this time frame, they will likely be barred from recovery. While oral notice is technically permitted, written notice provides a much better record of the report to a supervisor.

Seeking Medical Treatment for a Workplace Injury

The next step is to get medical treatment for the injury as soon as possible. Even if the worker is not sure how badly they were hurt, they should seek medical assistance to avoid future issues with a claim for compensation. Additionally, immediate medical care could prevent an initially mild injury from worsening over time.

An injured worker should keep all records of their medical treatment provide this information to a workers’ compensation attorney at our Jersey County office. There are many requirements in the workers’ compensation system, and a failure to comply could result in the loss of a claim. A skilled lawyer can help navigate the system and seek appropriate compensation for a worksite accident.

Recovery in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Money damages may be awarded in a workers’ compensation claim based on a no-fault determination. This means it does not matter if the plaintiff or the employer was at fault for the injury. Compensation could include:

• Lost earnings
• Medical bills
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits
• Permanent total disability benefits
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Death benefits

The types of damages and benefits available will depend on the plaintiff’s injuries and the nature of their accident.

Third Party Claims for Workplace Accidents in Jersey County

In certain cases, a victim may be able to file an additional claim outside of the workers’ compensation system. This is possible if the cause of the accident was a third party, such as another company or independent contractor.

Third party claims are not subject to the types of limitations on damages found in the workers’ compensation system. As such, a worker injured by a third party may be able to seek a large award to cover their economic damages as well as their pain and suffering. In any case, it is crucial to consult a nearby attorney with experience handling lawsuits and workers’ compensation claims for on-the-job accidents.

Let a Jersey County Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help You

The workers’ compensation system is supposed to make it easy to get compensation after an accident. However, the insurance companies that represent companies will look for any excuse to avoid paying a claim and save money. As such, it is important to have a strong legal advocate in your corner to protect your right to compensation.

An experienced Jersey County workers’ compensation lawyer could work tirelessly on your case while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for assistance.