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We’ll help you navigate the entire claims process, too—from filing to follow through to seeking your benefits, we make sure that you understand everything that needs to be done with your case.
Typically, you have 45 days to report a workplace injury to your employer, but it’s in your best interest to report it as soon as you can. Once you’ve notified your employer, it’s helpful to start looking for a skilled work injury attorney to take the case.
Getting a lawyer to work on your case can be the difference between getting the benefits you are entitled to and not getting any compensation, so it’s essential not to take any chances. When you’re dealing with a work injury, contact a Lincolnwood, Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer so that you can get the claims process started.
Most Frequently-Occurring Workplace Injuries
Getting hurt at work can have lasting effects on your life, which is why it’s so important to take action relatively quickly. If you’re unsure if your injury will be eligible for compensation, one thing you can do is learn more about the most common workplace injuries.
Then, compare those to yoru situation. You may find yourself surprised—many injuries that seem like they won’t be eligible for compensation actually are.
Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
- Struck by an object: When an object falls or is dropped and causes injury.
- Workplace assaults: When one or more people is assaulted on the job.
- Overexertion: Perhaps the most common workplace injury, these involve pulling, pushing, lifting, carrying, holding, or throwing.
- Traffic incidents: Injuries that happen while using company vehicles.
- Fall to a lower level: Injuries from falling down stairs or off roofs or ladders.
- Struck against an object: Injuries involving objects like doors, windows, or walls.
- Slips and falls: Slipping and falling on uneven or slippery floor surfaces.
- Caught in/compressed by: Injuries typically occurring at factories or involving heavy machinery.
What You Should Know About Workers’ Compensation Cases
Even though a work injury attorney in Lincolnwood will be able to help you navigate the claims process, it is still beneficial to learn about various aspects of the case on your own. For example, learning about what types of paperwork you’ll need to have on hand, what the statute of limitations is, and what type of compensation to fight for can help your understanding.
Some of the types of compensation include lost wages, medical bill reimbursement, and permanent injury. To learn more about how to best navigate your claim, hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can be very helpful.
How To Start the Claims Process and What to Expect
Filing a worker’s compensation claim can be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with quality legal representation can greatly simplify the situation.
First, notify your employer of the incident—this should be done within seven days. When you seek medical care, be sure to inform staff that your injury is work-related. In some instances, some workplaces dictate where you can receive care—certain facilities or doctors may be required.
Next, the doctors/your employer will submit the reports to an insurance carrier, who will then open a benefits claim. They will review the claim, and if it’s found to be compensable, the carrier will contact the employer and the injured person to determine the rate of pay or benefits to be paid while the injured person recovers.
If the claim is denied, however, the injured person will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.
