If you are looking for a burn injury workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago, you may be dealing with painful injuries and a lot of uncertainty. Workplace burns can happen in construction, factories, restaurants, or even elevator and maintenance jobs. These injuries often require ongoing medical care, skin grafts, or physical therapy.
The Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., have been standing up for hardworking families since 2002. With over 75 years of combined experience, our team has the knowledge and resources to deal with insurance companies and protect your rights.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay unless we win. Choose Charlie for responsive, family-focused guidance when you need it most.
How Our Chicago Burn Injury Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Help Protect You
Our Chicago burn injury workers’ compensation attorneys believe you should get the full benefits you are entitled to. Our founding partner previously worked on the insurance side, so we understand how difficult that can be from the injury victim’s perspective.
We prepare each case carefully. That includes gathering medical records, reviewing workplace reports, and making sure your treatment is properly documented. Our boutique, client-focused approach means you are not just a case number.
The insurance company doesn’t always make claims easy for victims. While you recover, you need someone on your side to fight for the benefits you are owed. You can upload documents and communicate with us easily through our secure system.
Practical Steps After a Workplace Burn
When work injuries happen, it is easy to feel stressed and unsure about what to do next. Taking the right steps early can protect your health, your income, and your rights under Illinois law.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Even burns that seem minor can become serious without proper treatment. Getting prompt medical care not only supports your recovery but also creates clear records that link your work injuries to the job, an important part of securing insurance coverage.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
Under Illinois law, you must notify your employer within a specific time frame. Reporting the incident quickly helps prevent disputes and strengthens your claim.
Document Everything
Keep copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, and any work restrictions. Detailed documentation can support more favorable outcomes.
Speak With a Legal Team if Problems Arise
If your claim is delayed, denied, or questioned, a Chicago personal injury lawyer and experienced legal team can step in to protect your benefits and guide you forward.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act Provides Benefits for Burn Victims
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act provides that employers must compensate employees for injuries that occur during the course and scope of employment.
There are various benefits available to workers, including medical expenses to relieve or cure the employee’s injuries. Because burn injuries may require hospitalization, physical rehabilitation, and ongoing care, medical costs tend to be extreme.
Workers’ Comp Benefits
Burn victims who file a successful workers’ compensation claim may receive a one-time payment for permanent loss of function or disfigurement from their employer. Weekly wage benefits for injured workers will be based on the extent of their disability.
These benefits are intended to compensate workers who have been prevented from returning to work for a period of time. Temporary total disability is provided on a short-term basis, while permanent total disability compensates those workers permanently unable to return to work.
A burn injury workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago can negotiate with the insurance company and fight to get you the medical care and coverage you’re legally entitled to.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits if you are hurt on the job. In Illinois, you generally do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong to qualify.
Benefits may include:
- Payment for medical treatment
- Coverage for hospital stays and surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- A portion of your lost wages while you recover
If your injury leads to permanent scarring or disability, you may also qualify for additional compensation.
Death Benefits
In a severe burn case that leads to death, workers’ compensation death benefits may be available. Wage loss benefits, a one-time funeral payment, and payments for dependent children are examples of death benefits.
Often, these benefits help families overcome the financial burden that accompanies the devastating loss of a member of the family, as well as a wage-earner. Given that workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy for job-related injuries, employees hurt at work generally cannot then sue their employer.
When a Third Party May Be Responsible
In some cases, someone other than your employer may share responsibility for your injury. For example, an outside contractor or property owner may have created unsafe conditions. If a third party caused a burn injury, then that party may be sued.
In some situations, the compensation available from a third-party claim is more than would be provided by workers’ compensation. When appropriate, we explore every legal option to help you recover full compensation.
Appealing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
In the event that a claim for workers’ compensation benefits is denied, you can work with a Chicago Workers Compensation appeals lawyer. An insurance company may argue that a burn injury is not as severe as you claim in order to pay fewer benefits.
Or, the insurer may contend that the burn injury only led to a scar, thereby denying benefits for permanent loss of function. An appeal can be filed with supporting medical evidence, and a Chicago burn injury workers’ comp lawyer can help.
Understanding Burn Injuries in the Workplace
Burns are a serious type of workplace injury that can happen in many different job settings. Victims of burn injuries are often hurt during workplace accidents involving chemical exposure, electrical malfunctions, open flames, or overheated equipment.
These incidents may lead to chemical burns, thermal burns from hot liquids or steam, or injuries caused by fires and explosions.
Severe chemical burns and thermal burns can result in infection, permanent scarring, nerve damage, and emotional trauma. Recovery from serious workplace accidents may take months and sometimes requires ongoing medical care.
Discuss Your Workplace Burn Injury With a Chicago Law Firm
Workplace burn injuries can be emotionally devastating, and a dedicated lawyer can help you recover benefits and compensation as provided by law.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we apply our knowledge and dedicated advocacy on behalf of clients throughout the areas of Harwood Heights, Norwood Park, Edison Park, Norridge, Arlington Heights, Park Ridge, Elmwood Park, Des Plaines, Rosemont, Elk Grove Village, and Mt. Prospect.
If you’re still wondering if you should get legal help after your injury, we can help you understand your options. To understand more about your workplace injury claim, please contact us today for a free consultation.