No one goes to work expecting to get hurt. You show up, you do your job, and if something goes wrong, there is a system in place to take care of you. But getting benefits is not always straightforward, so hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in Des Plaines to help.
Employers and insurance carriers do not always make the process easy. Claims may be delayed, benefits denied, and injuries downplayed. Meanwhile, you are at home, unable to work, watching the bills pile up, and wondering what to do next.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have recovered over $100 million for injured people. Our Des Plaines personal injury lawyers know how the system works, and we know how to push back.
Why Choose Our Des Plaines Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?
After a workplace injury, having the right Cook County legal team on your side can make a meaningful difference in how your claim is handled and the benefits you ultimately receive.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we are committed to helping injured people face the workers’ compensation process with confidence. From securing medical treatment to dealing with the insurance company and protecting your rights, our team provides reliable guidance every step of the way.
Here’s why clients trust us after a workplace injury:
- Over $100 million recovered: Our firm has a strong track record of success, recovering substantial compensation for injured clients across a wide range of injury cases.
- Since 2002: We have been representing personal injury victims for over two decades, building a reputation for dependable and results-driven legal services.
- 75 years of combined experience: Our attorneys bring extensive knowledge and experience to every injury case, allowing us to effectively handle even the most challenging workers’ compensation claims.
- Friendly and family-oriented: We pride ourselves on treating every client with care, respect, and personalized attention throughout the legal process.
- Close with medical providers: Our firm has relationships with medical providers who accept patients on liens, helping ensure you can receive necessary care even if you are worried about upfront costs.
Why Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Denied or Delayed
Insurance companies that handle workers’ comp claims are businesses. Their goal is to manage costs, which does not always align with your goal of getting the full financial and medical benefits you deserve.
Some of the most common reasons workers’ compensation claims are denied include:
- The employer disputes that the injury happened at work
- The insurance company argues that your injury was pre-existing
- Medical professionals hired by the insurer downplay the severity of your condition
- Paperwork is filed incorrectly or past the deadline
- The employer retaliates or discourages you from filing at all
- The insurance company delays approving necessary medical treatment
Any one of these situations can leave an injured worker without the support they need. That is why having an experienced Des Plaines personal injury lawyer on your side is so important.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims: What Is the Difference?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. It covers your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, but it does not compensate you for pain and suffering. In most injury cases, filing a workers’ comp claim means you cannot sue your employer directly.
However, if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
For example, if you were hurt because of a subcontractor’s negligence, or if a defective piece of equipment caused your injury, there may be additional avenues for recovery.
Get Compensated for Your Pain and Suffering
A personal injury claim can include compensation for pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not cover.
Pursuing both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury claim at the same time requires careful legal strategy, and it is one of the things our law firm handles regularly.
What Is Workers’ Compensation and How Does It Work?
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are hurt on the job or develop a work-related illness. In Illinois, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ comp insurance.
That means if you are injured at work, you may be entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. You do not have to prove your employer did something wrong to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. You simply have to show that your injury happened in the course of your employment.
Workers’ compensation benefits can cover:
- Medical treatment and ongoing medical care related to your injury
- Temporary disability benefits to replace a portion of your lost wages while you recover
- Permanent disability benefits if your injury results in a long-term or permanent impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job
- Death benefits (in wrongful death claims) for families who have lost a loved one to a work-related injury or illness
It sounds straightforward, but in practice, the claim process can get complicated quickly. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Des Plaines know exactly what to do to help.
What Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do for You?
Some people assume they can handle a workers’ comp claim on their own. And sometimes, straightforward claims do go smoothly.
But when claims are disputed, delayed, or denied (or when construction worker injuries are serious), having an experienced wrongful death or injury attorney makes a real difference.
Here is what our workers’ compensation lawyers in Des Plaines do for our clients:
We Handle the Paperwork and Deadlines
Workers’ compensation claims involve forms, deadlines, and procedural requirements that can trip people up. We make sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
We Push Back When Claims Are Denied
If your claim has been denied, that is not the end of the road. We review the denial, gather additional evidence, and fight to get your claim approved. In many cases, denied claims can be successfully appealed.
We Make Sure You Receive the Right Medical Care
Insurance companies sometimes try to steer injured workers toward medical professionals who are likely to minimize injury findings.
Our personal injury law team will advocate for your right to receive appropriate, thorough medical treatment from providers who have your best interests in mind.
We Negotiate for Fair Benefits
Whether through direct negotiation or a formal demand letter, we fight to make sure your workers’ compensation benefits reflect the true cost of your injury, including future medical expenses and the full extent of your lost wages.
We Explore Every Avenue for Recovery
If a third party contributed to your workplace injury, we will identify that and pursue a personal injury claim alongside your workers’ comp case when appropriate. We want to make sure every source of compensation available to you is pursued.
We Keep You Informed
You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case. Our workers’ compensation lawyers communicate clearly, answer your questions promptly, and make sure you understand every step of the process when filing a claim.
Get a Free Consultation With a Des Plaines Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Accidents in the workplace can disrupt every aspect of your life. Whether you are dealing with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, repetitive stress injuries, or an illness caused by exposure to hazardous materials on construction sites or elsewhere, the impact on your life is real.
You worked hard to build the life you have. You deserve workers’ compensation lawyers in Des Plaines who will work just as hard to protect it. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we learn what you are up against, and then we get to work.
Under our contingency fee structure, there are no costs to you unless we win your case. When you’re ready, we are here to help. For more information, visit our FAQ page, then Choose Charlie to get the legal support you deserve.
