If you are hurt at work, you have legal rights to hold your employer accountable. Our workers’ compensation lawyer in Gurnee is your advocate throughout that process.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we help you fight back if your workers’ compensation claim is denied and help you seek action if you are treated poorly. Contact our Gurnee personal injury lawyers for a free consultation. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients.
Why Choose Our Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Gurnee
We all deserve a safe place to work, and people in dangerous careers like construction work, maritime labor, and electrical work should have proper safety gear and a boss who sets strict safety protocols. But even with the best precautions, accidents can happen.
Fortunately, in Illinois, your employer should have Workers’ Compensation coverage, which provides full coverage of all necessary medical expenses to treat your workplace injury and a wage-replacement stipend so you can pay your bills.
However, if you have trouble getting your workers’ comp claim approved, or if your employer refuses to pay the full amount of your medical care, you may benefit from the help of our Gurnee workers’ compensation lawyer.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we fight for the rights of injured workers like you. If you have problems filing your claim, difficulty getting your medical treatment approved, or your employer engages in retaliatory action, please call us for a free consultation and browse our FAQs for more information.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Your Legal Right
You don’t need an attorney to assert your rights and file a workers’ compensation claim. However, when you run into difficulty, or if your claim is rejected because it was improperly filed or lacked your employer’s approval, then the advice of a lawyer can help smooth the process and get you your benefits.
Perhaps you got hurt at work or developed an occupational disease or illness, only to discover that your employer does not have workers’ compensation (but should have). In these cases, your employer is breaking the law, and you are entitled to file a lawsuit for damages against them.
Workers’ compensation benefits may cover medical expenses, wage replacement, and other benefits allowed under Illinois law.
Illinois Workers’ Comp Attorney Helps File Third-Party Lawsuits
Maybe a third party caused your workplace accident. For example, you drive as part of your job duties and are hit by another driver while you’re driving for work. In this case, you would be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits (because you were working) and eligible to file a third-party lawsuit against the driver who hit you. We can help you with that.
Maybe your accident was caused by a subcontractor, vendor, or other third party who was at your workplace but is not part of your company. These situations are also ones in which a third-party lawsuit may be appropriate. We explain your rights under Illinois workers’ compensation law, plus your eligibility to take other legal action, and guide you through the often-complicated process of doing both.
If you were hurt at work, but you believe someone else was responsible for the accident, let us investigate now. Do not settle your claim or file a workers’ compensation claim just yet. You may be leaving money on the table. Our Gurnee workers’ compensation lawyer can help you find out.
What is Considered a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide benefits for employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. When an injury occurs at work or as a direct result of job duties, it may qualify as a valid claim.
The purpose of workers’ compensation is to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs without the need for lengthy legal disputes. A Gurnee workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm can help you with your claim.
The attorneys at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., are ready to help you file your claim, appeal a denied or minimized claim, or take legal action if your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance. We can also answer your questions about third-party lawsuits. Call us today for a free consultation with a Gurnee workers’ compensation lawyer.
Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims We Handle
Workers’ compensation is the right you have to compensation if you sustain injury or illness related to work. Our firm handles most types of claims. These are some of the most common:
- Slips, falls, and trips: Often due to unsafe conditions, a lack of safety equipment, uneven walking surfaces, or elevated platforms without proper safety strategies in place.
- Struck–by or caught-in accidents: Employees may be struck by an object, such as something falling from above or flying debris. They may get caught in moving equipment.
- Overexertion: This includes instances in which you sustain strains, sprains, tears, or other injuries from carrying, throwing, or otherwise moving objects that are too heavy for you.
- Exposure to harmful substances: Examples include chemical burns and inhalation of smoke and fumes.
- Workplace violence: There are some situations in which a victim may suffer injuries due to physical altercations with someone on the job or someone who visits the location.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Often due to repetitive use of certain muscles, joints, or nerves, these injuries can limit your ability to move without pain. They often occur in assembly work, typing, or other work requiring the same motions over and over again.
It can be challenging to prove your right to workers’ compensation in some cases. We always encourage you to speak to an attorney who will guide you in seeking fair compensation as allowed under the law.
Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses
A workers’ compensation claim applies to injuries that happen while performing job duties. This includes accidents such as slips and falls, equipment-related injuries, and exposure to harmful substances. If an employee suffers an injury while working on-site or at an off-site location required by the employer, it is typically covered.
Some claims also involve repetitive stress injuries that develop over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain caused by prolonged physical activity. Occupational illnesses are also considered valid claims if they result from exposure to hazardous working conditions.
This may include lung diseases from inhaling toxic fumes, hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure, or skin conditions from repeated contact with harmful chemicals. As long as there is a direct link between the illness and job duties, workers’ compensation may provide benefits. If any of these situations apply to you, contact us to review your case. We can help you determine what your rights are in any situation.
Employer Responsibilities and Coverage
Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide financial protection for employees in case of injury. When an accident occurs, employees must report the injury as soon as possible to initiate the claim process. Delays in reporting could result in denied benefits, so it is important to act quickly.
Employers are responsible for filing the claim with the insurance provider and providing necessary documentation. Injured employees have the right to seek medical treatment covered by workers’ compensation. Depending on state laws and employer policies, there may be guidelines on which medical providers can be used.
Keeping detailed records of medical visits, prescriptions, and treatments is important to ensure the claim is processed correctly. Reach out to our firm for help with these issues.
Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits
Workers’ compensation claims may involve temporary or permanent disability benefits, depending on the severity of the injury. Temporary disability benefits apply when an employee is unable to work for a limited time but is expected to recover. These benefits help replace lost wages until the employee can return to work.
Permanent disability benefits may be available if the injury results in long-term impairment. If an employee cannot return to their previous job due to physical limitations, compensation may be provided for lost earning potential. In some cases, vocational rehabilitation services help employees transition into new roles or careers suited to their abilities.
In the ideal situation, you can heal and get back to work quickly. Not all cases end up that way. If you are unsure how you will return to work or what limitations you may face, reach out to us for additional support.
What to Do If You are Denied a Claim
If you believe your employer should pay for your losses and you receive a denial of coverage or they fail to report your case, contact our legal team for immediate help. We encourage you to do this quickly so that we can act within any applicable statute of limitations to seek fair compensation for you.
Under Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission rules, you have the right to appeal denials and know why the denial occurred. Do not face this process on your own.
Seeking Legal Guidance for Workers’ Compensation Claims
While workers’ compensation is designed to support employees, claims can sometimes be disputed by employers or insurance providers. When benefits are denied, delayed, or insufficient, seeking legal assistance can help protect our rights.
A workers‘ compensation attorney in Gurnee can review the details of the claim, gather necessary evidence, and represent us in appeals if needed. Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. provides legal support for injured workers, helping them secure the benefits they deserve. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with a workers’ compensation claim.
