Getting hurt on the job can upend your life. You might be asking how to pay medical bills, what to do if your checks stop, and whether your job is secure. If you’re searching for a workers’ compensation lawyer in Naperville, you’re likely looking for clear answers and a steady plan.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our personal injury lawyer in Naperville can help you recover compensation.
We have 75 years of combined experience handling workers’ compensation claims. Choose Charlie after you’ve been injured in an accident at work.
What To Know About Illinois Workers’ Compensation
Illinois law generally requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for employees. The system is no-fault. That means you don’t have to prove your employer did something wrong to receive medical care and wage benefits. You do need to show the injury arose out of and in the course of your employment.
After an injury, report it to your employer as soon as possible. You may choose your own medical provider, though managed care networks may apply in some cases.
Disputes are heard by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), with arbitration as the first step. If a claim is denied, an appeal process is available, which can include Commission review and, in certain cases, court review. Our workers’ compensation lawyer in Naperville is ready to help you get the benefits you need.
Benefits Available Under Workers’ Compensation
Medical care is covered for reasonable and related treatment. That includes emergency care, follow-up visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and surgery when needed. You have the right to be treated and to have your bills handled through the workers’ comp system.
If your doctor takes you off work completely, you may receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state caps. If you can work light duty but at a lower wage, temporary partial disability (TPD) may apply to help bridge the gap.
Vocational rehabilitation can support retraining when you cannot return to your prior job. If a work injury leads to a death, surviving dependents may receive burial costs within statutory limits and ongoing death benefits. Rates and caps change over time, so it helps to have current figures applied to your specific wage and injury category.
What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Naperville
Swift action helps protect your health and your claim. The following steps can help set a solid foundation for your case:
- Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as you can.
- Get medical care right away and tell the provider it was a work injury.
- Follow the doctor’s orders, including work restrictions and therapy.
- Keep copies of incident reports, medical records, and work notes.
- Track your symptoms, time missed, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Avoid posting about your injury on social media.
These steps create a clear record. They also help reduce disputes about what happened and how the injury affects your ability to work.
Deadlines, Forms, and The Arbitration Process
Illinois has multiple timelines that come into play. You generally have 45 days to give notice of an injury to your employer. For filing a formal claim with the IWCC, the general deadline is three years from the date of injury, or two years from the last payment of compensation or medical benefits, whichever is later.
The formal case starts with an Application for Adjustment of Claim filed at the IWCC. If the insurer denies benefits, tools like emergency 19(b) or 19(b-1) petitions can bring disputes to an arbitrator more quickly for issues like unpaid TTD or medical care.
Hearings involve evidence, medical opinions, and testimony. Many cases resolve through settlement, but arbitration decisions are available when needed, with the option to seek Commission review and beyond.
How Our Naperville Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Build Your Case
Our workers’ compensation lawyer in Naperville focuses on building a record that holds up. That starts with a detailed intake, employer notice, and early collection of medical records.
We look at how the injury happened, whether a safety rule or third party may be involved, and how your job duties contributed to the condition.
We calculate your average weekly wage with care, including overtime, bonuses, or secondary jobs when the law allows. We communicate with your medical team about work restrictions and future care, and we press for timely TTD or TPD checks.
When disputes arise, we file the right petitions, prepare you for testimony, and present evidence at arbitration. If a fair settlement offer arrives, we explain your options in plain language so you can choose the path that makes sense for you.
Industries and Common Injuries Around Naperville
Naperville’s workforce covers healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, construction, hospitality, and office work. Each sector presents its own hazards, from lifting patients to working around machinery to driving between job sites.
Even desk jobs bring risk, with repetitive strain and ergonomic issues that build over time. Common work injuries we see in the Naperville area include:
- Back and neck strains from lifting or repetitive motions
- Shoulder, elbow, and wrist injuries, including carpal tunnel
- Knee and ankle injuries from slips, trips, and falls
- Fractures from falls or being struck by equipment
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Aggravation of preexisting conditions made worse by work
If you are unsure whether your condition is work-related, an evaluation that connects your job duties to your symptoms can make the link clear.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Naperville
If you were hurt at work in Naperville, you don’t have to figure this out alone. We will listen to your story, outline your options under Illinois law, and map out the next steps for medical care, wage benefits, and settlement or hearing.
Reach out to Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. for a free case review.
