If you were hurt on the job, you may be entitled to benefits that cover your medical bills and replace a portion of your lost wages. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Oak Lawn can help you understand what you are owed and fight to make sure you receive it. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we take a personal approach to every case and treat every client like family. Choose Charlie.
Employers and their insurers sometimes deny valid claims or offer settlements that fall far short of what injured workers actually need. Our team knows how insurance companies think, and we are here to make sure you are not shortchanged. Contact our Oak Lawn personal injury lawyers, and we’ll tell you what you’re really owed.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in Oak Lawn
What you do in the days immediately following a workplace injury has a direct impact on your claim. Illinois law has specific requirements for reporting injuries, and missing those deadlines can put your benefits at risk.
You should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Illinois generally requires injured workers to notify their employer within 45 days of the accident, though reporting sooner is always better.
Here are some important steps to take after a workplace injury:
- Report the injury to your employer in writing and keep a copy
- Seek medical attention right away and follow all treatment recommendations
- Document your injuries with photos if possible
- Keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Consult with an Oak Lawn workers’ compensation attorney before signing any documents from your employer or their insurer
What Benefits May Be Available to You
Illinois workers’ compensation law provides several categories of benefits to injured workers. The benefits you may be entitled to depend on the nature and severity of your injury, as well as how it affects your ability to work.
Medical benefits can cover the cost of treatment related to your workplace injury, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medication. You should not have to pay out of pocket for care that results from a job-related injury.
Wage replacement benefits may also be available if your injury prevents you from working or limits the type of work you can do. These benefits are calculated based on your average weekly wage and the extent of your disability.
Common Workplace Injuries We Handle
Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, from construction sites to office buildings. Some jobs carry higher risks than others, but no worker is completely immune to the possibility of a job-related injury.
Falls from heights, machinery accidents, and repetitive stress injuries are among the most common types of claims we see. Injuries caused by overexertion, such as lifting heavy objects, are also frequently reported across a wide range of industries.
Some of the most common workplace injuries that may support a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated surfaces
- Being struck by falling objects or moving equipment
- Repetitive motion injuries affecting the back, wrists, or shoulders
- Burns or chemical exposure in industrial settings
- Injuries sustained in work-related vehicle accidents
When a Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied
Not every workers’ compensation claim is approved on the first attempt. Employers and insurers may dispute whether the injury happened at work, whether it is as serious as reported, or whether the treatment being sought is necessary.
If your claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission handles disputes and provides a process for injured workers to challenge unfair denials.
Having an Oak Lawn workers’ compensation lawyer on your side during an appeal can make a significant difference. We can gather medical evidence, prepare your case, and represent you through every stage of the process.
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Law and Your Rights
Illinois is an exclusive remedy state, which means that in most cases, workers’ compensation is the only legal avenue available against your employer for a job-related injury. However, if a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, contributed to your injury, a separate personal injury claim may also be possible.
Illinois law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who file compensation claims. If you have faced demotion, termination, or other negative treatment after filing a claim, that may give rise to additional legal action.
Understanding your full range of rights under Illinois law is something our team can help you with. You should not have to face this process alone or accept less than what you are legally entitled to receive.
Why Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Is the Right Choice
Workers’ compensation is one of our firm’s strongest focus areas, and we have been helping injured workers across the Chicago area since 2002. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and bring more than 75 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover benefits or compensation for you. We also have relationships with medical providers who accept liens, so you can get the treatment you need even if your claim is still pending.
Our client portal makes it easy to stay in touch and share documents, and we offer Zoom consultations so you can speak with us from wherever you are most comfortable. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., you will always receive the personal attention your case deserves.
Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Oak Lawn Today
Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today to schedule your consultation. Our Oak Lawn workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to listen, review your situation, and fight for every benefit you may be entitled to receive.
