When you’re hurt on the job, you might assume your employer will take care of you. In reality, workers’ compensation claims are handled by insurance companies, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible, not to make sure you get the full benefits you’re entitled to.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our Park Ridge personal injury lawyers help employees and their families understand the workers’ compensation system and fight for the benefits they deserve. No matter if your injury happened in a single accident or developed over time from repetitive strain, you have rights. We’re here to protect them.
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Park Ridge can make sure your claim is filed correctly, your medical treatment is covered, and your benefits aren’t cut short before you’ve fully recovered. Contact us for a free consultation today.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers in Illinois
Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t need to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits. If you were injured at work or developed a condition as a result of your job, you are generally entitled to compensation regardless of who was at fault. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, injured workers may be entitled to:
- Medical benefits: all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medication, with no out-of-pocket cost to you
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): if your injury prevents you from working entirely, you may receive TTD benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, tax-free, for the duration of your recovery
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): if you can return to work in a limited capacity at reduced pay, TPD benefits make up two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): if your injury results in a permanent impairment but you can still work in some capacity, you may be entitled to PPD benefits based on the nature and extent of the impairment
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): if your injury permanently prevents you from returning to any gainful employment, PTD benefits may be available for the remainder of your life
- Vocational rehabilitation: if you cannot return to your previous job, you may be entitled to retraining or job placement assistance
Knowing which benefits apply to your situation (and making sure you receive all of them) is one of the most important things a workers’ compensation lawyer in Park Ridge can do for you.
Common Work Injuries We Handle in Park Ridge
Work injuries can happen in any industry and in any type of workplace. Some happen in a single moment; others develop gradually over months or years of repetitive strain.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. handles workers’ compensation claims involving:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Broken bones and fractures
- Shoulder, knee, and joint injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Burns and chemical exposure
- Hearing loss from workplace noise
- Occupational illnesses and respiratory conditions
- Construction site accidents
- Slip and fall injuries at work
No matter what type of injury you suffered or what industry you work in, a Park Ridge workers’ compensation lawyer can review your situation and help you understand what benefits you may be entitled to.
How a Park Ridge Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
Many injured workers try to handle their claims on their own, but this often means they end up with less than they’re entitled to. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and attorneys working on their side.
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Park Ridge can level the playing field by helping with the following:
- Making sure your injury is properly reported and documented
- Ensuring you receive appropriate medical treatment without delay
- Calculating the full value of your disability benefits
- Challenging independent medical examinations (IMEs) that undervalue your injuries
- Negotiating a fair settlement if your claim is disputed
- Representing you at IWCC arbitration hearings if necessary
- Pursuing a third-party personal injury claim if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury
That last point is worth noting. Workers’ compensation limits what you can recover from your employer, but if a third party, such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim. That can increase your total recovery.
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws and Deadlines
Illinois has specific rules that govern workers’ compensation claims, and missing a deadline can seriously damage your case.
Notice Deadline
You must report your injury to your employer within 45 days of the accident or discovery of a work-related condition (820 ILCS 305/6).
Filing Deadline
You generally have three years from the date of the accident, or two years from the last payment of compensation, to file a claim with the IWCC, whichever is later (820 ILCS 305/6).
No-Fault System
Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You do not need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits, only that your injury arose out of and in the course of your employment.
Exclusive Remedy Rule
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer, meaning you generally cannot sue your employer directly for a work injury. However, claims against third parties remain available and can be pursued alongside a workers’ comp claim.
When Claims Are Disputed or Denied
Not every workers’ compensation claim goes smoothly. Employers and their insurers may dispute whether your injury is work-related, argue that your treatment is excessive, cut off your benefits before you’ve recovered, or offer a settlement that falls short of what your case is worth.
Common reasons claims are disputed or denied include:
- The employer claims the injury didn’t happen at work
- The insurer argues the injury is a preexisting condition
- An independent medical examination (IME) doctor downplays your injuries
- Benefits are cut off after a premature return-to-work determination
- The settlement offer doesn’t account for future medical needs or long-term disability
If your claim has been denied or disputed, you are not out of options. A workers’ compensation attorney in Park Ridge can challenge those decisions, gather the medical evidence needed to support your claim, and represent you through the IWCC process.
Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Park Ridge Today
If you were hurt at work, don’t assume the insurance company will do right by you. Get legal advice before you accept any offer or sign any documents.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. represents injured workers in Park Ridge on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Choose Charlie.
