A spinal cord injury at work can turn your routine upside down, making even simple tasks feel like a challenge. A spinal cord injury workers’ comp lawyer in Gurnee with Therman Law can walk you through the claims process and make sure you have the resources you need. Your Gurnee workers’ compensation lawyer will take the time to understand what this injury has meant for you and your family.
Choose Charlie when you want someone in your corner who knows how these claims work and cares about getting it right for you. If your injury happened on the job, contact us so we can gather your medical records, talk with your doctors, and put together a claim that gives you the best shot at getting every benefit you deserve.
How Workers’ Compensation Covers Spinal Cord Injuries in Gurnee
Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious injuries you can suffer at work, often requiring long-term medical care and major adjustments to your daily life. Illinois workers’ compensation law allows qualifying employees to receive benefits that pay for medical treatment and replace a portion of lost wages.
Your Gurnee personal injury lawyer at Therman Law can guide you through the process and help you secure the support you need for your recovery.
When a Spinal Cord Injury Qualifies for Benefits
To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must be able to show that your spinal cord injury happened because of your job or during the course of your employment. This could mean an accident on a construction site, a fall in a warehouse, or another incident tied directly to your work duties.
Proving this connection is critical because the insurance company may try to argue that your injury was caused by something outside of work. Detailed documentation, medical records, and witness statements can help establish that your injury is work-related and covered under Illinois law.
Understanding the Types of Benefits Available
If your claim is approved, workers’ compensation can cover the cost of all necessary medical treatment for your spinal cord injury, from surgeries and rehabilitation to prescription medications and assistive devices. You may also be eligible for temporary total disability benefits if you cannot work while you recover.
For more severe injuries, you might receive permanent partial or total disability benefits, which provide ongoing wage replacement. Vocational rehabilitation services may also be available if you need help transitioning to a different type of work due to your limitations.
How Severity Impacts Your Claim
The severity of your spinal cord injury can directly affect the amount and duration of your benefits. A complete injury, which results in total loss of function below the injury site, is generally valued higher than an incomplete injury where some function remains.
Accurately classifying your injury is important for both your medical treatment plan and your benefits. The way your injury is documented can influence the outcome of your claim, so it is essential to work with a legal team that understands how to present your case in the strongest possible way.
Common Workplace Accidents in Gurnee That Can Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries in the workplace can happen in a moment, and they can change nearly everything about how you live and work. Recognizing how these injuries happen can make it easier to see where your own situation might fit in. Examples include:
- Falls from ladders or scaffolding
- Forklift accidents in warehouses or on loading docks
- Struck-by incidents involving heavy equipment
- Warehouse collisions between vehicles or machinery
- Heavy lifting injuries from moving large or awkward items
- Motor vehicle crashes while driving for work
- Falls at construction sites
- Slipping on hazardous surfaces in work areas
- Machinery malfunctions during operation
- Falling object injuries from unsecured loads
Under 820 ILCS 305/1, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act explains who counts as an employee and who qualifies as an employer for these claims. A Gurnee spinal cord injury workers’ comp attorney with our firm can also look into whether someone outside your employer, like a contractor or property owner, may share responsibility for your spinal cord injury along with your workers’ compensation benefits.
Long-Term Medical and Support Needs for Gurnee Workers With Spinal Cord Injuries
Recovering from a spinal cord injury is rarely a quick process. Many workers need months or even years of treatment, along with equipment and services to adapt to new physical challenges. When your injury is job-related, workers’ compensation in Illinois can help cover both your immediate care and the ongoing support you need to move forward.
Ongoing Medical Treatments and Follow-Up Care
After the initial treatment for your spinal cord injury, you may need regular follow-up visits to monitor your progress and address complications. These appointments can include ongoing physical therapy, pain management, and check-ins with specialists.
Under 820 ILCS 305/8, workers’ compensation benefits can include coverage for necessary medical services, physical therapy sessions, and prescription medications. Consistent follow-up care can play a big role in maintaining your health and preventing secondary injuries.
Assistive Devices and Home Modifications
A spinal cord injury can make certain daily tasks harder or even impossible without assistance. Workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for wheelchairs, lifts, ramps, and other devices that make it easier for you to get around.
You may also need home or vehicle modifications to maintain your independence. These costs can be significant, but they are often covered when they are medically necessary and related to your work injury.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Retraining Opportunities
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may qualify for programs designed to help you find new work. This can include retraining for a different type of job or receiving help with job placement.
Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, vocational rehabilitation services can be part of your workers’ compensation benefits. Your Gurnee workplace injury lawyer can help make sure you receive the training and resources you need to start the next chapter in your career.
Contact Your Spinal Cord Injury Workers’ Comp Attorney in Gurnee Today for Help With Your Claim
If your spinal cord injury happened at work, your Gurnee spinal cord injury workers’ comp lawyer from Therman Law can step in right away to help. We can gather your medical records, talk with your doctors, and pull together the details that show exactly how your injury happened.
Contact us today so we can work on getting you the benefits and support you need to focus on your health and move forward with your life.