Suffering a work-related injury can be a life-altering experience. Suddenly, you find yourself dealing with not only physical pain but also the stress of navigating the workers’ compensation system.

Your Lake County personal injury lawyer with Therman Law has been advocating for injury victims since 2002 and aims to provide you with valuable insights into seeking help after a work injury.

Whether you are an injured worker or someone supporting an injured colleague, understanding the process is essential. Do not hesitate to contact a knowledgeable Lake County workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm for a 100% free consultation today and further explore your legal options.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in Lake County

Some steps to take after a workplace injury include:

Prioritize Your Health And Safety

Your well-being is the top priority after a work injury. Here are the immediate steps you should take:

Seek medical attention promptly, even if your injury seems minor.
Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible.
Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and recovery.

Understand Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, as outlined in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. Here is what you should know:

In Lake County, IL, most employees are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits from their first day of employment.
Workers’ compensation is a no–fault system, meaning that you are entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the injury.
Benefits typically include medical expenses, wage replacement, permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation if needed.

Recognize When You Need Legal Help

Insurance companies may sometimes deny or undervalue legitimate claims. Here is where a legal advocate may be able to assist you:

Provide legal knowledge and guidance throughout the process.
Ensure you meet deadlines and requirements for reporting and filing a claim.
Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records and witness statements.
Negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Represent you in appeals or disputes if necessary.

Common Reasons Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Denied

Many workers’ compensation claims are denied, even when injuries are legitimate. Insurance companies and employers may argue that the injury was not work-related, was not serious enough, or was reported incorrectly. If your claim was denied, knowing the most common reasons can help you challenge the decision and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Missed Deadlines and Filing Errors

820 ILCS 305/6(c) requires you to report your injury within 45 days to qualify for benefits. Missing this deadline can lead to an automatic denial, even if you have a valid claim.

Other filing mistakes, such as submitting incomplete paperwork or failing to provide the correct documentation, can also cause delays or rejections.

Employer or Insurer Disputes Over Injury Severity

Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries to reduce payouts. If they argue that your condition is minor, they may offer a settlement that does not cover your full medical expenses or wage losses.

One of the ways insurers justify lower payments is by ordering an independent medical exam (IME) that may be biased in their favor.

Allegations That the Injury Was Not Work-Related

Insurers may try to claim that your injury happened outside of work or was caused by a pre-existing condition. They often look for reasons to deny liability, even if your injury clearly resulted from your job duties. Some of the most common arguments insurers use include:

Claiming the injury occurred off the clock or outside the workplace.
Arguing that a pre-existing medical condition caused or worsened the injury.
Suggesting that the accident was not reported immediately, making the claim unreliable.

Benefits You Can Receive Under Illinois Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation provides financial support for medical care, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and long-term disabilities. If you suffered an injury at work, you have the right to receive benefits that cover both immediate and ongoing costs. Employers and insurers may try to limit payouts, but knowing what you are entitled to can help you protect your claim.

Medical Care and Treatment Costs

Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatments related to your injury. You do not need health insurance to receive care, and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance must pay for your treatment.

Wage Replacement and Disability Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working, workers’ compensation provides temporary and permanent disability benefits to replace lost wages. The type of disability benefits you qualify for depends on the severity of your injury and whether you can permanently or temporarily return to work. Benefits may include:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Weekly payments if you are unable to work during recovery.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Payments if you can work with restrictions but earn less than before.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Compensation for long-term impairments that affect your ability to work.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Lifetime benefits if your injury prevents you from returning to any job.

When to Consider a Workers Compensation Appeal

A denied claim is not the end of the road. Many injured workers successfully appeal unfair denials and recover the benefits they were wrongfully denied.

Insurance companies reject claims for a variety of reasons, but an appeal gives you the chance to correct errors and present stronger evidence. Common reasons for claim denials include:

Missing or incomplete medical records.
Disputes over whether the injury was work-related.
Claims that the injury is pre-existing and not caused by work.
Your employer argues that the accident was not reported on time.
IME results that favor the insurance company.
Allegations that the injury does not prevent you from working.
Technical errors in paperwork that result in automatic denials.

Appealing a denial requires strong medical evidence, employer records, and legal advocacy. Insurance companies often reconsider claims when they see that you have legal representation.

If your claim was unfairly denied, your Lake County workers‘ compensation attorney from Therman Law may give you your best chance at securing the compensation you deserve.

Choose Charlie – Choose the Right Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Lake County

You work hard, and when you are injured on the job, you deserve full compensation, not delays, denials, or low settlement offers.

Your workers’ compensation attorney in Lake County with Therman Law will fight tirelessly for injured workers like you, making sure you receive the medical care and lost wage benefits you need to recover.

If the insurance company refuses to pay what you are owed, we step in to protect your rights.