We spend a lot of time at work, so it makes sense that we can experience work-related injuries. One of the most serious is a spinal cord injury (SCI). SCIs are often life-changing, causing physical, emotional, and financial trauma. If you sustain an SCI at work, a Wheaton workers’ compensation lawyer from Therman Law can support your recovery.
Our team has served over 6,000 clients and has a 99% success rate. When you partner with a spinal cord injury workers‘ comp lawyer in Wheaton from our team, you get the exceptional representation that earned these results.
We Can Guide You Through the Workers’ Compensation Process
The Illinois workers’ compensation system is intended to protect workers injured on the job. Still, the process for claiming benefits is not always straightforward, and there are pitfalls to avoid.
Your Wheaton personal injury lawyer can educate you on the do’s and don’ts of workers’ compensation so you do not make accidental errors that could cause a delay or denial of benefits.
You need to report your injury to your supervisor as quickly as possible. You may need emergency care, in which case, you will be taken to a facility.
If you do not, then choosing a doctor and getting prompt medical attention is the next critical task. We can help you make an appropriate choice and give you a full explanation of Illinois’ two-doctor rule so that you can act on solid information.
After you sustain an SCI, you and your family will be focused on ensuring you have the best care. This is not the time to worry about filling out workers’ compensation applications and compiling documentation. Put those tasks in our hands so you can focus all your energy on recovery.
How Work Accidents Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
Falls are a common cause of SCIs anywhere, including at work. Those in the construction industry are particularly at risk as they often work on ladders or rooftops, or scaffolding or other high places.
Motor-vehicle crashes are another common reason for spinal cord injuries. For truck drivers, the road is the workplace. Even if you are driving for your job, but not as your job, perhaps traveling to a conference or a meeting, you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation for an SCI sustained in a crash.
According to the Handbook on Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Diseases, benefits extend to on-the-job injuries regardless of fault, for the most part. It also presents a three–year deadline for filing your claim, but the wisest course of action is to connect with a Wheaton spinal cord injury workers’ comp lawyer as soon after your accident as possible.
What Happens When a Third-Party Is to Blame?
An exception to the “regardless of fault” rules applies if a third party’s negligence caused your accident and injury. For example, if you fall from a defective scaffolding that collapses, the fault may lie with the scaffolding manufacturer. If a third-party driver caused your accident, that driver may be liable.
Therman Law can still help you collect compensation in these situations. We can manage all elements of a third-party lawsuit. In some cases, you may have grounds to file for both workers’ compensation and against a third party. Whatever your situation, we have got you covered.
The Life-Changing Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) explains that a spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord, “the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers that sends and receives signals from the brain,” is damaged. Communication between the brain and body systems is disrupted or destroyed.
Symptoms can include:
- Changes in sensation, numbness, or tingling in parts of the body
- Paralysis or weakness in any body part
- Pressure or pain in the neck, head, or back
- Incontinence or loss of bowel control
- Difficulty walking or breathing
- Problems with sexual function
These physical outcomes generate devastating medical costs and usually prevent victims from working. Victims also often experience psychological and emotional distress as they worry about their future financial security and quality of life.
A Spinal Cord Injury Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Wheaton Can Help You Fight for Benefits
The benefits available under workers’ compensation cover medical costs. They also offer partial wage replacement according to the injured workers’ needs:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) for those unable to work during recovery
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) for those able to work on limited duty while recovering
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) for those permanently disabled but still able to work in a limited capacity
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) for those permanently disabled and unable to work
Workers’ compensation covers vocational rehabilitation if your injury allows you to work, but not in your prior area of employment. These benefits can cover education and training needed to secure new career qualifications.
Let Us Deal With Uncooperative Insurance Companies and Employers
Sometimes, dealing with insurance companies that provide benefits is challenging. They may push back against your claim, questioning your injuries. They may challenge your need for “total” benefits, demanding that you work in a limited capacity even if your injuries make that unsafe or unrealistic.
Your spinal cord injury workers’ comp attorney in Wheaton is best equipped to handle discussions or disputes with the insurance company.
We know workers’ comp laws inside and out and will fight to hold insurance companies accountable for following them so your physical and financial well-being remain uncompromised.
Employers also have responsibilities when it comes to ensuring the benefits process works smoothly for you. We can monitor their compliance. Employers are prohibited from harassing or discriminating against employees who seek workers’ comp benefits. If your employer exhibits these behaviors against you, we can fight back on your behalf to protect your rights.
Choose Charlie to Lead Your Fight
Choosing Charlie to lead your fight for workers’ compensation benefits is the move to make after sustaining an SCI at work.
The Wheaton spinal cord injury workers’ comp attorney at Therman Law offers compassionate, aggressive representation, working to support you through a tough time while fighting for the most favorable case outcome possible.
