Getting injured on the job can be a difficult and stressful time. Not only do you have to tend to your injuries by visiting doctors and other hospital staff, but going through the legal process can be confusing. Hiring a Wheaton workers’ compensation lawyer can help you out with the confusing and difficult process of navigating the legal system.
A Wheaton personal injury lawyer from Therman Law understands how the workers’ compensation process works and can help you out with your case. We have recovered over $100 million for clients just like you facing workplace injuries.
Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Wheaton
Therman Law provides exceptional legal support for our clients. If you are facing any type of serious injury or loss due to the actions of your employer, reach out to us. When you choose our lawyers:
- You gain an advocate who is solely focused on building your case.
- You know what your rights are and that there is an attorney to fight for them.
- You gain peace of mind knowing we will do all we can to win your case.
There is no cost to reaching out to our legal team for a consultation. Instead, give us a call now to talk about what happened to you.
Timelines Involved with a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The sooner you contact an attorney, the faster we can get in place to help you with your claim. There are timelines in place for how to go about a workers’ comp claim.
You will want to notify your employer no more than 45 days after your injury. This notice to your employer is recommended to be in written format, detailing exactly where and when your injury occurred. Notifying your employer means that you notify HR or a supervisor at your employer.
If the company does not take your claim seriously, then that could be the basis of negligence on behalf of your employer or even employer retaliation if they attempt to retaliate against you for your workers’ comp claim.
Contact a lawyer for more details and assistance with your case, and work with a team that has plenty of information videos in our media section.
What to Expect When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with an injury. Knowing what to expect during the process can make things clearer and help you focus on your recovery.
A workers’ compensation claim allows you to inform your employer about your losses. It then enables you to prove those losses and receive compensation for them. We encourage you to reach out to our legal team immediately after your injury.
The following is what you can expect from the workers’ compensation claims process in Wheaton.
Reporting The Injury
The first step is notifying your employer about your injury. In Illinois, you need to report a workplace injury as soon as possible, preferably in writing, to create a clear record. Failing to notify your employer within 45 days could impact your ability to file a claim.
Seeking Medical Treatment
Getting medical attention should be a priority, both for your health and for your case. Be clear with your doctor that the injury occurred at work, so it’s documented in your medical records. This documentation plays a critical role in supporting your claim.
Filing The Claim
In Illinois, you don’t file your workers’ compensation claim directly with your employer. Instead, you file it with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). Your employer’s insurance company will then review your claim. A Wheaton workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the filing process to help you avoid errors that could delay or jeopardize your case.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
Once the claim is filed, your employer’s insurance company will evaluate the claim. This may involve requests for additional documents or interviews about your injury. Be cautious when discussing your case with the insurance company, as their goal is to minimize costs.
Receiving Temporary Benefits
If your claim is approved, you may begin receiving temporary disability benefits. These are meant to help cover lost wages and medical expenses while you recover.
However, the amount and timing of these payments can sometimes lead to disputes, making it helpful to have a workers’ compensation lawyer in Wheaton on your side.
Returning To Work
Your doctor will determine when you’re ready to return to work. This could be in a limited capacity or with restrictions, depending on your condition. If you can’t return to your previous role or suffer long-term effects, additional compensation may be available.
Resolving Disputes
Disputes can arise over issues like the extent of your injury, your ability to work, or the benefits you’re entitled to receive. When this happens, you may need to attend a hearing before an arbitrator. Having a Wheaton workers’ compensation lawyer can be invaluable during this stage in advocating for your rights.
Settling Your Claim
Many claims are resolved through settlements. A settlement agreement outlines the benefits you’ll receive in exchange for resolving the claim. Before accepting a settlement, it’s essential to understand its full implications for your medical care and financial future.
Workers’ Compensation Denials
If you have been denied workers’ compensation, then there is no reason to panic. This sometimes happens because your claim wasn’t submitted on time, or some key details were missing.
A lawyer can help you out with those details and ensure that your case is solid. If you think you were wrongfully denied, then you may need to have a hearing for your case. Our lawyer can help you set up the hearing and prepare for it to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury.
Wheaton Workers’ Comp Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC) work safety introduction, almost 160,000 workers suffer job-related injuries every year, and that number continues to rise. Tragically, more than 4,500 workers are killed each year in preventable work deaths.
Workers who suffer job-related injuries are entitled to have all of their medical bills paid, as well as a percentage of their weekly pay. If you have been injured at work, call our law firm to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to under Illinois law.
Workplace accidents can lead to serious, long-term injuries and the issuance of permanent total disability benefits. If you or a family member has been hurt in a workplace accident in Wheaton, we may be able to help.
At Therman Law, our team understands the nuances of this area of law and can potentially apply our insights to your case. Our team is dedicated to helping injured workers seek the medical attention and financial compensation they rightfully deserve.
When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Wheaton
There are nearly always benefits to hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Wheaton. Our team is ready to answer your questions at any time. However, there are also some situations where you simply should not put off hiring an attorney.
- Serious misconduct caused your injury
- You experience retaliation at work
- You are offered a settlement that does not seem fair
- Your ability to work is limited or ended
- You received a denial of your claim
In these situations, we encourage you to set up a free consultation with our attorney to learn more about your rights. Doing so ensures you know exactly what to expect.
Review our client testimonials to learn more about how we can help you.
Contact Our Firm Today
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide financial support for injured workers and their families during difficult times.
By understanding how benefits are calculated, we can better advocate for what is fair and appropriate. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job in Wheaton, our Wheaton workers’ compensation lawyer at Therman Law is here to help.