Gurnee Workers Injury Lawyer

Workers Injury Lawyer Gurnee, IL Workers Injury Lawyer Gurnee, IL

Injuries happen on the job every day to a wide range of people. Most of these accidents could be avoided as well if fellow coworkers, the company itself, and other individuals took more precautions at the workplace. When people cut corners and try to get something done quicker than is standard or if they ignore certain safety guidelines, then the chances of an injury become higher. If you have been injured on the job, then you may be entitled to some kind of compensation package for the issues that have been put on you. Contact a Gurnee, Illinois workers injury lawyer today to learn more about proceeding with your case.

Table Of Contents:

Getting Injured on the Job

Injuries on the job can happen in any industry. Many people think that they only can happen at labor intensive jobs, but this is not the case. While those jobs make it more likely that an injury may occur due to working with heavy machinery and exposing the body to more potential dangers, office jobs pose risks as well. Using bad posture at work or tensing muscles repeatedly when using computer items like the mouse and keyboard can put stress on the body leading to injury. Looking at a screen repeatedly can cause damage to your eyes as well. Therman Law Offices has dealt with many cases involving work injuries. Contact us today to get your case going and to assist you with the process.

Common Workplace Injuries 

Some of the more common injuries at work are due to slips and falls, equipment failures and malfunctions, product defects, and not following safety guidelines. Negligent actions by fellow employees and individuals also can put people in harm’s way. Slip and fall injuries could lead to mild injuries to severe depending upon the details of that injury circumstance. The same goes for equipment malfunctions and product defects. These types of injuries could also see you with scars, bruises, or broken bones. If you have been injured at work and think that you may have a case, then contact a Therman Law Offices workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL today to get your case going. 

What to do Next if You Were Injured at Work

If you were injured at work, then it is important that you go and get checked out by a doctor to make sure that you are ok. You will also want to report this injury to your supervisor or HR department at your job as soon as possible. Statutes of limitations are generally in place for how long you can submit a workplace injury claim, so doing it as soon as possible is important. Your workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL can fill you in on more details regarding timelines and other details.

See a Doctor

The first step an injured worker should take is to seek medical attention. Keep in mind, however, that where you seek that medical attention could be a factor in your workers’ compensation claim. If your employer has a Preferred Provider Program (PPP), which a lot of large companies do, then it may be helpful to your case to choose a doctor that is part of that program. If you opt to be seen by a doctor of your choice that is not in your employer’s PPP, then you will need to have any future visits for treatment of your work injury with that doctor approved.

It is also important to let your doctor know the injury happened at work. Make sure the doctor adds these details to your medical record. This will help avoid any issues with your claim and ensure the medical bills will be sent to your employer and not to you.  

Report the Injury

It is also crucial that you report your injury as soon as possible to your supervisor or employer. A workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL knows that if your company has a protocol on how work injury reporting should be handled, then make sure you follow that protocol. Failure to do so could cause issues with your benefit claim.

While you can report your injury orally, every attempt should also be made to make the notification in writing, preferably via email, so you have an electronic “paper” trail to prove you made the notification. In order to receive benefits, Illinois requires the injury to be reported within 45 days of the incident.

Report Submitted

Your employer is required to submit an accident report to the IWCC. This report will contain all the details of your accident. It is important to obtain a copy of the report from your employer for your records and to ensure that they actually submitted the report.

Your Records

In order to ensure there are no issues with your claim, as well as make sure all of your expenses from your injury are covered, make sure to keep track of all documentation. Keep all reports from your medical visits, receipts for any out-of-pocket medical supplies and medication, and mileage and travel expenses for doctors’ visits, physical therapy, etc.

3 Steps to Take After Sustaining an Injury at Work

So, you’ve been injured at work. No one likes the prospect of missing days off from work to tend to an injury, but if you want to be fairly compensated for your injury, you will need to take certain steps immediately. Workplace injury accidents are very common, and if you are injured on the job, you should contact a workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are honored by your employer. If you are injured in the workplace, here are the steps you should take according to Therman Law Offices, LTD.

Step 1: File an Accident Report With Your Employer

The majority of states only give injured employees a short window of time in which to file an accident report, so you will need to move quickly. Even if you don’t feel injured or in pain, you should still report any workplace accidents to your employer immediately. By filing an accident report immediately, you can safeguard your interests if you don’t start to experience symptoms until weeks or months after the accident. By not filing a report, you could jeopardize your chances of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

Following an injury on the job, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your injury is not severe, you should head to the emergency room. If you are not severely injured, your employer may require you to visit a certain physician or practice. If you are required by your employer to see a certain doctor, there is nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion from someone else if you are not satisfied with the results of the visit. Even if another visit is not covered by workers’ compensation, it could be worth it to go.

Step 3: Seek Legal Counsel

After sustaining an injury at work, it may be wise to seek out a workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL before filing a claim. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be a complex process, and if you make any mistakes, you can jeopardize your chances of obtaining benefits. An experienced attorney here at Therman Law Offices, LTD can help you better understand your rights and ensure you leave no stone unturned during the claims process. We want you to obtain the benefits you are entitled to and no employer should deny them if you have legitimate reasons to file a claim. An attorney can also provide you with legal guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Gurnee Workers Injury Law Infographic

Gurnee Workers Injury Lawyer Infographic

Questions to Ask a Workers Injury Lawyer

Getting hurt at work is stressful enough. Working with your workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL, should be as painless as possible. There are several questions you can ask during your initial consultation to ensure that you understand the process. 

Who Will Handle My Case?

When you are injured at work, it’s good to know who your advocates are. It’s even better to know that you have legal representation with vast knowledge of workers compensation law in your state and successful experience with workers injury cases. During the initial consultation, clarify how you can get in touch with your lawyer and how often you should expect him or her to contact you. Having Therman Law Offices, LTD, on your side can help your case go more smoothly.

What Are the Complications that Can Occur?

Unless you have been hurt on the job before, you may not know a lot about the specific policy under which you are seeking compensation. A workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL, can identify obstacles that may occur and explain the correct course of action to take if they do. For example, the claims associate may investigate whether the accident was your fault to minimize the compensation you receive or delay your payout. Knowing what to watch for from the start can help keep you calm when complications happen.

How Much Do Your Services Cost?

Many attorneys get paid on a contingency basis. That is, they are compensated when you are compensated. However, if they must pay expert witnesses or other outside resources for their services, you may owe those charges no matter what. Additionally, you want to know the legal fees that will be taken out of your settlement when your attorney is successful. Don’t wait until the end of the case to find out.

What Is the Timeline for Compensation?

One of the first things your lawyer will want to do is to establish the compensation for which you are eligible. Depending on the specific factors of your case, you may receive coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing care or other losses that occur as a result of the injury. It’s just as important to know when you can expect to receive the compensation so that you can budget accordingly. Your attorney can help set a reasonable timeline for your expectations.

An experienced workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL, understands how to get you the compensation you need. If you are injured on the job, Therman Law Offices, LTD, can help you navigate the claims process. 

How to Return to Work After Suffering an Injury 

If you’ve been injured at work, you will likely need to take some time off to recover. After some time has gone by, you may be anxious to get back to work. However, you need to do so carefully to avoid reinjuring yourself. Here are some tips for going back to work after an injury.

  • Maintain contact with your employer. If you’re taking leave from your job for an injury, it’s important to stay in touch with your employer. Touching base with your boss every so often will assure him or her that you want to go back to work and aren’t trying to take advantage of the situation. When you contact your employer, inform him or her of your progress and when you expect to return to work. If you will require accommodations when you return, let your employer know.
  • Don’t return to work without your doctor’s permission. If you’ve been sitting around the house for a while and are beginning to feel better, you might feel anxious to go back to work. However, you shouldn’t do so before your doctor gives you the go-ahead. If you return to work before you’re fully healed, you’re in danger of re-injuring yourself. Be patient and don’t go back to work until your doctor says it’s okay.
  • Bring a list of your restrictions. When your doctor clears you to return to work, you still might not be able to physically do some of the tasks you performed before. For example, you might not be able to lift items over a certain weight. If this is the case, remember to bring a list of your restrictions and show them to your employer.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. While you may want to give it your all at work after taking time off, be careful not to push yourself too much. If you work beyond your limitations, you can suffer another injury. If you need extra help with certain tasks, don’t hesitate to ask. Although it may feel awkward at first to ask for assistance, it’s better than risking another injury.
  • Contact your lawyer if you run into issues. If your employer is rushing you back to work before you’re ready or not providing the necessary accommodations, you should speak to your workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL as soon as possible.

What Not to Do During Recovery

Overwork Your Body

The professionals at Therman Law Offices, LTD want you to make a swift recovery, but every injury is different and requires different treatment. Be gentle with yourself and try not to overwork yourself while recovering; stay on bedrest as long as you need to and try not to use your injured body parts if you can avoid it for a short time. If possible, try to have someone at home who can assist you with any daily tasks that require extensive movement.

Miss Any Appointments

When working with a workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL, it’s crucial that you stay on top of your medical appointments — not only will this ensure that you’re on the best possible road to recovery, but it may also help your chances of winning your case. Try to attend every medical appointment you can, and be sure to talk to your provider about rescheduling if you’re unable to make it.

Return to Work Too Soon

You may be inclined to get right back to work for any number of reasons: financial insecurity, pressing workplace responsibilities or even boredom and frustration with bedrest may all push you to return to work before your body is able to heal. Your health is extremely important, so try not to go back while your injuries are still severe. If you’re struggling without your regular paycheck, let the professionals at Therman Law Offices, LTD know and find out what your options are.

Skip Any Medications

Like medical appointments, prescribed medications are a key component to making an efficient recovery. Be sure not to skip any doses of medicine while healing from your injury and let your workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL, know that you’re being vigilant about your health. The more initiative you take in the healing process, the more effective your claim may be and the more you increase your chances of winning your case.

Ignore Contact From Your Lawyer

It’s vital that you stay in consistent contact with your workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL, so don’t ignore any letters, e-mails or phone calls from the firm. Your lawyer will often have valuable information on your rights or updates on case progress, all of which can make a huge difference in the proceedings. Furthermore, keep any documents your lawyer sends you and make a copy of each if you can. If you ever have any questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to the firm.

Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Injury Lawyer 

If you have suffered an injury at work, you might wonder if you should handle your workers compensation case on your own or hire a lawyer. While you are not required to work with a lawyer, it’s in your best interest to do so. Here are the benefits of hiring a workers injury lawyer in Gurnee, IL.

  • Ensure you meet all legal requirements. In order to receive benefits for your work injury, you must meet your state’s legal requirements. For example, you may be required to report your injury to your employer by a certain deadline and see an employee improved physician. An experienced workers injury lawyer will be aware of all the legal requirements in your state and make sure that you meet them.
  • Obtain the right benefits. Many injured workers are unaware of all the benefits they are eligible to receive and should not count on their employers to look out for them. For example, if your injury renders you partially or permanently disabled, you may qualify for disability payments. An experienced workers injury lawyer will inform you of all the benefits you are eligible for and help you obtain them.
  • Negotiate with the insurance company. Just because you are eligible to receive workers compensation benefits, does not mean the process will be easy. Your employer’s insurance company does not care about your best interests and may try to offer you less than what you deserve. That’s another good reason to have a confident workers injury lawyer on your side. He or she has experience dealing with insurance companies and will not let them take advantage of you.
  • File an appeal. Sometimes employers deny workers compensation claims. If this has happened to you, it is easy to get discouraged. However, know that you have the right to file an appeal. A workers injury lawyer can determine why they denied your claim in the first and help you appeal.
  • Reduce stress. Dealing with a work injury is stressful in itself. If you have to handle a workers compensation claim by yourself, it can increase your stress. That is why it is best to hire a lawyer to handle all the legwork. While your lawyer is working on your case, you will have more time to recover from your injury. 

Contact Our Gurnee Workers Injury Law Firm

Experienced legal counsel is here to help you. Our firm has years of experience dealing with workers injury claims along with many others. We believe that we can get you the compensation you deserve for this injury. Contact Therman Law Offices, LTD today to speak with our lawyers and get your case started.

Although there are some occupations that are obviously more dangerous than others, the reality is that a worker can get injured on the job no matter what industry they work in. In our state, it is the  Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) that oversees all the rules and regulations regarding work injury claims and benefits. The following is a brief overview of what you should do if you have been injured at work. For more details about your own specific case, make sure to call a workers injury lawyer Gurnee, IL clients trust from Therman Law Offices.

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