Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by Our Chicago Workers' Compensation Lawyers
Since 2000, McHargue & Jones, LLC has been working hard to provide
individuals across Illinois with high-quality legal services, handling
personal injury claims and workers' compensation claims. We have helped
thousands of clients recover millions of dollars in settlements and awards.
Our approach to legal representation is aggressive yet compassionate,
and when you work with one of our lawyers, you can feel confident in knowing
a skilled advocate is on your side.
To learn more about our personal injury and workers’ compensation
services,
contact us at (312) 739-0000.
What Types of Cases Do You Take?
Personal injury and workers’ compensation law cover a wide range
of legal situations. For nearly 20 years, we have been helping clients
across the state, and we have the knowledge and experience to handle any
injury-related case.
We have handled many different kinds of injury cases, including:
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
By law, employers must follow the Workers’ Compensation Act. This includes
providing benefits and compensation to most employees who are injured on
the job or as a result of their job, including injuries associated with exposure to toxic or dangerous chemicals.
If you have been injured in an accident at work or while performing your
job, you may have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim.
How Do I Report an Injury? How Do I File a Workers' Comp Claim?
If you have been injured at work in Illinois, you need to report the injury
and the approximate date and location where it happened to your employer.
You may submit your report in writing or orally. You must then file your
application with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. With your
application, you must also file a Proof of Service. A Proof of Service
states that you have also served your employer with a copy of your application.
To get help and guidance when reporting and
filing your workers’ compensation claim, call McHargue & Jones, LLC at (312) 739-0000.
My Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance. What Do I Do?
Unfortunately, this happens all too often. If your employer doesn’t
have workers’ compensation insurance, they should be reported to
the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Insurance
Compliance Division. Many clients report being nervous to report their
employers, but this shouldn’t stop you from holding them accountable.
If your employer does not properly pay the benefit, you should be entitled
to receive under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act. Our Attorney
may be able to secure your money from the Illinois Injured Workers' Benefit
Fund. This fund is established to provide access to benefits for people
unfortunate enough to have been injured while working for an uninsured
employer. For help and support with reporting your employer, call one
of our lawyers at (312) 739-0000. Our Chicago lawyers can help you file
your claim with The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Can I Be Demoted or Fired for Filing?
No. Workers’ compensation law explicitly protects employees from facing
disciplinary actions after reporting their injury and filing a claim.
If you think you are facing backlash, start keeping a record of negative
encounters with, or unfounded criticism from, higher-ups. Our team can
help you spot illegal retaliation and advise you on how to handle it.
My accident was a slip and fall at the workplace, what should I do?
Slip and fall injuries are some of the most common work-related accidents that occur on the job
and warrant a workers’ compensation claim. This is due, in part,
to the fact that slipping and falling is a job hazard of virtually every
occupation in the U.S. Whether you work in the food industry, retail,
or at a desk, you are never immune from the possibility of slipping on
a wet surface or tripping over a congested walkway. As you’ll see
from the list below, some of the most
common causes of slip and fall accidents at work can happen in any job setting:
- wet surfaces;
- uneven surfaces;
- moisture collection;
- obstructed walkways;
- loose floorboards or mats; and
- recently waxed or mopped floors.
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t
want to cover on-the-job injuries and they will do everything in their power
to deny the workers’ comp claim you file. That’s why it is
imperative that you fully document the accident, including environmental
factors connected to the fall, and act quickly when filing. A workers’
compensation lawyer can help you prepare your claim or appeal a claim
that’s been denied by the insurance company.
What Do I Do if I Suspect Workers’ Compensation Fraud?
Workers' compensation fraud is a serious problem, and many circumstances
can result in allegations of fraud. These situations range from filing
fraudulent claims to obtain benefits to an employer making false statements
to deny an employee the benefits to which they are entitled. If you suspect
that fraud has been committed, or if you have been wrongfully accused
of workers' compensation fraud, contact one of our attorneys for guidance.
For a
free consultation with our workers’ compensation and personal injury attorneys in
Chicago, call (312) 739-0000.
