Rockford Personal Injury Lawyer
Helping Injured Workers in Rockford, IL
When you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. However, the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complex and confusing. At McHargue & Jones, LLC, we are here to help you navigate the process and fight for the benefits you are owed.
Call (312) 739-0000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Rockford workers’ compensation attorneys.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. In Illinois, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is designed to cover the costs of medical treatment and lost wages for injured workers. In the event that an employee is killed on the job, workers’ compensation will also provide death benefits to the employee’s family.
Workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois include:
- Medical care
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits
- Death benefits
Most workers’ compensation claims are filed by employees who have suffered a work-related injury or illness. However, workers’ compensation may also cover injuries that are caused by repetitive motions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by work.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident
After a workplace accident, it is important to take the right steps to protect your health and your right to compensation. If you are injured on the job, you should:
- Seek medical attention right away
- Notify your employer of the accident and your injuries
- Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments
- Keep a record of all medical treatment and expenses
- Keep a record of all missed work and lost wages
- Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company
- Do not sign any documents from the insurance company
- Do not post about the accident or your injuries on social media
After you report your injuries to your employer, they will notify their insurance company. The insurance company will then conduct an investigation into your claim. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement or sign a medical release. It is important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. They are looking for any reason to deny your claim or pay you as little as possible. You should not give a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking to an attorney.
How Our Rockford Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help
At McHargue & Jones, LLC, we are here to help you fight for the full, fair benefits you are owed. Our Rockford workers’ compensation lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of workplace injury claims. We can help you understand your rights and options, as well as what to expect from the process.
Our workers’ compensation services include:
- Helping you report your injuries to your employer
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Helping you find a doctor and get the medical treatment you need
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Filing all necessary paperwork and ensuring all deadlines are met
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Representing you in all hearings and appeals
Our Rockford workers’ compensation attorneys are skilled litigators who are not afraid to take on big insurance companies. We are well-versed in the workers’ compensation laws in Illinois and can help you navigate the process from start to finish. We know how much is at stake and will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While you are not required to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, it is highly recommended. The workers’ compensation process can be complex and confusing, especially if you are dealing with a serious injury. The insurance company will have a team of lawyers on their side, and you should too. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and options, as well as what to expect from the process. They can also handle all of the legal aspects of your claim, so you can focus on your recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, you have 45 days to report your injuries to your employer. If you fail to report your injuries within this time frame, you may lose your right to compensation. You then have three years from the date of the accident or two years from the date of your last benefit payment to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you are filing a claim for an occupational disease, you have three years from the date you knew or should have known that your condition was work-related.
Call Our Rockford Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. At McHargue & Jones, LLC, we are here to help you fight for the full, fair benefits you are owed. Our Rockford workers’ compensation lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of workplace injury claims and can help you navigate the process from start to finish.
Call (312) 739-0000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Rockford workers’ compensation attorneys.