If you were injured at work in Illinois, you may be wondering:

“When should I hire a workers’ comp attorney?”

Illinois workers’ comp law caps attorney fees at 20%, and that fee is exactly the same whether you hire us:

• The day after your accident

• After treatment

• After a denial

• After an IME

• Right before settlement

⭐ So if the fee is the same no matter when you hire us, why wait until something goes wrong?

At McHargue & Jones, we strongly believe the value we add—even in small cases—almost always exceeds the 20% fee. Most people don’t realize how much compensation they are owed or how often insurance companies underpay claims.

Below is a concise guide on when you should hire a lawyer, when you might not need one, and why getting help early protects your rights.

---

When You SHOULD Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Illinois

1. Your Claim Was Denied

If you received a denial letter, hire a lawyer immediately.
Insurers often deny claims by claiming:

• “Not work-related”

• “Preexisting condition”

• “No medical support”

• “IME says you’re fine”

A lawyer can reverse unfair denials quickly.
👉 Link: Denied Workers’ Comp Claims

---

2. Your Medical Care Is Delayed or Denied

If your MRI, surgery, or specialist referral is stalled, you need representation.
Delays harm your health and your case.

⭐ Remember: you pay 20% whether you hire us today or months from now.

Getting help early prevents unnecessary delays.

---

3. Your TTD (wage checks) stopped or are late

Insurers often stop payments using excuses like:

• “You can return to work”

• “We need more documentation”

• “IME cleared you”

Your attorney forces compliance with Illinois law and restores your benefits.

---

4. You Have Permanent Restrictions or Serious Injuries

If your doctor gives you:

• Lift restrictions

• No repetitive use

• Standing/sitting limits

• No return to your old job

…your settlement value may increase dramatically, and so does the insurer’s motivation to underpay you.

A lawyer ensures your settlement reflects the true long-term impact.
👉 Link: What Is My Case Worth?

---

5. You’re Headed to an IME

IME doctors are paid by insurance companies and often minimize injuries.

A lawyer will:

• Prepare you for the IME

• Protect your treating doctor’s opinion

• Challenge biased reports

---

6. You Received a Low Settlement Offer

Lowball settlements are extremely common.
Without a lawyer, injured workers almost always accept far less than they deserve.

Your attorney negotiates:

• Correct wage calculations

• Proper disability ratings

• Future medical care

• PPD or wage differential benefits

👉 Link: Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Settlement

---

We Proudly Handle “Small” and Minor Cases Too

Many workers think their case is “too small” for a lawyer. We strongly disagree.

1. Small injuries often become bigger injuries

A “simple” sprain, strain, or jammed finger may turn out to be:

• A tear

• A herniated disc

• A fracture

• A long-term restriction

Having a lawyer early protects you if the injury worsens.

---

2. Even small cases can mean meaningful money

If you earn $600/week, a settlement of $3,000–$10,000 can make a major difference.

Illinois law allows compensation even for minor injuries — and you deserve it.

We proudly fight for:

• Workers totally disabled for life

• Workers needing surgery

• Workers with minor injuries who still deserve compensation

Every injured worker matters.
Every case matters.
And every case gets our full effort, big or small.

---

🟥 Pros & Cons of Hiring a Workers’ Comp Lawyer

⭐ Pros

• Higher settlement values

• Faster medical approvals

• Protected wage benefits

• No dealing with insurance

• Correct disability ratings

• Stronger legal leverage

• No upfront fees

• Fee is always capped at 20%

⚠️ Cons

• The 20% fee reduces a portion of the final settlement

• Very simple cases may not require representation

• Legal cases can take time (but delays usually come from insurers, not lawyers)

---

So… When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

You should hire a workers’ comp lawyer if:

• Your claim is denied

• Your medical treatment is delayed

• Your wage checks stop

• You receive an IME notice

• You have permanent restrictions

• Your employer disputes the injury

• You’re offered a settlement

• You simply want to protect your rights

⭐ And again: the fee is 20% no matter when you hire us — so getting help early only benefits you.

👉 Link: Why Should I Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney?
👉 Link: Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney