Mount Vernon Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Illinois Workers’ Comp Benefits You May Be Entitled To

Our state’s laws require employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance for almost all employees, including part-time workers.

Under this coverage, workers can expect certain benefits for job-related injuries and illnesses. These may include:

• Medical expenses: You can get coverage for all necessary medical expenses related to treating work injuries or illnesses. This will cover your doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits: If you are unable to work due to an injury, you can receive temporary benefits, which amount to two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits: These are available for those who may be physically impaired but can still work in some type of capacity.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits: You may qualify for these benefits if you have suffered a permanent injury that prevents you from returning to work.

Some workers may qualify for workers’ compensation, which includes vocational rehabilitation in certain cases. With that, workers can get vocational training or job placement assistance to help them return to the workforce.

If the injury or illness resulted in a worker’s passing, then the surviving family benefits may be entitled to death benefits to help with the lost income and other expenses.

If you’re curious about what type of compensation you may be entitled in your specific situation, call us at Prince Law Firm. We’ll connect you with a Mount Vernon workers’ compensation lawyer to better understand your rights.

Our Attorneys Represent Employees Across a Variety of Industries

Across the United States, almost 3 million workers were injured on the job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many injured employees work in particularly dangerous jobs. However, you don’t have to be employed in a hazardous field to become hurt.

Some of the workers we have represented include:

• Coal miners: The demanding work of coal mining can lead to physical strain and respiratory conditions like black lung disease.
• Hospital employees: Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers confront serious workplace challenges, including exposure to infectious diseases and the physical strain of lifting heavy patients.
• Manufacturing workers: Individuals working in factories and assembly lines often face physical hazards and repetitive stress injuries.
• Construction workers: From carpenters to electricians, construction workers face various risks on job sites, including falls, equipment accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials.
• Restaurant employees: Waitstaff, cooks, and kitchen staff are exposed to restaurant-specific hazards such as slippery floors and burns.

If you or someone you know has been injured at work, workers’ compensation benefits can provide financial stability during challenging times. Contact the legal team at Prince Law Firm to learn more about your options.

What To Do After Getting Hurt on the Job in Jefferson County

If you have been injured or fallen ill due to a job-related illness, there are several steps to file for benefits.  Those include:

• Notify your employer: After the accident, inform your supervisor or employer that you’ve been injured on the job as soon as possible. This step starts the process of documenting the incident and the resulting injuries.
• Seek medical treatment: Your health is a priority. Make sure to seek medical attention from approved healthcare providers designated by your employer or insurance carrier. By doing so, your medical expenses are covered under workers’ compensation.
• Collect documentation: You should gather all important information about the incident and your injuries, such as the date, time, and location of the accident. Also, keep records of all medical reports, bills, and any related communication related to the injury.
• Complete the Application for Adjustment of Claim (Form IC-1): This form is provided by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). You will need to fill it out and provide all the details related to your injury, including the nature of it, the date it occurred, and the impact it has on your ability to work.
• Submit the completed form: You must ensure that all required details are included and that the form is submitted within the specified time frame. Failing to meet deadlines can affect the outcome of your claim.

After you have done the above steps, you should make a decision about whether the claim was approved or denied. With a denial, you have a few options to resolve the issue. If you want to learn more, contact our Mount Vernon workers’ compensation attorney today.

How a Mount Vernon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Assists With Denials and Appeals

It can be frustrating if your Illinois workers’ compensation claim is denied. However, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request a hearing with the IWCC. This process involves filing a petition. After that, an arbitrator will review your case and decide based on the evidence presented.

For the appeal, you must have additional evidence supporting your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and any documentation of the incident that led to your injury.

Additionally, consider consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. They can provide help throughout this process and make sure that you adhere to all deadlines. After a denial, you will want to act promptly to give you the best chance of a successful appeal.

With an appeal, you will have another opportunity to present your case and overturn the denial. Reach out to Prince Law Firm to discover what options are available in your specific case.

Is Filing a Lawsuit After a Workplace Injury Incident Possible?

In most cases, you cannot file a regular lawsuit against your employer for workplace injury or illness damages. Workers’ compensation is considered an exclusive remedy for work-related losses. However, there are limited exceptions when you can sue your employer, such as:

• If your employer intentionally harmed you
• If your employer has no workers’ compensation insurance
• If a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, caused your injury

Workers’ compensation covers the immediate medical expenses and loss of wages associated with a work-related illness or injury. However, if you are able to file a lawsuit in these situations, you may be able to recover additional compensation, such as pain and suffering and emotional trauma.

Pursuing legal options beyond workers’ compensation can be challenging. If you want to understand your next legal steps, contact our firm to speak with a workers’ comp attorney in Mount Vernon.

Let Prince Law Firm Help You Learn More About Your Legal Options

Without proper legal representation, you may not receive fair compensation. Our experienced legal team understands the intricacies of workers’ compensation laws and is dedicated to advocating for your rights.

Contact our Mount Vernon workers’ compensation lawyer for a free evaluation of your claim. Let us help you navigate the process of seeking the benefits you deserve for your work-related injury.