Although some occupations are known to be risky, such as working with heavy machinery or in a mining environment, even seemingly harmless desk jobs can pose health and safety hazards.
If you suffer an injury while on the job, you may require emergency services, hospitalization, and experience lost wages, all of which can cause a significant financial burden.
Fortunately, if you find yourself in this situation, a Bloomington workers’ compensation lawyer can help. With our knowledge and resources, our law firm can evaluate your case, provide guidance on your available options, and help you file a workers’ comp claim to seek the benefits you need to get back on your feet.
Don’t let an injury at work jeopardize your health, finances, and future—contact a workers’ compensation attorney from Onward Injury Law in Bloomington to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a benefit system for employees who experience workplace injuries or occupational diseases. In most cases, benefits are paid regardless of fault for the accident. In other words, the law covers injuries that result in part or whole from the employee doing their job.
The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission administers the process that handles disputed workers’ compensation claims. The commission is a neutral party between injured employees, their employers, or their employers’ workers’ compensation insurance company.
As such, commission staff can explain the basics of the state’s workers’ compensation act to claimants but cannot provide legal advice or advocate for them.
To prevent potential disputes, it’s recommended to seek the advice of a Bloomington workers’ compensation attorney early on in the claims process. This can increase the likelihood of your application being approved on the first attempt.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The Illinois Workers Compensation Act provides different categories of benefits, including:
- Medical treatment reasonably necessary to treat the work-related injury
- Temporary total disability benefits while employees are off work and recovering from their injuries
- Temporary partial disability benefits while employees are recovering from the injury but working on a limited basis
- Vocational rehabilitation or training benefits are available to injured workers who participate in an approved program
- Permanent partial disability benefits for employees who suffer some permanent disfigurement or disability but are able to work
- Permanent total disability benefits for employees who are injured and permanently unable to work
- Death benefits for surviving family members of deceased employees
The benefits an injured worker can receive will vary depending on the type of injury sustained. The amount of compensation awarded is determined by several factors, such as the employee’s pre-accident wages and the severity and extent of the injury.
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How an Attorney Can Help
Though the workers’ compensation system seeks to help injured employees stay afloat financially after an injury, the claims process can be fraught with difficulties. The law has many technicalities and deadlines that a claimant must adhere to. Furthermore, employers or their workers’ compensation insurers may deny claims for failure to comply with the rules or because of exaggerated claims.
A Bloomington attorney experienced with workers’ compensation law could help their client file a complete and timely claim. If a client has had their claim denied, an attorney can help identify the issue and help with corrections.
Overall, a personal injury lawyer experienced in workers’ comp claims is on your side. They will help you navigate the claims process and help you get the compensation you deserve for your work-related injury.
Contact a Bloomington Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Suffering an injury at work can have severe consequences, including mounting medical bills, ongoing treatments, and lost income due to the inability to work. As a result, you and your family may face substantial setbacks.
A Bloomington workers’ compensation lawyer recognizes the challenges you are facing and can help you pursue financial compensation to help alleviate the burden. By evaluating your claim, an experienced attorney can determine if you are eligible for benefits and provide legal guidance on how to pursue them.
Don’t let your injury impact your financial stability and future—reach out to a workers’ compensation lawyer today to discuss your case and explore your options.
Call us today to book your free consultation. Get help seeking compensation for your claim.
FAQ: Bloomington Workers’ Compensation
Bloomington workers’ compensation law covers a wide range of injuries that occur on the job, including but not limited to back injuries, repetitive stress injuries, slip and fall injuries, and occupational illnesses.
If you have been injured or become ill on the job, it’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible. You should also seek medical attention and document all of your medical expenses after an accident.
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Bloomington, you must complete and submit a claim form to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. You may also want to consider hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You will need to file a request for a hearing with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. It’s important to have an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side to represent you at the hearing and help you present a strong case for why you deserve benefits.