"What is my Illinois workers compensation case worth?"
That is the number one question that we get. The short answer is that there is no way to tell you for sure without reviewing your medical records. We can usually give a likely range by asking you a few questions, but if you are interested in knowing the maximum that could be expected, a records review is needed.
In the bigger picture, that question is often asked at the wrong time. Specifically, right after you get injured you shouldn't be thinking about a settlement. While you are under a doctor's care for the injury, you shouldn't be thinking about a settlement. If you are in vocational rehabilitation because your employer has no job for you, you shouldn't be thinking about a settlement.
It's understandable that you would want to know what your case might be worth, but it's not realistic. If you can't return to work at the same job, but can work a new job for similar pay, your case is worth less than if you can't work the same job and now have a big wage loss compared to your old job.
If you are still getting medical treatment you may have future medical care as a goal and that could affect what the case is worth or whether or not you go to trial.
By settling when you are getting treatment you risk your health and there is of course nothing more important than that.
Finally, the insurance company does not have to make a settlement offer to you, but if you formally file a case with a lawyer and your case is legit, a settlement will happen. And FYI, we have never seen a situation where someone ends up with less money through a good Illinois work comp attorney than they could have gotten on their own.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact Us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
