Five things that don't happen in an Illinois workers' compensation case
There are a lot of myths about bad things that can happen or do happen if you get hurt on the job. We've heard a bunch of that lately and here are five of the most common ones:
1. I can't get a lawyer in my area because the insurance company or my company buys them all off. I assure you that this never happens. It would require to many people to conspire in this, plus lawyers make more money by representing clients anyway.
2. I want punitive damages!!! This unfortunately is not available under Illinois work comp laws.
3. I can't change lawyers because there will be nothing left for me. We encourage people to stick with their current lawyer if possible, but if you do switch it will not cost you anything. Total lawyer fees can't exceed 20%.
4. I can't pursue a case because I had the same problem five years ago. A pre-existing condition isn't completely irrelevant, but it's not a bar from taking on a case if your job has aggravated or accelerated that problem.
5. I want to recover millions!!! That simply doesn't happen in workers' compensation claims. Workers' compensation does provide great benefits and decent sized settlements for most people. But the only people who receive something in the mid six figures are severely disabled. And except for payment of medical bills, there has never been a case in the millions in Illinois. That is not what some people want to hear, but we are in the business of telling the truth, not blowing smoke.
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.
