Five tips if you are injured on the job in Illinois
- Get medical treatment. Your health should be your first concern. Plus, seeing a doctor right away can only help a possible workers’ compensation case. Don’t try to tough it out and risk the possibility of making your injury worse. If you get hurt at work, your medical expenses should be covered 100%, as long as they are reasonable and related to your injury. If you wait a while, the insurance company may try to claim that your injury didn’t happen at work. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove.
- Notify your employer. You have 45 days to notify your employer of a work injury. Don’t wait until day 44. Reporting your injury right away starts the benefits process, and if you miss the deadline it could be a basis for denying benefits. Report the injury to your supervisor, and do it in writing.
- Keep good records. Write everything down, including how you were injured, who witnessed the injury, when and how you notified your employer, when you saw a doctor and what the doctor said, anything the insurance company tells you, how your injury is affecting you, whether it’s getting better or worse, etc. Keeping a journal can help down the road because these cases can last a long time. It’s more reliable to rely on written records than on your memory.
- Hire the right attorney. Find someone who focuses their practice on representing injured workers. They will be familiar with the laws, as well as the Workers’ Compensation Commission and the people who work there, including the arbitrators who might be making decisions in your case. Your attorney’s reputation and personal relationships can give you an advantage.
- Be honest. Inconsistencies can hurt your case. Be honest from the beginning about how you were injured. When you meet with your attorney, be sure to tell them the whole story. An attorney who is fully informed is in a better position to help you. Keep them up to date on any changes in your case, including your health.
These are just the basics. If you are struggling with your claim, contact us anytime for a free review of your case.
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.
Hi, I would like to know if I could get some advice about what to do. I live in Gurnee, Illinois. I was working when I get injured in a car accident on January 17,2011 that was my fault. It was snowing and I slid into another car while trying to make a right turn. I am currently on light duty but the company doctor said I could do what manager asks. He only checked on the paper 20lbs lifting restriction. He tells me one thing but tells my manager another. Today I was forced to clean 4 houses! Now instead of sharp pains my back burns, including my shoulder blades. I have no clue what to do. I go back to work monday and I can't do the work they need me to do and they might fire me for not doing what they say. Money is tight and I can't afford an attorney. Please help in any way possible.
WE REPLY: You don't need money for an attorney. Every WC lawyer works on a paid if you win basis. We can stop these problems, but need to speak with you. Call us at (312) 346-5578 if you want our help.