The obvious result is that you won’t get workers’ compensation benefits, but in addition, you might be hurting your future and your health.
We hear from people who don’t want to file a claim because they don’t want to cause problems, because they feel pressure from their employer to not file a claim, because they’re embarrassed to make a big deal out of their injury or because they don’t want to get lawyers involved.
We understand all these concerns, but they aren’t as important as your physical health, and your financial well being. Keep these things in mind:
– Filing a claim for workers’ comp is not a lawsuit against your employer; it’s a claim against their insurance policy. You are not suing anyone.
– If you use your regular health insurance instead, and they find out, they can sue you for the amount they paid (because it was a work injury and therefore not their responsibility)
– If you use your regular insurance, there may be limits on your treatment. In workers’ compensation, you are entitled to all the medical care that is reasonable and necessary and related to your injury, even if it takes years and requires multiple surgeries.
– If you change your mind later, it might be too late. You are supposed to notify your employer of a work injury within 45 days or your claim could be denied.
Talking to an attorney is confidential. If you are having doubts, we encourage you to do this. Unlike any advice you get from your employer, or their insurance company, a lawyer will be looking at it with your best interests in mind.
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.