Once you are hurt, put it in writing
Under Illinois Workers' Compensation Law, if you are hurt on the job your employer is supposed to complete what is called a Form 45 which details what happened. In reality, this usually does not occur, especially at smaller companies.
Our advice is that if you are hurt on the job, do something that documents what happened. Even if it's a simple e-mail or short note (that you should keep a copy of). Something like this should suffice:
Hey Tom, I just wanted to confirm our conversation in which I told you I felt a pop in my back this morning when I was lifting a box. I'm going to see my doctor on Tuesday and will let you know what he says. Thanks, Mike.
Even if you don't end up having a big injury or decide not to pursue a case, a short note like this leaves no doubt that you were hurt on the job and notified your employer. That eliminates 90% of the common defenses to most cases and protects you down the road.
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.
