Illinois Workers’ Comp Attorney
In Illinois, workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.
Different types of injuries may be covered under workers’ compensation, including:
- Injuries that occur while on the job
- Injuries that are caused by work-related activities
- Occupational diseases or illnesses that are caused by exposure to hazardous materials or conditions at work
The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Hess Injury Law have helped injured workers in Illinois for over 15 years. We understand the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and will fight to get you the benefits you need and deserve.
Call us today at (847) 708-4377 for a free consultation.
Who We Represent
We represent injured workers in Illinois who have been hurt on the job or as a result of work-related activities. We also represent those who have developed an occupational disease or illness as a result of exposure to hazardous materials or conditions at work.
Our clients include:
- Factory and warehouse workers: Including those who work in manufacturing, assembly, and shipping
- Office workers: Including those who work in customer service, data entry, and telemarketing
- Healthcare workers: Including nurses, aides, technicians, and doctors
- Retail workers: Including cashiers, stockers, and salespeople
- Service industry workers: Including hotel and restaurant employees
No matter what type of work you do, if you’ve been injured on the job or as a result of work-related activities, we can help.
What We Can Do For You
The workers’ compensation system can be complex and confusing. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Hess Injury Law will guide you through the process and fight to get you the benefits you need and deserve.
We can help you with:
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Navigating the workers’ compensation system
- Getting medical treatment
- Obtaining income benefits
- Pursuing a lump sum settlement
- Appealing a denial of benefits
Our process of representing injured workers in Illinois usually goes something like this:
- We meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions.
- We gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records and witness statements.
- We file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).
- We represent you at any hearings or appeals that may be necessary.
- We negotiate with the insurance company to get your claim a fair settlement.
- If we are unable to settle your case, we will take it to trial.
During every step of the process, we will keep you informed and involved in decisions about your case.
Injuries Covered Under Illinois Workers’ Compensation
In Illinois, workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries, including:
- Back injuries
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Catastrophic injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Electrocution injuries
- Fractures
- Hearing loss
- Joint injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Vision loss
At Hess Injury Law, we have represented clients who have suffered all types of injuries, including some of the most severe and debilitating injuries imaginable.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois
In Illinois, workers’ compensation provides four basic types of benefits:
- Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation will pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. This can include hospitalization, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy, and other types of treatment.
- Income benefits: If you are unable to work because of your injuries, workers’ compensation will provide you with income benefits. These benefits are based on a percentage of your average weekly wage and are paid until you are able to return to work.
- Death benefits: Workers’ compensation will provide death benefits to the worker’s surviving spouse and/or dependent children if a worker is killed due to a work-related injury. These benefits are paid until the spouse remarries or the children reach the age of 18 (21 if they are full-time students).
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits: Workers' compensation will provide you with vocational rehabilitation benefits if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. These benefits can be used to pay for job training, education, and other services to help you get back to work.
In some cases, workers’ compensation will also pay for travel expenses related to your medical treatment or vocational rehabilitation.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois (A Step-By-Step Guide)
If you have been injured at work, it is imortant to take quick action to protect your rights.
- Seek medical treatment: Your priority should be to get the medical treatment you need. This will not only help you recover from your injuries, but it will also create a record of your injuries and the treatment you received.
- Notify your employer: You must notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible. You can do this verbally or in writing.
- Complete a workers’ compensation claim form: You will need to complete a workers’ compensation claim form (known as an Application for Adjustment of Claim). This form can be obtained from your employer, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, or your local courthouse.
- File your claim form: Once you have completed the claim form, you will need to file it with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. You can do this in person, by mail, or online.
- Attend a hearing: After your claim has been filed, you may be required to attend a hearing before an arbitrator. This is an informal meeting where you and your employer will have an opportunity to present your side of the story.
- Appeal a denial: If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. This appeal must be filed within 30 days of the denial and should be filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Remember, it is important to take quick action after a work injury. We encourage you to contact an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney if you have any questions about the workers’ compensation process.
When to Contact an Attorney
While most workers’ compensation claims are resolved without the need for an attorney, there are some instances where it may be beneficial to have legal representation.
Here are a few examples:
- Your employer is contesting your claim.
- You have been denied benefits.
- You are not receiving the full amount of benefits you are entitled to.
- You need help understanding the workers’ compensation process.
- You are unsure if you have a valid claim.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, we encourage you to contact an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.
Time Limits for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Illinois
Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This means that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If you do not file your claim within this two-year timeframe, you will likely be barred from receiving any benefits. There are a few exceptions to this rule, so it is important to discuss your case with an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney.
Talk to an Experienced Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
The workers’ compensation process can be complex and confusing, so it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
The attorneys at Hess Injury Law have helped many injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation system and obtain the benefits they deserve. We are here to help you, too.
To learn more about how we can help with your case, call us today at (847) 708-4377 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a system that provides benefits to employees who are injured at work. These benefits can include medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits.
To be eligible for workers’ compensation in Illinois, you must be an employee who was injured at work. You must also have reported your injury to your employer within 45 days of the accident.
The benefits available through workers’ compensation in Illinois include medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits.
In Illinois, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim.
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois, you must first report your injury to your employer. You must then file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years of the accident.
If your employer denies your workers’ compensation claim, you have the right to appeal. You can do this by filing a petition with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If you are not receiving the full amount of benefits you are entitled to, you can file a petition with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If you need help understanding the workers’ compensation process, we encourage you to contact an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.
You might not have to pay for an attorney. Some attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
If you are dissatisfied with your current attorney, you can hire a new one. You can also file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.
The length of your case will depend on the specific facts of your situation. Some cases are resolved quickly, while others can take months or even years to resolve.
If you need help paying your medical bills, you should contact your workers’ compensation insurance company. You can also contact an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your options.
No. It is against the law for an employer to fire an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you may still be able to obtain benefits through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If you are injured while working in another state, you may still be able to obtain benefits through the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. You should contact an experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.
If you are an independent contractor, you are not covered by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. However, you may still be able to obtain benefits through other avenues, such as private insurance or the Social Security Administration.