Personal Injuries on the Job
Workplace injuries are a possibility in any profession, but especially in high-risk fields like manufacturing and construction. These types of injuries are often minor, and of little concern to those involved. However, extremely serious injuries do occur—and when they do, they can result in exorbitant medical bills, time off from work, and even permanent disability and death.
Most expenses incurred due to injuries sustained while on duty should be covered by workers’ compensation. Benefits may be limited to medical expenses and lost wages, or they may extend to cover other related expenses. Because there are many variables to be considered, it is highly advisable to discuss your case with a qualified Chicago workers comp attorney before agreeing to any type of settlement.
What is the Purpose of Workers’ Compensation
When an individual sustains any work-related injury, workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that is designed to pay for medical bills, loss of wages, and even vocational rehabilitation expenses when necessary. Employers are expected to pay for workers’ compensation insurance or maintain a self-insurance fund for this purpose. They are also required to post important claims information provided by the state in a prominent place so that all employees can see it.
In return, employees are supposed to read and understand the posted information and report any injury or job-related illness within the time allotted. If either party is negligent in their duties when it comes to this important insurance program, there can be serious consequences.
There are benefits for both employers and employees when the workers’ compensation program is utilized properly. Employees can make a claim without having to prove fault. In return for these payment benefits, the employee agrees not to sue the employer for negligence. There are, however, exceptions to this. An employer may still be considered negligent and may be sued if they failed to comply with OSHA regulations or did not repair a previously documented hazard.
How to Know if I Qualify for Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is designed to work as a no-fault system—where neither the employee nor the employer is deemed negligent. There are cases where an employee will not be covered for injuries sustained on the job. These include if the worker is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, is committing a crime at the time he or she becomes injured, or purposely injures themselves. Most states have laws to protect employers from these types of claims, as they have significant grounds for rejection.
Some employers will do everything they can to discourage you from making a claim. If this is happening to you, you should contact an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation claims immediately.
Consult with an Experienced Chicago Workers Comp Attorney
Workplace claims can get extremely complicated, and it’s difficult to know whether or not you qualify. In these cases, it is best to contact Shea Law Group Chicago workers’ comp attorneys as soon as possible after your injury. The more time that elapses between the accident occurrence and filing for benefits, the more difficult it is to obtain fair compensation.
Do not settle for less than you are entitled to. Contact Shea Law Group today and speak with one of our Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys. We have handled hundreds of cases similar to yours, and we are prepared to help you.
