When To Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Workers Compensation - July 29, 2024

If you or a loved one have sustained a work injury in Illinois, you should be able to count on workers’ compensation insurance to help cover your expenses and lost wages. It is important to know your rights under the Illinois workers’ compensation laws because there are times when employers or insurance carriers wrongfully deny claims. By having a skilled Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer by your side, you’ll know when to hire a workers comp lawyer, which will help to ensure you receive fair treatment from all parties involved.

when to hire a workers comp lawyer

When a lawyer is not necessary

To be sure, there are certain work injury cases in which you may be able to get by without an attorney. That may be true in the following situations:

  • Your workplace injury was relatively minor.
  • Your employer admits that the injury occurred at work.
  • You missed little to no work days due to the injury.
  • There was no pre-existing injury that affected the same body part as your recent workplace injury.

Even if your workplace injury falls under these circumstances, it is always a good idea to speak call our workers’ compensation attorney for a free consultation.

When an attorney is necessary for a worker’ comp case

Anytime a workers’ compensation claim starts to become complicated, speak to an attorney immediately. The following are examples of when an attorney will be beneficial for these cases:

  • Your employer denies your claim or does not pay benefits promptly.
  • The employer’s settlement offer is not enough to cover your medical bills or lost wages.
  • Your injuries prevent you from returning to the job you previously held, limit your workplace abilities, or keep you from working at all.
  • You plan to apply for Social Security disability benefits due to your injuries.
  • Your employer retaliates against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
  • Your injury was caused by the negligent actions of a third party in the workplace or by serious misconduct on the part of your employer.

What can our workers’ compensation lawyer do?

A skilled workers’ compensation attorney will understand every aspect of these claims. They will make sure that you fill out all the necessary forms and meet all deadlines required under these laws. An attorney will have the resources necessary to obtain all evidence related to the injury. This can include photo video surveillance, statements from eyewitnesses, employer accident reports, and more. A workers’ attorney will also ensure that you are properly evaluated by a trusted medical professional who can fully assess your injuries. After gathering all the necessary evidence, your attorney will be able to properly assess how much your Illinois workers’ comp case is worth.

Your attorney will be able to negotiate with aggressive insurance carriers to secure maximum compensation for your claim. If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, then your attorney will be fully prepared to help you get through the appeals process. Finally, your attorney will prepare your workers’ compensation case for trial if that is what it takes to secure the compensation you need.

How much will it cost to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer?

In most cases, you will find that an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney will take your case on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will pay no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for your case. You will only owe legal fees after you secure the compensation you deserve for your claim. This is important because many people who have sustained a work injury are placed into precarious financial situations and would not otherwise be able to afford experienced legal help for their claim.