Employers provide workers’ compensation insurance to care for their employees after injuries and accidents, but getting the compensation and benefits you deserve from this coverage can be extremely challenging. Instead of fighting to recover and fighting to secure what you deserve, turn to a qualified Gurnee workers’ compensation attorney at our law firm.
The team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has faithfully served workers in Gurnee and across Illinois for over 100 years. Since 1924, we have been dedicated to helping the injured recover what they are owed. For work injuries, your attorney can secure benefits and hold third parties responsible for how they hurt you. Contact us to arrange a free consultation and learn more today.
We focus on your full recovery and fight for what you deserve
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we have served the people of Illinois for a century, beginning in 1924 and working diligently ever since. We offer a superior background, skill level, and dedication to manage your workers’ compensation injury claim, outclassing other law firms. We can answer your questions about the process, and no matter how big or small your case may be, we treat you as if you are our only client.
We can explain what you are entitled to receive, review your documentation, and guide you through ensuring you get the benefits you deserve. We also help you appeal a denied claim, collecting the materials needed to represent your case and reinstate payments. When the worst happens, and you pass away from your work-related injury or illness, our team of attorneys can support your family in their loss, securing the death benefits they need.
Your legal rights as an injured worker in Gurnee
Right to receive benefits: Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, you have the right to apply for and receive benefits that include partial wages, medical care, vocational retraining, and others. If you die from an injury, your family has the right to receive death benefits. |
Right to gather evidence: You can gather evidence showing how you were injured at work, including your report to your supervisor, photos, witness statements, and medical records. If a third party injured you, you can use this evidence in a personal injury lawsuit against them. |
Right to hire a lawyer: You have the right to hire a Gurnee workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you in conversations and hearings concerning your workers’ comp claim. |
Our workers’ comp attorneys fight to secure the benefits you deserve
Seeking benefits appears simple at first, but it can become complicated depending on the details of your injury and who is involved. Here is the basic process of how to file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois:
- Report your injury: You are required to report your injury or accident to your supervisor or manager within 45 days. You may report verbally, but we recommend writing down what happened so there is a record.
- Get medical attention: You may need only first aid, or you could require emergency transport to a hospital.
- See a doctor: Your employer must give you a list of authorized physicians and begin the insurance claim process. Choose a doctor for ongoing care so you have a record of what happened to you connected to your workplace accident.
- Update your employer: Report your recovery progress to your employer regularly.
- Keep all appointments: Go to every doctor visit and follow the orders. If you do not appear to be committed to your recovery, the insurance company may discontinue your benefits before you are fully healed.
If you experience pushback or your benefits are denied, you should speak with our workers’ comp attorneys in Gurnee, Illinois, for guidance on managing your case. We will negotiate with the employer and insurance provider for you. We work toward a fair settlement that allows you to get better and get back to work.
Testimonials from our past workers’ comp clients show our dedication
★★★★★
“Our Family has Great Appreciation for Mitch’s Persistence. Mitchell Horwitz represented my brother in his workers’ comp case. My brother was injured on the job in July of 2004 and after years of physical therapy and other forms of medical treatment, including major surgery, Mitch was able to bring his case to final resolution in late February of this year. Our family has a great appreciation for Mitch’s persistence and for the strong and very professional stance taken before the arbitrator when my brother’s case was heard in late November of 2011. We all are very pleased with the final resolution reached in the case and attribute this outcome to the organization skills, preparation, and outstanding representation of Attorney Mitchell Horwitz.”
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★★★★★
“My Workers’ Comp case started in 2005 and I did not retain an attorney until 2007. I met Mitch Horwitz and that started the ball rolling because he was an advocate for injured workers and he helped me every step of the way. Without his assistance, I would not have gotten the surgical intervention I needed to at least make my life tolerable. I’m now on permanent total disability and that’s not something that I wanted, but at least I have a semi-ok life after I was awarded the surgeries. Anyone who tries to go through this process without an attorney is fighting a losing battle and I think anyone who has suffered a work injury should keep Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates in mind because I have nothing but praises for them and what they did for me.”
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Workers’ compensation benefits you can receive
When you are hurt or become sick as a result of your work, you are entitled to benefits to allow you to recover and return to your job. In Illinois, all employers with one or more employees are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance or show proof of self-insurance. Coverage is available for all employees, full- and part-time, beginning on their first day of employment.
Under this insurance coverage, you are eligible for the following benefits:
- Medical expenses: Your benefits pay for all your medical costs associated with your injury or illness, including emergency transport, medications, therapy, rehabilitation, surgery, and follow-up visits.
- Partial wages: You can receive 66.6% of your weekly wages while you recover. These disability benefits may be temporary while you recover, or they could become permanent if you have serious injuries that prevent you from returning to your former duties.
- Light-duty work: You may be eligible for light-duty assignments during your recovery, although it is not necessarily a guaranteed benefit.
- Vocational rehabilitation: If you are not able to work for your employer after your injury because of your disability, you can receive training and support in finding a job in another field.
- Death benefits: if you pass away from your injuries, your family can receive payments for your funeral costs and a portion of your wages for as long as 25 years.
Your Gurnee workers’ compensation attorney will diligently prepare your claim materials and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. If your claim is denied or benefits reduced, you can speak with us during a free case review to understand why and what to do. We can help you appeal your denial or reduction and fight to reinstate your payments.
Filing a third-party lawsuit when someone else is at fault
In some instances, you may be hurt or sickened due to the actions of another party besides your employer. For example, if the food service company contracted to provide meals fails to ensure their meat is safe, you could become ill and miss work. If a maintenance contractor does not keep equipment in safe working condition, you could be injured if it catches fire or explodes.
In situations like these, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the third party at fault for your injuries. You can gather evidence to show how they were responsible and either file a claim against their insurance policy or pursue more aggressive legal action in court. You must file your case within two years to meet the Illinois statute of limitations for trials.
It is possible to receive workers’ compensation benefits at the same time you file a third-party lawsuit, although these cases are complicated. It is best to contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates to discuss your circumstances and get a full understanding of your options.
Meet with a Gurnee workers’ compensation attorney today
Workers’ comp cases require skill and experience to successfully obtain the benefits you need. We stand ready to help you file, support, and appeal your claim so you get healed and return to work. Contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates online or by calling (800) 985-1819 to schedule a free consultation today.
Common questions about work injuries in Gurnee
How much does it cost to hire a workers’ comp lawyer?
You are likely worried about adding to your bills when you are out of work with an injury, so your first concern may be what a workers’ comp injury lawyer costs. Fortunately, we offer free consultations and a contingency fee guarantee, which means you do not pay us unless we win a settlement for you.
How soon must I file a third-party lawsuit in Illinois?
If someone else besides your employer is at fault for your injuries, you must file your third-party lawsuit against them within two years under the Illinois statute of limitations. It is vital to file your lawsuit in time, or you could be left unable to claim damages from the at-fault party for their actions.
Generally, you cannot sue your employer if they provide workers’ comp, but there may be instances where you can claim workers’ comp and also receive a settlement from a third-party lawsuit. Your workers’ compensation attorney in Gurnee, IL, can advise you on whether your case qualifies for this approach.
How long does it take to settle a workers’ comp claim in Illinois?
Negotiations with the insurance company can take several weeks while your Gurnee workers’ compensation attorney fights for the best offer. Once your claim is settled, you should receive payment within 7-14 days. Your payment may be in the form of a lump sum, or it could be made in regular payments (usually monthly). Once your attorney has received their fees and paid any costs associated with your case, you will receive the remainder of your damages.
Local resources for injured workers in Gurnee
OSHA Chicago North Area Office
- 2020 S. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 102, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
- (847) 227-1700
Illinois Department of Labor
- 160 N. La Salle Street, C-1300, Chicago, IL 60601
- (312) 793-2800