Workers’ compensation exists to protect employees who are injured while doing their jobs. It helps cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs so you can focus on healing and return to work safely. A Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through every step of your claim and make the process less stressful.
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we’re dedicated to standing up for injured workers. If you’re starting your claim or facing delays or denials, our team has the experience to help. With more than 350 years of combined legal knowledge, our team will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the outcome you deserve. Call Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates today for a free consultation.
Our Joliet workers’ compensation lawyers are dedicated to protecting injured workers and securing the full benefits they deserve
Employers throughout Illinois are legally required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. This system is built on the premise of no-fault, meaning that workers do not need to demonstrate that their employer or colleague was at fault in order to recover compensation. It also means that employers can distance themselves from liability and lawsuits.
While workers’ compensation is designed to help employees quickly receive financial assistance, it is still insurance, and companies will still try to pay you as little as possible. However, with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, you can be confident that you will receive a fair and timely outcome to your claim.
When you work with a workers’ compensation lawyer Joliet employees trust, you gain a partner who knows how to deal with insurers and their tactics. We represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front and owe no legal fees unless we win your case.
Injured on the job? Know your rights after a workplace injury accident
| Right to medical care: When you have been injured on the job, you have the right to receive prompt medical care to treat your injuries and ensure that you can recover as quickly as possible. By utilizing workers’ compensation, you can cover your medical expenses so you can get the care you need. |
| Right to compensation: When you have been wrongfully injured on the job, you have the right to receive compensation to cover your medical expenses and other losses. Whether you are filing a workers’ compensation or third-party claim, you are entitled to recovery actions. |
| Right to a workers’ compensation lawyer: Workers’ compensation insurance does not always have your best interests in mind when compensating you. By exercising your right to hire a lawyer, you can make sure that you receive fair compensation and have someone who can advocate for you. |
Client testimonials from injured workers
Our firm is proud to share client feedback from injured workers who trusted Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates to fight for their benefits and fair treatment.
| ★★★★★ “I was injured at work, and you know, I love my place of employment, and they were wonderful to me. I thought everything would go smoothly until it got turned over to a Workers’ Comp insurance firm, which immediately stopped paying the bills and sent me for crazy second opinions an hour and a half away when I live in the south suburbs of Chicago. A co-worker referred me to Horwitz & Horwitz, and they just made life so much easier for me. You know, when bills wouldn’t get paid, I would just make a phone call and Dulce or Marc and handle it. I came home from having a knee replacement, and I needed blood thinners – injections – that they wouldn’t pay for, which were like $400.00. You guys straightened it out immediately. You’ve just been so kind when I was fragile, and everything was just always okay. It just made this whole process so much more manageable and easier. Nobody wants to get hurt at work, and nobody wants to challenge the system, but you just have to because these Workers’ Comp insurance companies make bad situations so much worse. I’ve been very, very happy that I chose Horwitz & Horwitz, and I’ve referred you to other people!” – Anonymous |
| ★★★★★ “My attorneys and lawyers did everything for me. They explained things to me, they made me feel confident in my case, and where it was going. I’ve referred people to Horwitz; they do all the work for you. I think Horwitz & Horwitz feels like family. They’re great at getting back to you the same day you call. No matter if you call and you’re angry, or you call and you’re depressed, or panicking because of something, they always made me feel comfortable. I feel like they always were fighting for me.” – Michelle |
How a workers’ compensation lawyer in Will County can help you
A workers’ compensation lawyer helps you navigate the complexities of the claim process so you do not walk away with less than you deserve for your injuries. While it is normal to experience some stress and uncertainty, it does not have to be like this.
Lawyers have extensive experience and finely-honed skills, so you can be confident with how we handle your case and its outcome. There are many ways we support you after a workplace accident in Joliet:
Communicating with the insurance company
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance, which means that you should proceed with caution when filing your claim. You may benefit from hiring a lawyer right away to protect your rights and claim. They will stand up for you so your claim is taken seriously, and communicate for you so you do not have to worry about saying something that will negatively impact the outcome of your claim.
Conducting investigations during your case
When handling your case, a lawyer will investigate your workplace accident to gain a comprehensive understanding of what happened. As they do so, they will gather additional evidence that can be used to support your claim. If insurance denies your claim, they can help you identify the reason and determine if you have grounds for appeal. They will do all of this and more, so you don’t have to deal with it yourself.
Providing representation during a challenging time
A lawyer represents your interests during the claim process. It can be stressful to handle legal matters when you are also trying to deal with the challenges of injuries, finances, and everyday concerns. When you hire a workers’ comp lawyer in Will County, IL, they take the legal process off your proverbial plate and communicate with various parties to keep your case moving forward. They are prepared to help you face any obstacle that comes up.
Losses covered by a workers’ compensation settlement in Joliet
Medical expenses can quickly grow after a personal injury on the job. The inability to work for a period of time can compound matters. That is why you should file a workers’ compensation claim soon after an accident, so you do not have to struggle to get the care you need. Per 820 ILCS 305/8, individuals can receive the following in a workers’ compensation claim:
- Medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Death benefits
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Joliet, IL can negotiate for you so that they can recover a settlement that sufficiently meets your needs. They will add up the value of each of your monetary losses and use that estimate to secure your compensation. Based on your injuries and ability to work, they will also fight to help you secure the right type of disability benefits for your circumstances.
Common factors that contribute to workplace accidents
In 2023, Illinois recorded over 100,000 nonfatal workplace injuries. Roughly one-third occurred in manufacturing, construction, and transportation—three industries central to Joliet’s workforce. While employers are responsible for maintaining clean and safe work environments, accidents can still happen. These accidents are often the result of human error on the job and may include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falling objects
- Electrocution
- Crushed by or between
- Exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Workplace violence
Unfortunately, these accidents can result in numerous injuries, which can range from minor to severe. Some common types of workplace injuries include brain injuries, PTSD, occupational illness and disease, soft tissue damage, broken bones, and so much more. It is important to carefully and thoroughly document the cause of the accident and your resulting injuries so there is sufficient evidence to support your claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Joliet
After a workplace injury, get the medical care that you need and collect evidence in a timely manner. As you prepare to file your claim, you should familiarize yourself with your employer’s workers’ compensation claim policy and talk with a lawyer. They will walk you through how to file a workers’ compensation claim so you know what to expect from the outset.
You will first need to report the accident to your employer and give them time to respond with resources and directions. Once the accident has been reported, you will be required to keep your employer updated on the process and the status of your case. If an employer refuses your workers’ compensation claim or fails to provide you with the necessary resources, talk to a lawyer about your options.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is ready to advocate for you
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is ready to help you resolve your workers’ compensation claim so you can heal and return to work. We understand that the process may be complex, but we are here to simplify it as much as possible and help you get the relief you need. To get help with your workers’ compensation claim, contact us online or call us at (800) 985-1819 to schedule a free consultation today.
Frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation
Are some jobs more susceptible to work injuries than others?
Yes. Some jobs pose a higher level of risk than others. For example, construction, transportation, manufacturing, emergency services, and agriculture are just a few of the industries that see higher numbers of workers injured on the job.
How much time do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
Injured individuals must report their injury to their employer as soon as possible, within 45 days of its occurrence, according to 820 ILCS 306/6. Workers also have 3 years to file a workers’ compensation claim from the time of the accident. If the individual has collected workers’ compensation before, then they have 2 years to file their claim from the time they last received a workers’ compensation payment. You can talk with your lawyer to see how much time you have left for your case.
Can my workers’ compensation claim be denied?
Yes. Your workers’ compensation could be denied if you fail to provide sufficient evidence and documentation of your accident, you do not submit your claim in time, or you are deemed ineligible, among other reasons. If you feel like your workers’ compensation claim has been unfairly denied, talk with a lawyer immediately to better understand the reason and your potential options.
Can I sue my employer or coworker for my injury?
Employees generally can’t sue their employers or coworkers because workers’ comp is a no-fault system. However, if someone outside your company caused the accident, you may file both workers’ comp and personal injury claims to seek additional damages. Always consult a workers’ compensation lawyer in Joliet first.
Local resources for injured workers in Joliet
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
3033 West Jefferson St.
Ste 207
Joliet, Illinois 60435
(815) 723-8822
