Workers’ compensation is a type 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 more.
If you have been injured on the job, get legal assistance from a qualified Joliet personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you file your claim and ensure that you receive the full amount to which you are entitled.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has a legal legacy dating back nearly 100 years. We know the ins and outs of the workers’ compensation system, and we can help you get the benefits you need and deserve.
Please call us at (800) 985-1819 today for a free consultation.
What is worker’s compensation?
Worker’s compensation provides benefits to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. The program is usually administered by state governments and is often part of social welfare programs.
Injuries that occur on the job can include a slip and fall, as well as illnesses that are contracted as a result of working in a particular environment, such as exposure to hazardous materials.
Medical expenses covered by workers’ compensation may include both initial treatment and follow-up care, while income replacement may be provided for a certain period of time. In some cases, death benefits may be paid to the worker’s family members.
Workers’ compensation is mandatory in Illinois, meaning employers must provide coverage for their employees. However, there are some exceptions, such as for self-employed workers.
If you were injured or became ill as a result of your duties at work, it’s important to speak with a worker’s compensation lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Worker’s Compensation Coverage in Joliet
If you were injured on the job in Joliet, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
In Joliet, workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory for any employer with at least one employee – even a part-time worker. An exception is employers with family members as their only employees.
According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, sole proprietors, business partners, corporate officers, and members of limited liability companies may exempt themselves.
All types of jobs are covered by worker’s compensation, including manual labor, clerical work, and dozens of other positions and roles.
If you’re concerned about receiving the full amount of benefits you’re entitled to, or believe your employer failed to meet their requirements, contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates today at (800) 985-1819.
Contact a Joliet Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates have fought and won for injured workers and their families since 1924.
With more than a billion dollars recovered for our clients, we know what it takes to see your claim through.
Contact us as soon as possible. The Horwitz family has protected the interests of Illinois workers for three generations, and we’re ready to hear your story.
What do I do if I’ve been hurt on the job?
If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may be wondering what to do next. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Inform Your Employer
Inform your employer as soon as you are hurt. Although Illinois law states that you have a maximum of 45 days to report the accident, it’s best to get the process started sooner rather than later.
Under Illinois law, employers are required to report injuries that result in three or more days of missed work to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).
You should also give your supervisor updates on your condition. They should be fully aware of the circumstances of your accident and either provide you with a list of approved doctors or let you choose your own.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Always seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident.
If your employer is part of a Preferred Provider Program (PPP), they should provide you with a list of approved doctors. If they’re not, you can choose two doctors of your own. You also have the option of choosing your own doctor even if your employer is part of PPP, but you will only be able to visit one instead of two.
Make sure to keep all of your medical records and bills for your workers’ compensation claim.
3. Collect Information
In addition to seeking medical attention, you should also collect information about the accident.
This includes the time and date, location, and circumstances surrounding the accident.
If possible, you should also take pictures at the scene.
All of this information will be helpful if you file a workers’ compensation claim.
4. Hire a Joliet Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
A lawyer will be able to help you with the filing process and will also be able to represent you in court if necessary.
They will also make sure you receive the benefits that you deserve.
If you have been injured on the job, please contact a Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer.
What if my spouse was killed on the job?
If you are the surviving spouse of someone who was killed on the job, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation death benefits.
Surviving spouses are entitled to benefits equal to two years of the workers’ compensation amount, to be paid in a lump sum.
To know if you qualify for these benefits, you’ll need to speak with a Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer.
Common Causes of Work-Related Accidents
Lifting
Lifting commonly causes on-the-job injuries, especially if employees are not properly trained.
Lifting can cause back injuries, which are one of the most common types of workplace injuries. They are often very serious and result in lengthy recoveries.
If you were injured due to lifting heavy objects at work, call Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates.
Fatigue
When workers are tired, they are more likely to make mistakes.
This can lead to slips, trips, and falls, as well as many other injuries that come about from reduced awareness.
If you have been injured as a result of fatigue, you should speak to a Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious condition with symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to fatigue and cramping.
It can also make employees more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting is a completely preventable common cause of on-the-job injuries.
With inadequate lighting, it’s too easy for employees to stumble, fall, or make mistakes with dangerous equipment.
If you were injured in a poorly-lit work environment, call (800) 985-1819.
Hazardous Materials
Workers who are exposed to hazardous materials can suffer illness, burns, lung damage, and even death. Some hazardous materials ignite and cause fires and explosions.
To protect workers, employers must make sure that authorized personnel know how to properly store and handle hazardous materials.
If you are injured as a result of exposure to hazardous materials, don’t take risks. Talk to a Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer.
Slips and Falls
Slip and falls are one of the most common types of work-related accidents. In fact, they’re the leading cause of death in the workplace.
These accidents often happen because spills or debris were not cleared from an area within an appropriate amount of time.
If you have been injured as a result of a slip and fall, you should speak to a Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer.
Overexertion
Workers who overexert themselves can often suffer serious injuries, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Additionally, it can often lead to back injuries and other painful conditions that could have been avoided had they not had to overexert themselves.
Violence
Workplace violence can lead to injuries and even death.
Workers should be aware of their surroundings and report any dangerous behavior, from threats and aggression to unsafe work practices.
Every employer should help prevent workplace violence where possible. If yours didn’t, speak to a Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer.
Stress
When workers are under tremendous amounts of stress, they have trouble maintaining focus.
Additionally, stress can often lead to long-term health problems with serious consequences, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Lack of Training
There’s no excuse for a lack of training, but it happens all of the time.
To meet demands on time, employers may not thoroughly train or test new hires on safety practices. In some instances, they may hire someone who does not have the proper certifications to carry out hazardous jobs.
This leads to every type of accident we see on the job, from truck and forklift accidents to lacerations on the production line.
Contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates if you were hurt due to the negligence of an untrained coworker.
Common Types of Work-Related Injuries
Slip and Falls
These account for the majority of workplace injuries, and often result from wet or icy surfaces, tripping over objects, or slipping on substances.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
These can be caused by doing the same motion over and over again, such as typing or using a screwdriver. They can also be the result of vibration from equipment like jackhammers.
Traumatic Injuries
These can be the result of a sudden impact or collision, such as a car accident in a company vehicle while on the job.
Chemical Burns
These can occur when someone is exposed to harmful chemicals, often in a manufacturing setting.
Fires and Explosions
These can happen in nearly any workplace and often lead to serious injuries or death.
If you have been injured on the job, seek legal help right away. A Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file a claim and get the benefits you deserve.
Call (800) 985-1819 today for a free consultation.
Is there a time limit to file a work injury case?
Usually, the time limit to file a work injury case is three years from the date of the injury.
Always report an injury as soon as you’re aware of it and begin your claim as soon as possible after that.
If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to file a claim and receive compensation for your injuries.
Don’t lose your right to compensation. Contact an experienced Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible to get started on your case.
What qualifies as a disability?
Disability is generally considered to be an impairment that limits a person’s ability to work.
Disabilities can include physical, mental, and sensory impairments.
If your work capacity has been reduced due to an injury, you may be able to receive benefits from workers’ compensation.
To learn more about workers’ compensation and disability benefits, contact an experienced attorney.
What are the most dangerous jobs in Illinois?
Some of the most dangerous jobs in Illinois include construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
These jobs are often dangerous because they involve working with heavy machinery or in hazardous conditions.
Having a job that may be considered dangerous doesn’t mean you should bear full responsibility for an injury. After you see a doctor, get legal representation.
Worker’s Compensation Questions and Answers
Why do I need a work injury lawyer?
A work injury lawyer can help you file a workers’ compensation claim. They can also help ensure you receive the total amount of benefits you’re eligible for.
Your employer and their insurance provider may not acknowledge the full extent of your losses and pay you less as a result. An attorney who is working for you, not the insurance company, helps prevent this from happening.
Can I sue my employer?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for an on-the-job injury.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent to receive benefits.
To learn more, contact an experienced Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer.
How much is my worker’s compensation case worth?
The value of a worker’s compensation case can vary depending on the individual case.
However, your lawyer will help you calculate the value of your case and will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
What is a third-party claim?
A third-party claim is a claim against a party other than your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company.
For example, if you were injured in a car accident while on the job, you may be able to file a third-party claim against the driver of the other car.
Third-party claims can be complex, which is another great reason to have an experienced Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer on your side.
