Workers’ compensation is a system of benefits established by Illinois law for employees who are injured or contract an illness during their employment. Because workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system, the injured worker does not need to prove that their employer’s negligence caused their accident or injury. Nor can an employer deny a valid claim for workers’ compensation because the employee’s negligence may have been a contributing factor in their accident.
For many minor injuries, the workers’ compensation process works as intended, with the employee needing only to report their accident to receive benefits. Unfortunately, some workers’ comp cases are not so cut and dry. This is where it can be beneficial to work with an experienced Rockford workers’ compensation lawyer who can advise them of their rights and represent them in dealing with an employer or its insurance company.
4 Ways a Lawyer Can Improve Your Workers’ Comp Chances
There are, in fact, many situations where hiring a lawyer to handle your workers’ compensation claim can be beneficial. Here are just a few examples:
- Your Employer Won’t Pay: Just because workers’ compensation claim, that is no guarantee that your employer, or more often, their insurance company, will pay. Many valid workers’ comp claims are denied for dubious reasons in the hope that the employee will not pursue an appeal. Hiring a lawyer at the outset can help to discourage such baseless denials.
- You Are Offered a Lowball Settlement: Most disputed Illinois workers’ compensation claims are resolved through a “settlement contract” between the employer, insurance company, and employee. Oftentimes, initial settlement offers are far too low to fully compensate the injured employee for their injuries. Having a lawyer handle your claim can help ensure that you are not forced to accept a lowball settlement.
- You Sustained a Permanent Disability: In workers’ compensation terms, a “permanent disability” is an injury that results in the complete or partial loss of a body part, or the use of a body part, which permanently affects your ability to return to your pre-injury job. Compensation for permanent partial and permanent total disability is governed by a complex set of rules that an experienced Rockford workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through to ensure you get everything you are entitled to under the law.
- You Also Need to Apply for Social Security Disability: If you are unable to return to any form of gainful employment, you may be eligible for Social Security disability insurance benefits in addition to workers’ compensation. This is one area where it is critical to work with an attorney, however, as the amount of disability you receive may be affected by your workers’ compensation settlement.
Contact a Rockford Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
At the end of the day, your employer and its insurance company are looking out for their bottom line. That is why you need to work with a Rockford workers’ compensation lawyer who will look out for you. Contact Tuite Law today at (815) 965-5777 to schedule a free consultation.
