Joliet Workers'
Compensation Attorneys

Why Choose Midwest Injury Lawyers for Your Workers’ Comp Claim?

The attorney you choose plays a crucial role in the outcome of your workers’ comp case. It’s not just about filing paperwork. It’s about having a knowledgeable ally who can navigate the legal system and advocate for your rights.

A seasoned attorney can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive and the speed and ease with which your case progresses.

Here, then, are four key reasons to choose Midwest Injury Lawyers for your Joliet workers’ comp claim:

No Financial Risk to You:

Our Joliet workers’ compensation lawyers operate on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless we win your case. This approach allows you to access top-notch legal services without worrying about upfront costs. Your focus can stay on your recovery, not on legal expenses.

Commitment to Communication:

We believe in keeping our clients informed and involved throughout every case. We keep you updated on every development and are always available to answer your questions. This transparent approach helps ensure you’re never in the dark about your case.

Proven Track Record of Success:

We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, demonstrating our ability to handle complex cases and achieve substantial results. This track record is a testament to our dedication and experience in workers’ compensation law.

Experienced and Aggressive Legal Team:

With more than 20 years of legal experience, our team combines extensive knowledge with a vigorous approach to advocacy. Our attorneys have honed their skills over decades, allowing us to tackle even the most challenging cases with confidence and strategic insight.

Compensation From Workers’ Comp Claims in Joliet, IL

We can’t tell you how much your workers’ comp claim is worth until we investigate the accident and your injuries. However, you may want to know what workers’ compensation generally covers in Illinois so you can plan accordingly. Depending on your injuries and other factors, you could claim the following workers’ comp benefits:

• Medical Benefits: One of the primary aspects of workers’ compensation is medical benefits. These benefits cover all reasonable and medically necessary treatments related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and any procedures you undergo. These benefits last until you fully heal from your injury or until further treatment will not meaningfully affect your condition (known as maximum medical improvement, or MMI).
• Temporary Disability Benefits: If your injury causes you to miss work, disability benefits come into play. These benefits cover a portion of the income you lose during your recovery. The amount of this benefit is two-thirds of your average weekly wage before the accident, up to a limit set by state officials. If you return to a job with reduced pay, these benefits will pay two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury income and your current earnings.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits: In some cases, an injury might prevent you from returning to your previous job. Vocational rehabilitation benefits help in such situations. They provide support and resources to assist you in gaining new skills or training, enabling you to re-enter the workforce in a new capacity.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: If your work-related injury results in a permanent disability, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. The amount and duration of these benefits depend on the severity and nature of the permanent disability, as determined by medical evaluations and legal assessments.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Comp in Illinois?

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission says almost every employee in Illinois qualifies for workers’ comp benefits under state law. That includes full-time employees as well as part-time or seasonal workers. Chances are that you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

The category of workers who typically do not qualify for workers’ comp is independent contractors. However, employers sometimes misclassify workers as contractors to avoid paying for workers’ comp coverage, even if the worker should qualify for benefits.

If your employer says you do not qualify for workers’ comp, check with an experienced attorney to make sure you fully understand your rights.

Deadline to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

State officials say you must notify your employer about a job-related injury within 45 days to preserve your right to compensation. However, as long as you report your injury within that time frame, you have up to three years from the date you sustained your injuries to file a workers’ comp claim.

We recommend you start the claims process as soon as possible, and our team can assist you with the initial paperwork and all other aspects of your case.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Joliet

One issue with workers’ comp claims in Joliet is that there’s no one cause of workplace injuries. Depending on your job and duties, you face different dangers at work. Certain types of workplace accidents occur more often than others, such as:

Slips, Trips, and Falls:

A frequent cause of workplace injuries, slips, trips, and falls can happen due to wet floors, cluttered workspaces, or uneven surfaces. These accidents can lead to severe injuries like broken bones or head injuries.

Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries:

Workers who often lift heavy objects or perform repetitive tasks can sustain severe injuries. Overexertion can cause muscle strains, sprains, and tears, while repetitive motion can lead to conditions like carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome.

Machinery and Equipment Accidents:

Equipment accidents can occur in workplaces where workers frequently use heavy machinery, especially if managers and employees do not follow proper safety protocols. These incidents can range from minor injuries to more severe or even fatal accidents.

Exposure To Harmful Substances:

Workers in industries like manufacturing or cleaning face the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals. Inhaling or contacting these substances can lead to both immediate and long-term health issues.

Vehicle-Related Accidents:

Jobs that involve driving or operating vehicles carry the risk of accidents, which can result in injuries from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions, depending on the severity of the collision.

Electrical Shocks:

In certain work environments, especially in construction or manufacturing, workers face the risk of electrical shocks. These can occur due to exposed wiring, faulty equipment, or during electrical system maintenance.

Struck by Flying or Falling Objects:

In many workplace settings, workers are at risk of injuries from falling, flying, or swinging objects. This is particularly common in construction sites and warehouses, where materials often move overhead.

Violence or Assaults at Work:

Unfortunately, workplace violence is another leading cause of on-the-job injuries. Conflicts between employees or with external parties can escalate, leading to physical harm.

Most Common Workplace Injuries in Joliet

In Joliet, just like in other Illinois cities, workers face a range of potential injuries on the job. Understanding these common injuries can help you recognize the seriousness of workplace hazards and the importance of seeking appropriate legal counsel.

Here’s a list of some of the most common workplace injuries we see at our firm:

• Sprains and Strains: Often the result of overexertion or repetitive motion, these injuries affect workers’ muscles and ligaments, leading to pain and limited mobility.
• Cuts and Lacerations: These injuries, ranging from minor cuts to deep wounds, often result from sharp objects or machinery in the workplace.
• Bone Fractures: Fractures frequently occur due to falls, heavy lifting, or accidents with machinery and may require significant time to heal.
• Burns: Workers can sustain burns from fires, chemicals, or electrical sources, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs, including concussions, often result from falls or collisions with heavy objects and can have long-lasting effects on brain function.
• Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noises in certain work environments can lead to partial or total hearing loss.
• Respiratory Problems: Inhaling toxic fumes or dust can cause various respiratory issues, from temporary discomfort to chronic lung conditions.

Repetitive Stress Injuries: These injuries develop over time due to repetitive motions and can affect various body parts, leading to chronic pain or dysfunction.

How We Can Help With Your Joliet Workers’ Comp Claim

At Midwest Injury Lawyers, we offer comprehensive support for your workers’ comp claim. We tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, which helps you receive the best possible assistance throughout the legal process.

Our first step involves a thorough assessment of your case. We review the details of your workplace injury, including how and where it occurred, to understand the full scope of your situation.

We then guide you through the workers’ comp process, explaining your rights and the benefits you’re entitled to. This early stage sets the direction for your claim and enables you to avoid common pitfalls that could weaken your case.

Handling the paperwork is also a significant part of what we do. We gather all necessary documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. Our team can handle filing your claim correctly and on time while adhering to Illinois workers’ compensation laws.

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, but we can represent you in discussions with insurers. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement that covers all your needs. We’re prepared to push back against any attempts to undervalue or deny your claim.

If your employer disputes or denies your claim, we’ll be ready to represent you in any necessary hearings or appeals. We can prepare a strong legal argument on your behalf, drawing on the evidence we’ve gathered to support your case.

Our attorneys have extensive experience presenting cases before judges and workers’ comp boards, and we know how to advocate effectively for your rights.

What to Do After Sustaining an Injury at Work

If you sustain an injury at work, we recommend a specific course of action to protect your rights as best you can.

Here’s a straightforward guide on what to do after an on-the-job injury:

• Report the Injury: Inform your supervisor or employer about the injury as soon as possible.
• Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical treatment immediately. This step also provides medical records that serve as evidence for your claim.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of all details related to your injury, including the time, place, how the injury occurred, and any witnesses.
• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to the treatment plan from your healthcare provider. Ignoring this advice can negatively affect your claim.
• Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the injury and the accident scene. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
• Keep Records of Expenses and Lost Income: Maintain a file of all medical bills, travel expenses for treatment, and records of any work time missed due to the injury.
• Consult a Workers’ Comp Attorney: Contact Midwest Injury Lawyers for guidance. We can help you navigate the claim process and protect your right to compensation.

Contact Our Joliet Workers’ Comp Lawyers Now

The Joliet workers’ compensation attorneys at Midwest Injury Lawyers can make this time easier for you and help you recover the benefits you need. Call us now at (815) 714-6131 or reach out online for your complimentary case evaluation.

Joliet Office

210 N Hammes Ave
Unit 205 C
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 714-6131