WORK ACCIDENTS & WORKERS' COMPENSATION ATTORNEYS SERVING CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Workers are seriously injured or killed in Chicago and across the state of Illinois every year, and some of them wait for months or years for employers to take responsibility for what happened. Although most people believe that they will have access to workers’ compensation benefits or other forms of compensation without question after they are hurt, the reality is that some workers struggle to get the help they really need when they get hurt or become ill in the course of their employment.

It’s a sad truth, but many injured workers find they can’t obtain the protections they are entitled to. This is why our legal team works with so many Illinois workers and their families to fight for compensation and move on with their lives after workplace accidents. If you were injured,on the job, get in touch with one of our workers’ compensation injury lawyers today.  

Why Are Workers’ Injury Claims So Complex?

It should be simple, but it isn’t. Whether an accident, an unsafe work environment, or faulty equipment caused your injury, you could be dealing with a number of difficult and unexpected challenges, such as:

• Problems with employers. Employers don’t always do the right thing when they are responsible for an employee who is hurt or killed on the job, and some workers are surprised when they run into pressure, threats, and an unwillingness to help from the companies they work for.

• Problems with coworkers. Coworkers can play a big role in your work injury case, whether they are acting as witnesses or involved in an accident investigation. Unfortunately, they aren’t always willing to cooperate or help you hold an employer responsible.

• Problems with insurance companies. The insurance companies who handle claims from injured workers are invested in paying as little as possible for accidents and illnesses, and workers can find themselves fighting to prove their injuries and defend their rights.

• Problems with workers’ compensation. If you are protected by workers’ compensation laws, it should be easy to get financial help with your medical bills after you are hurt at work. Unfortunately, injury claims are sometimes unfairly denied or left lingering, leaving workers with limited options while they recover.

• Problems making sense of it all. Injured workers could be dealing with company representatives, insurance adjusters, workers’ comp personnel, company attorneys, endless paperwork, medical procedures, doctors, therapists, and more. It gets confusing quickly. Between complicated laws, uncooperative employers, and serious injuries, workers and their families can quickly become overwhelmed by the process.

However, there is hope. While all of these challenges can be painfully real, they don’t have to prevent you from striving for the compensation you need.

Steps to Take in Workers’ Compensation

Being injured at work is something no one should have to endure. If it happens, you need to understand that a work-related accident is different from other kinds of claims. There are a few unique steps you may need to take. Here’s what to do if you’ve been injured on the job:

• Report the injury to your employer. Do this as soon as possible and do it in writing. Even if you do not plan on seeking treatment right away. Don’t give your employer’s attorneys the opportunity to assert your injury wasn’t caused on company property or during your shift.

• Tell your doctor. Let your healthcare provider know that your injury occurred at your place of employment. When your doctor’s notes indicate the injury was at work, your chances of receiving compensation might increase.

• Seek legal advice. Talk to an attorney. When you suffer an injury, particularly one which requires extensive treatment and extensive time off work, you need to know your rights and your obligations. There is nothing worse than the prospect of losing benefits while being unable to work, especially if it is preventable and occurred because you didn’t fully understand your rights. At Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, we are happy to spend time with you and to inform you of your rights. It’s free and you will have yet another safety net when seeking reimbursement.

When attempting to seek compensation and find a way to move forward, it can make all the difference to have a trial attorney on your side. Here at Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, our experienced lawyers can help you understand your situation, outline the necessary steps you may need to take, and put your health and well-being first.

Illinois workers hurt on the job don’t always have an easy time getting help. Whether you have been hurt at work personally or have questions on behalf of a family member or loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. For help in the Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, contact Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC in Elgin, Illinois.