HEAD INJURY ATTORNEYS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Navigating the aftermath of a head injury can be a challenging and daunting process. It can take a physical, emotional, and financial toll on you and your loved ones. The pain and uncertainty can be overwhelming, and dealing with workers' compensation claims can add an extra layer of stress to an already difficult situation. That's where we come in. 

We are Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, a law firm situated right in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, serving clients throughout Cook County and the Collar Counties. We've been part of this community for many years and have built strong relationships with our clients and businesses in the area. Our team is dedicated to representing you, advocating for your rights, and helping you receive the best possible outcome for your workers' compensation claim. 

Seeking Medical Treatment for Head Injuries 

After a head injury, it's critical to seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential. Head injuries can have long-term consequences, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. 

Understanding Workers' Compensation and Head Injuries 

Workers' compensation is designed to provide financial support to employees who've suffered injuries or illnesses due to workplace conditions or accidents. It covers medical expenses and lost wages, giving you some peace of mind during your recovery period. 

Some common head injuries include: 

• Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body. It can lead to temporary loss of normal brain function and prolonged symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. 

• Skull Fractures: These are breaks in the skull bone caused by a direct blow to the head. They can lead to serious complications, such as brain damage, if not treated promptly. 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs are severe injuries that occur from a violent blow or jolt to the head. Symptoms can be mild to severe and may include confusion, blurred vision, and behavioral changes. 

• Contusions: Also known as a bruise, a contusion can occur on the brain when a direct impact to the head causes bleeding in the brain. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, and memory issues. 

• Coup-Contrecoup Injuries: These injuries occur when the force of a blow causes the brain to slam into the opposite side of the skull, causing damage at both the site of impact and on the opposite side. 

• Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of the blood vessels that can occur within the brain or between the skull and the brain. It can cause increased pressure inside the skull, leading to loss of consciousness or permanent brain damage. 

If you've suffered a head injury at work, it's important to seek immediate medical attention, even if the injury seems minor at first.  

Reporting a Head Injury at Work 

If you've suffered a head injury at work, it's crucial to report it immediately. Reporting a head injury at work can seem like a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in securing your workers' compensation benefits. Here's what you need to know:

• Understanding Workers' Compensation: Workers’ compensation is an insurance-based system designed to cover employees' medical expenses and lost wages if they're injured or fall ill due to workplace conditions or accidents. It's a no-fault system, meaning you can't sue your employer for the injury or illness, and they can't sue you. In Illinois, businesses with at least one full- or part-time employee must have workers' compensation insurance. 

• Types of Injuries Covered: Workers' compensation covers a wide range of injuries, from slips and falls to illnesses caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. Repetitive stress injuries, such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis, are also covered. 

• Reporting a Claim: If you sustain a workplace injury or fall ill due to workplace conditions, you should report it to your employer as soon as possible. By law, you have up to 45 days to do so, but initiating medical examination and treatment early is recommended. 

• Lost-Wage Benefits: After a three-workday waiting period, you're eligible to receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage rate prorated by the days missed if you're still unable to work due to your injury or illness. The first three days of lost wages become payable after you've missed 14 days of work. 

• Medical Records: It's essential to inform your physician that your injury or illness resulted from a workplace incident. They will need to provide medical records explaining your condition to the workers' compensation insurance company. 

• Claim Denials: Workers' compensation insurers may deny claims for several reasons, such as discrepancies between your report and your medical records, evidence of illegal drugs in your system, or a delayed report of your injury or illness. If your claim is denied, you can request a hearing before an arbitrator assigned by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. 

Navigating the workers' compensation system can be challenging, but we're here to help.  

Understanding the Compensation Process for Head Injuries 

The compensation process for head injuries involves several factors. Here are some key elements to consider:

• Severity of the Injury: The physical and psychological impact of your head injury plays a significant role in determining the amount of compensation you can claim.  

• Ability to Work Post-Injury: If your injury affects your ability to work, this should be reflected in your compensation.  

• Projected Costs for Future Medical Care: Your compensation should cover not only your current medical bills but also the projected cost of future treatment, rehabilitation, or therapy.  

• Types of Damages Covered by a Personal Injury Claim: Depending on your specific situation, you can recover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and therapy costs to pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of a normal life. 

• Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Illinois: In Illinois, the time limit for filing a workers' compensation claim is typically three years from the date of the injury.  

With us by your side, you're not alone in this journey. Let's work together towards a better future.