Workers Compensation Attorney in Chicago, IL
The early 20th-century work of Upton Sinclair and other investigative journalists was part of the historic wave sparking worker reforms. These led to the establishment of a national framework of workers’ compensation laws. The evolution of these laws over the years has made workers’ compensation difficult for workers to navigate. This is because the statutes seek recovery from devastating work injuries.
Read on for an overview of workers’ compensation in Illinois. We also have some important information on how our attorneys can assist.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Alvarez Law are here to help guide you through the confusing system. Our team has extensive experience in state and federal workers’ compensation laws. We also have extensive experience practicing in front of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. We’re committed to standing by the side of injured workers. Did you sustain an injury or suffer an illness at work? If so, we’ll ensure you get the benefits and compensation you deserve.
What Is Worker’s Compensation?
The workers’ compensation system exists for a crucial purpose. It provides essential protections to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It’s also there to shield their employers from the unpredictability of litigation. Eligible workers often receive guaranteed fixed payments. In addition, if an employee dies in a work-related incident, the compensation goes to families and survivors. The system usually pays benefits irrespective of an assessment of fault.
Who’s Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation laws exist at both the state and federal levels. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act covers all hired or injured employees in Illinois. This includes those whose employment is “localized” within the state. Federal statutes also benefit U.S. government employees who get hurt or sick while carrying out their job-related duties.
What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Pay?
Illinois workers’ compensation laws specify the compensation categories that injured employees can recover. If you’re injured or become ill from work, you may be able to recover costs for the following:
- Any medical care you may need. This includes physical or emotional therapy, regular doctor checkups, hospital visits, and prescriptions.
- Temporary total disability benefits will make up your lost wages while you miss work to recover from injury.
- Temporary partial disability benefits cover you during recovery when you have a reduced work schedule at reduced pay.
- Any vocational rehabilitation that you may need to recover or adapt to the effects of your injuries.
- Permanent partial disability benefits cover injuries where you can still work despite being partially disabled or disfigured.
- Permanent total disability benefits are for injuries that make it impossible for you to work.
The final benefit category covers injuries or illnesses resulting in death. As a survivor, you can file for and receive benefits under workers’ compensation.
Understanding these categories can be challenging for non-lawyers. This is especially the case when you’re trying to determine what will qualify and what won’t. The Alvarez Law team in Chicago will tell you the type and amount of compensation you have available. We’ll be glad to guide you through the entire confusing process.
Which Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Payouts?
The Workers’ Compensation Act doesn’t list the specific injuries that may or may not qualify. Per the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, the law generally provides that accidents that “arise out of and in the course of employment are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.”
Sometimes, defining what constitutes a “course of employment” can be hard to discern. For instance, suppose you break an ankle while playing a softball game at a company picnic. In this particular case, your medical care may not meet the requirements. You are also out of luck if you’re injured committing a crime or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
However, you can file for injuries such as repetitive stress disorders from repeated use of a certain body part, a stroke, a heart attack, or other work-related problems. Workers’ compensation also comes into play if work aggravates a pre-existing condition.
Don’t pre-judge your situation. Consider a complimentary consultation with the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Alvarez Law in Chicago, Illinois.
The Role of Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Illinois
Employers and insurance companies can weigh in on workers’ compensation benefits claims, and they can challenge and deny claims. If that happens to you, your case’s resolution will likely involve theIllinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. This commission has the authority to resolve these disputes between workers and employees.
A qualified workers’ compensation attorney will represent your interests in discussions with the employer and insurance company. They’ll also stand up on your behalf at the commission. This can result in an extended set of legal proceedings. The matter first goes before an arbitrator. However, three commissioners can review this ruling. If your dispute still exists, you can appeal your case to a circuit court, an appellate court, and the Illinois Supreme Court. This requires an experienced attorney.
While you’re not required to hire an attorney, one can make it so much easier to get a proper review. Attorneys can help you collect the proper documentation to support your claim, arrange medical treatment, and oversee depositions, among other matters. Attorneys can also ensure you don’t miss any court-related deadlines for filing.
Remember that a workers’ compensation case can settle at any time. Attorneys can handle that part of the process for you as well. They’ll have a good understanding of the standard amounts in similar cases. This information can help guide discussions with other parties and keep your expectations in check.
Get Your Workers’ Compensation Counsel at Alvarez Law
Workplace injuries or illnesses can disrupt the ordinary course of your life. If this has happened to you or a family member, get experienced counsel from the lawyers at Alvarez Law in Chicago, Illinois.
Our attorneys will help evaluate your case and explain the relevant law. We’ll then discuss your options to help you get the best outcome possible. You pay no fees unless we win. We can also assess your case in the context of personal injury law. Meet our team by watching some of ourinformative videos about personal injury law. Contact us now and schedule yourfree consultation today.
About Alvarez Law
With over 200 years of combined experience, Alvarez Law is ready to take on your case. Since 1974, our law office has been dedicated to providing our clients with the representation they deserve in what can be a life-altering time. Our team can ensure that your case will be thoroughly investigated, and we will fight to seek the best possible outcome. We want to provide you with the confidence that you can trust our team. Our dedicated attorneys will provide you with the support and experience you need during this difficult time.
Our law firm has two former prosecutors on staff who know the methods and tactics of prosecution. This knowledge is used to ensure your freedom isn’t left to chance. Whether you’ve been accused of a felony or misdemeanor, Alvarez Law Office will use this advantage in your favor.
Reach Out to Alvarez Law Today
A conviction can change the course of your life in an instant. A criminal record can make it harder to find a job or find a place to live in the future, depending on your charges. Whether you’re being investigated or have already been arrested, you should contact a lawyer first thing.
If you need a criminal defense attorney, reach out to the team at Alvarez Law today. One of our experienced attorneys will be glad to discuss your case and see what we can do for you. You can reach us by phone at 219-641-3128 or fill out our quick form online today. We have several convenient locations to better serve our clients throughout Indiana and Illinois. Our team looks forward to working with you and providing you with the representation that you deserve.
