If you’re curious about workers compensation, either because you’ve experienced a work injury, you know someone who has, or you want to be prepared in case it ever does happen, it’s easy to learn more about the topic.
Any Chicago workers’ compensation attorney will tell you that each case is unique, and for that reason, if you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to discuss your claim with legal professionals as soon as possible. But if you’ve just been hurt, there are some things that you should know about to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Statistics Surrounding Workers Compensation Claims
If you’re unsure of whether your injury will qualify for workers’ compensation, a good place to start is to learn what some of the most common workplace injuries are, how often they are reported, and what you can expect if you do file a claim.
Some interesting statistics include that certain industries tend to have more on the job injuries than others. For example, in 2014, there were 55,710 injuries reported amongst heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, and 23,500 injuries reported among retail salespersons.
Of all of the injuries reported in 2014, 36.4 percent of them were sprains, strains, and tears.
Thirty percent of all injuries happened on upper extremities of the body. Overexertion and bodily reaction (33.2%), followed by falls, slips, and trips (27.4%), and contact with object or equipment (22.2%) were the three most common types of injuries that happened at work.
Other types of injuries include burns, automotive accidents while on the clock, workplace assault, and more.
How Soon Do You Have to File a Claim?
If you want to file a claim with a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney, it’s essential to report the injury in a timely manner. Typically, this means you must report it to your employer within 45 days of the injury, although, it’s recommended to do so as soon as the injury occurs.
Don’t try to wait out the injury—seek medical attention as soon as you get injured, and make sure that the medical professionals you see know that they are dealing with a work injury, as your employer may require you to go to specific doctors or clinics.
What Happens When You File with a Lawyer?
When you’re ready to file a claim with a lawyer, you may think you’re in for a complex, confusing process. However, working with a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney can make the process so much easier.
They’ll have the experience and skill necessary to fight for the type of compensation you deserve, whether that includes lost wages, permanent disability, medical reimbursement, etc, and they’ll know the process for filing your claim.
Through insurance carriers, the claim will either be approved or rejected. If approved, your employer and the carrier, as well as the attorney, will work to figure out compensation benefits.
However, if the claim is rejected, you have the chance to appeal.
Hiring a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’re concerned with being able to receive the compensation you are entitled to, the best move to make is hiring a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney.
They will not only be able to help you sort through paperwork and claim requirements, but they’ll also be able to guide you through how to seek the compensation you may be entitled to. For the best outcome on your claim, consider hiring a work injury law firm to help.
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