When you get injured on the job, it’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible. Once you do so, you may want to consider seeking legal representation. Having a work injury attorney on your side can be the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and being denied it, so it’s essential not to take any chances.
When you want to get a workers’ compensation case going, contact a reliable work injury attorney in Franklin Park.
Types of Common Workplace Injuries
If you’ve been hurt at work and aren’t sure if your injury will be eligible for workers’ compensation, it can be helpful to learn more about common workplace injuries that are eligible. Then, you can compare your own situation.
Some of the most frequently occurring work injuries include:
- Struck against an object: Injuries involving objects like doors, windows, walls, etc.
- Slips and falls: Slipping and falling on uneven, wet, or slippery floors, or on uncleared walkways during winter.
- Overexertion: Possibly the most common work injuries, these involve pushing, pulling, throwing, lifting, holding, or carrying.
- Repetitive motion: Injuries caused by making the same movement over and over.
- Caught in/compressed by: Injuries typically involving heavy machinery or in factories.
- Fall to a lower level: Falling down stairs, off a roof, or off a ladder.
- Traffic incidents: Injuries that occur while using company vehicles.
- Workplace assaults: Assaults at the workplace involving one or more workers.
- Struck by an object: Injuries caused by falling or dropped objects.
What You Need to Know About Work Injury Cases
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Franklin Park will be able to help you navigate the entire process of filing your claim, but it’s also beneficial for you to learn about the process on your own. For instance, it can be helpful to learn about the statute of limitations as well as what paperwork you’ll need to keep on hand and what kind of compensation you should seek. For instance, some of the types of compensation to seek may include medical bill reimbursement, lost wages, permanent injury, and more. If you’re not sure of any of these details, hiring a work injury lawyer can be incredibly beneficial.
The Claims Process
Filing a claim doesn’t have to be complicated and overwhelming. When you work with a work injury attorney, they’ll be able to give you all the help you need.
First, you will need to notify your employer of the injury. Try and do this as soon as possible, or within seven days. If you seek medical treatment, inform the medical staff that the injury is work-related, as your employer may have requirements about what facilities or hospitals you visit.
Next, an insurance carrier will open a claim, after receiving reports from your employer and the doctors. After reviewing the claim, it will be either found compensable or denied.
If found compensable, the carrier, the injured person, and the employer will discuss the rate of pay or amount of benefits to be paid out while the injured person recovers. If the claim is denied, however, the injured person will have an opportunity to appeal that decision.