A Guide to Workers’ Comp Hand Injury Settlements in Illinois

When & How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Hand Injury

1. Seek Legal Guidance: Consult an experienced workers' compensation attorney to help you navigate the process.
2. Report the Injury: Submit a written description of the incident to your employer within 45 days of the injury. Exceptions apply for injuries or symptoms that develop later.
3. Employer's Response: Your employer will either accept or deny the claim. They must provide a written explanation of their decision.
4. File an Appeal (if denied): If your claim is denied, you can appeal to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) for an investigation.
5. File Directly with the IWCC (Optional): If you believe your claim will be rejected, you can file directly with the IWCC to expedite the process. A detailed written description of the accident and injury is required for review.

What Compensation Can I Get for a Work-Related Hand Injury?

If you've suffered a hand injury on the job, you may be entitled to several types of compensation through a workers' compensation claim. This can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs while you recover.

Types of compensation you may receive include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any necessary medications.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: Compensation for lost wages if you're unable to work during your recovery.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: Payment for long-term loss of function or mobility in your hand.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance with job training or finding new employment if you cannot return to your previous role.

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injury, how it affects your ability to work, and the specifics of your workers' compensation case.

What Is the Average Workers' Comp Hand Injury Settlement in Illinois?

The average workers' compensation settlement for a hand injury in Illinois can vary significantly based on the severity of the injury and how it impacts your ability to work. On average, settlements for hand injuries can range from $15,000 to $100,000 or more.

What factors affect the settlement amount of your hand injury?

The settlement amount depends on factors such as:

• The extent of the injury (i.e., fractures, nerve damage, or permanent loss of function)
• The need for surgery or long-term medical care
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Whether the injury results in partial or permanent disability

Since every case is unique, working with an experienced workers' compensation attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation based on your specific situation.

What Are the Requirements to Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Hand Injury in Illinois?

To qualify for workers' compensation benefits for a hand injury in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:

• The Injury Must Be Work-Related: The injury must have occurred while performing job-related duties or as a result of your work environment.
• Report the Injury Within 45 Days: You must provide a written notice to your employer within 45 days of the accident or when symptoms first appear.
• Seek Medical Treatment: You must receive treatment from an approved healthcare provider and follow all medical recommendations.
• File a Workers' Compensation Claim: If your employer denies your claim, you can file a claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) for further review.
• Cooperate with the Claims Process: This includes attending medical evaluations and providing necessary documentation related to your injury and work history.

Failing to meet these requirements can delay or jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.

How Long Will It Take to Get a Workers' Comp Settlement for a Hand Injury?

The time it takes to reach a workers' comp settlement for a hand injury in Illinois can vary depending on several factors. On average, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to finalize a settlement.

Key factors that can affect the timeline include:

• The severity of your hand injury and recovery time
• Your employer’s response to the claim
• The complexity of your case and medical evidence needed
• Negotiations with insurance adjusters
• Whether you need to file an appeal with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC)

Working with an experienced attorney can help speed up the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve without unnecessary delays.

Get Reliable Hand Injury Workers’ Compensation Representation with Vasilatos

Regardless of the nature of the injury and accident, you likely have several concerns such as:

• When you can return to work
• How you will be able to support yourself and your family without income while out of work
• The amount of compensation you can recover for your injury through a workers’ comp claim
• When you’ll be able to cover medical expenses

With the help of the expert legal team here at Vasilatos Injury Law, you will be able to successfully file a workers’ comp claim and our attorneys will be able to provide you with reliable representation both in and out of court. Our attorneys understand how important it is for you to be able to restore your life to the way it was prior to the injury, and will work with you to seek the compensation you deserve.

We’ll help assess how the injury has affected your wellbeing, including the ability to return to work along with your financial situation. Following our assessment, we’ll help you reach a favorable settlement that covers all medical expenses and lost wages resulting from time taken off from work to recover.

We have worked with many clients who have sustained hand injuries along with many other types of work-related injuries, whether they resulted from faulty equipment, negligence, or even malicious intent. We understand how devastating these injuries can be to a person’s life, which is why we work hard to help restore our clients’ lives to the way they were.

Workers’ Comp Settlements & Payouts for Hand Injury Claims with Vasilatos

Compensation for hand injuries can vary from case to case and severity of the injury itself. Here are some success stories from clients we’ve represented.