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Types of Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Workplace injuries can happen almost anytime, in a variety of different ways, and it can be difficult to determine on your own if your injury is eligible for a workers’ compensation claim. One way that you can figure it out on your own is to learn about the most common workplace injuries, and compare them to your own situation.
Once you have a better idea of the injuries that do qualify, you’ll have a better idea of how to proceed with your claim. Many injuries can seem ineligible for workers compensation claims, when in reality, they may be. Learn more about the common injuries that happen at work:
- Traffic accidents: Accidents that occur while in company vehicles.
- Overexertion: Injuries caused by pushing, pulling, lifting, throwing, carrying, or holding.
- Slip and fall: Caused by wet or slippery floors, uneven floor surface, or uncleared pathways (ice/snow) in the winter.
- Fall to a lower level: Falling off of ladders, down stairs, off of roofs, etc.
- Struck by object: Being injured by a door, wall, window, or other object.
- Repetitive motion: Injuries from performing the same movement repetitively, such as typing. Issues like carpal tunnel and muscle strain leading to injury are caused by repetitive motion.
- Caught in/compressed by: These injuries occur in more industrial settings and involve heavy machinery.
- Workplace assaults: When one or more workers is assaulted at the workplace.
What to Know About Workers’ Compensation Cases in Hazel Crest, IL
When you’re ready to file a workers’ compensation claim, a skilled attorney can be of great benefit. Still, there are some things you will need to be aware of.
For instance, you’ll need to know about the statute of limitations for filing a claim and collecting benefits, what paperwork you need to keep on hand (medical records and incident reports, for example), and what type of compensation you are trying to receive—compensation for permanent injury, lost wages, medical reimbursement, etc. If you have any questions or concerns, or want to know more about what to expect when filing a claim, a work injury lawyer in Hazel Crest can help.
How to File a Claim: The Process
Filing a workers compensation case is somewhat complex, and that’s why it’s important to have an experienced work injury lawyer helping you.
The first step will involve reporting the accident to your employer. It’s best to do so immediately when the injury occurs, but generally speaking it must be reported within seven days.
If you are seeking medical attention, you’ll need to inform the medical professionals that your injury is work-related, as there may be only certain doctors or facilities you can seek treatment from.
Next, the insurance company will open a benefits claim when they receive reports from the employer or doctor. If they determine the claim to be compensable, they will contact the employer and the injured party to determine the rate of pay to be dispensed while the injured person is out of work.
If the claim is found to be non-compensable, the injured person will have the option to apply for an appeal for the ruling.
About Vasilatos Injury Law
Vasilatos Injury Law serves all of the Chicagoland area, as well as Hazel Crest and clients all over Illinois. We are dedicated to providing quality legal representation to those who need it most, and our concentrations are workers’ compensation, personal injury, and social security disability.
We strive to be flexible, and provide home, hospital and phone consultations. We’re easily accessible by public transportation, but if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
When you need help with a work injury in the 60429 area, you can rely on the experienced attorneys at Vasilatos Injury Law to provide you with the guidance and assistance you need.
