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Types of Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Getting hurt at work can happen in a seemingly infinite number of ways. If you’re unsure of whether your workplace injury is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, it can be helpful to start by learning what some of the most common workplace injuries are and compare them to what you’re dealing with.
Many injuries may seem like they would not qualify for a workers’ compensation claim, when in reality, they might. Finding out what the most frequent workplace injuries are is a good starting point if you’ve been hurt at work and don’t know what to do.
Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
- Overexertion: Injuries that are related to pulling, pushing, lifting, throwing, holding, and carrying. Overexertion is generally thought to be one of the most common workplace injuries.
- Workplace assaults: When one or more workers are assaulted in the workplace.
- Slip and fall: These injuries occur on wet or slippery floors, or an uneven floor surface. These injuries can also include slipping and galling on snow, ice, or uncleared walkways during the winter.
- Repetitive motion: These workplace injuries are less obvious, but can occur due to stress from activities such as typing, and conditions such as carpal tunnel can also be classified as repetitive motion injuries.
- Fall to lower level: Falling off ladders, down stairs, off of roofs, etc.
- Caught in/compressed by: Typically occurring in more industrial workplaces, these are injuries involving heavy machinery.
- Struck by object: Injuries resulting from being hit by doors, walls, objects, windows, and more.
- Traffic incidents: Injuries sustained while traveling in or using a company vehicle.
What You Need to Know about Workers’ Compensation Cases
When you want to file a workers’ compensation case, you’ll want to consult with a workers compensation attorney. They’ll be able to guide you through the entire process, but there are some things that you should know even before you get started.
For instance, you’ll want to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a claim and collecting benefits, as well as what paperwork you’ll need to keep copies of (including medical records, incident reports, bills, etc.) as well as what type of compensation benefits you are working toward receiving (permanent injury, lost wages, medical bill reimbursement, etc.).
If you’re unsure about any of these factors, a work injury attorney in Homewood will be able to help answer any of your questions.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The process of actually filing a claim can be complicated, so it’s important to have a Homewood workers’ compensation lawyer assisting you.
The first step in any claim process is notifying your employer. Reporting the accident, injury, or illness must happen within seven days of it happening. If you seek medical treatment, be sure to notify the medical provider that the injury is work-related, as this can mean you have to see certain doctors or specialists or visit a specific clinic or facility.
Next, the insurance provider will open a claim for benefits once they’ve received reports from the employer or the doctor. If they find the claim compensable, the insurance company will notify the injured party as well as the employer to determine the rate of pay that the injured employee will receive while out of work. If the claim is for some reason denied, the injured worker still has the option to apply for a hearing to dispute the rejection.
Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorneys Ready to Work for You
Vasilatos Injury Law is proud to serve Homewood, IL, as well as all of the Chicago Metropolitan area and residents all over Illinois. We are dedicated to working hard to provide you with the legal representation you need.
Our concentrations are workers’ compensation, personal injury, and social security disability, and we also provide home, hospital, and phone consultations to accommodate all potential clients. We offer flexible scheduling, and we are easily accessible via public transportation. If you can’t make it to us, we can come to you.
When you need reliable workers’ compensation help in the 60430 area, you can trust the professional work injury lawyers at Vasilatos Injury Law. We’ll provide you with the guidance and assistance you need to get back to your life as soon as possible.
