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When you get hurt on the job, it’s best to report it to your employer as soon as possible, though you’ll typically have 45 days to do so. After you’ve notified your employer, you should consider seeking legal help so that you can fight for the proper compensation. Medical bills and missed work can be a big burden, and it’s important to work with a work injury attorney who understands how to build the best case. When you’re injured at work, don’t take any risks—contact a Prospect Heights worker’s compensation attorney to get started with your claim.
The Most Common Workplace Injuries
If you’re not sure if your workplace injury will be eligible for compensation, one way you can begin to figure that out is by comparing your injury to some of the most common workplace incidents. You may be surprised at what types of injuries are eligible for compensation.
The most common workplace injuries include:
- Struck against an object: An injury caused by or involving a door, window, or wall.
- Slips and falls: Injuries from slipping and falling on wet, slippery, and uneven ground.
- Struck by an object: Injuries from falling or dropped objects.
- Workplace assaults: When one or more workers is injured in a fight, attack, or other assault.
- Overexertion: Possibly the most common work injury, these involve carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting, throwing, or holding.
- Traffic incidents: Injuries that happen on the clock and while using workplace vehicles.
- Fall to a lower level: Injuries from falling down stairs, off roofs, off ladders, etc.
- Caught in/compressed by: Injuries that typically involve heavy machinery, usually in factories.
What You Should Know About Worker’s Compensation Cases
When you’re working through your claim, your worker’s compensation attorney in Prospect Heights will be able to explain anything you have questions about. However, it can be beneficial to study up on some of the things you’ll need to know, like the statute of limitations for cases like yours as well as what paperwork to keep on hand. You’ll also want to learn about the types of compensation to fight for, which can include lost wages, permanent injury, medical bill reimbursement, or some combination of the three. If you’re confused about any of this, be sure to talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer.
The Process of Filing a Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complicated, but working with a work injury attorney can simplify it greatly.
First, you’ll need to notify your employer of the injury. Do this as soon as you can—within seven days, ideally, though you may be able to report it later than that. If you seek medical care, be sure to let medical staff know that your incident is work related—some workplaces require their employees to visit certain hospitals or specialists for work injuries.
Next, the doctors or your employer will contact the insurance carrier to open a benefits claim. After reviewing the claim, the insurance carrier will decide whether it is compensable or not. If it is, the carrier will contact the injured person and the employer to determine what the rate of pay will be for compensation. If the claim is rejected, the injured person will have the opportunity to appeal that decision.
