No one expects to be injured in a workplace accident. Fortunately, injured workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. But what if the insurance company or employer challenges the claim or an injury was caused by a third party? That’s where Vaziri Law LLC comes in. Our firm has extensive experience protecting the rights of injured workers in Chicago.
If you have suffered an injury in a workplace accident, we can help you get the benefits you need and deserve. We have comprehensive knowledge of the Illinois workers’ compensation program and will guide you through all aspects of the claims process. Whether you need assistance filing a claim, appealing a denial, or exploring other legal remedies, we can help. Contact our office today to get started with an experienced workplace accident attorney.
About Workers’ Compensation in Illinois
Most employers in the state must carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides financial and medical benefits to workers who suffer a job-related injury or occupational illness. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. This means neither the employer nor the employee is considered to be at fault. Injured workers are entitled to benefits, but they cannot sue their employer.
To qualify for worker’s comp benefits in Illinois, you must have suffered an injury or illness in the course and scope of your employment. The following benefits are available:
- Medical Benefits – Medical expenses are fully covered, including emergency room visits, doctors’ exams, diagnostic testing, surgeries, hospital care, prescription medications, assistive devices (e.g. crutches, braces, wheelchairs) physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Wage Replacement – You are entitled to partial wage replacement of up to two-thirds of your average weekly wages, which will be paid until your doctor declares you medically able to return to work.
- Permanent Disability Benefits – If you cannot return to your job or perform any type of work as a result of a workplace injury or illness, you may receive permanent income benefits. Such benefits are based on a percentage of your wages, the nature of your injury, your age and occupation, and a doctor’s analysis of the percentage of lost work potential.
- Death Benefits – The workers’ compensation program offers a death benefit to compensate surviving family members of a worker who suffers a fatal injury in a workplace accident.
Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries
At Vaziri Law LLC, we have helped clients obtain worker’s comp benefits after workplace accidents, such as:
- Slips and falls – Workers can be injured in falls caused by slippery surfaces, poorly lit areas, or clutter and debris in walkways.
- Manual labor – Bending and lifting or carrying and moving heavy items can lead to back, neck, shoulder, and knee injuries.
- Vehicles and moving equipment – Vehicles and equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and machines can hit workers or roll over, trapping a worker beneath.
- Workplace hazards – Exposed wiring, fires, burns, and explosions can result in catastrophic and fatal injuries.
What To Do After A Workplace Injury In Chicago
After an injury on the job, seek immediate medical treatment and inform the treating physician that your injury or illness was work-related. You must also inform your employer of the injury or illness within 45 days of the accident. You may lose your right to worker’s comp benefits if you fail to promptly notify your employer because the insurance company may claim your injury was not work-related.
Notably, there are time limits for filing a workers’ comp claim in Illinois: within 3 years after the date of the accident, or within 2 years from the last compensation payment you received, whichever is later. In any event, file your claim as soon as possible to ensure you have access to the medical and financial resources you need.
The best way to protect your rights after a workplace accident is to contact Vaziri Law LLC. You can depend on us to:
- Assist with filing your worker’s comp claim
- Collect medical records to document your injuries and related expenses
- Handle all dealings with the workers’ comp insurance company
- File an appeal if your claim is denied
- Represent you before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
Rest assured, we will fight hard to get you the benefits you deserve.
Third-Party Claims in Workplace Accidents
Although injured workers cannot take legal action against their employers, a lawsuit can be filed against a negligent third party. Examples of potential third-party claims include:
- Construction accidents – Injured construction workers can file a lawsuit against negligent property owners, contractors, subcontractors, engineers, architects, machinery equipment manufacturers, and their insurers.
- Factory accidents – Factory workers who suffer injuries due to defective equipment or machinery can bring a product liability lawsuit against a manufacturer or distributor.
- Transportation-related accidents – Truck drivers injured in accidents can pursue a third-party claim against at-fault drivers or manufacturers and distributors of defective truck parts that cause or contribute to an accident.
If you have been injured at work due to the negligence of a third party, we will determine whether you have a valid third-party claim and help you recover damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitative costs, present and future lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Experienced Chicago Workplace Accident Attorney
If you have suffered an injury from a workplace accident in Chicago, or the surrounding counties of Dupage County, Will County, Lake County, or McHenry County, contact Vaziri Law LLC today for a consultation. We have the experience and dedication to help you pursue a claim for everything that you deserve.