Chicago Area Workers' Compensation Lawyers

The Workers' Compensation Process

In order to collect benefits under the Illinois workers' compensation program, you will need to file a formal claim. Before you file your claim, however, there are some steps that you should take first, and the attorneys at Kaiser Law are prepared to help you. The first thing you need to do in the wake of a workplace injury or occupational illness is to seek medical attention for your condition. Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to be seen at a doctor's office, emergency room, or urgent care clinic, and it is important to keep a copy of any records of the visit. You must also notify your employer about your injury so that your rights to file a formal workers' comp claim are protected. After notifying your employer, you can file your claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

Failure to follow the proper steps could jeopardize your benefits. Our lawyers are equipped to help you at each stage of the process, including:

• ⬤Seeking medical attention for your condition
• ⬤Notifying your employer about your injury or illness
• ⬤Filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits
• ⬤Addressing or appealing denials or requests for more information
• ⬤Protecting your interests in appeals hearings and at trial

Workplace Third Party Injury Accidents

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Program is a no-fault system that offers benefits for work-related injuries and illnesses regardless of how they happened. The system was set up to help injured workers get what they need without needing to sue their employers or prove negligence on the part of the company. In fact, an injured employee is prohibited from suing his or her employer for damages, with very limited exceptions for extreme situations. However, there may be cases in which someone other than your employer is responsible for your injuries. For example, if another driver caused a car accident while you were driving for your job, the at-fault driver may be held liable through a third-party personal injury lawsuit. The attorneys of Kaiser Law will help you explore all of your options for collecting compensation, including filing a third-party injury claim in addition to your claim for workers' comp benefits.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some workplace injuries are caused by a singular event, such as a fall or equipment malfunction. Others, however, develop gradually over time due to repetitive motions or strain on a particular body part. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common repetitive motion injuries, and it is an injury that affects the hand, wrist, and lower arm. Factory employees who perform manual tasks and office workers who spend most of their day in front of a computer are especially at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. The lawyers at Kaiser Law realize that it can be challenging to prove that carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related, but we know that it is possible to do so. If you are suffering from hand or wrist pain caused by your work duties, we will work to get you full benefits under the law.

Head Injuries

Head and brain injuries are among the most serious injuries a person could suffer, as they can cause long-lasting problems or even permanent impairments. Some such injuries are immediately obvious, while others do not become evident for some time after an accident. For example, you could hit your head and suffer a concussion—a type of traumatic brain injury—and not even realize it until several hours or even days later. If you suffered any type of head or brain injury on the job, the attorneys at Kaiser Law are prepared to assist you in recovering the appropriate benefits. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be eligible for vocational retraining or disability benefits in addition to benefits for medical care and lost wages.

Truck, Package, and Delivery Drivers

Hundreds, if not thousands, of traffic accidents occur every day throughout the state of Illinois. This means that those who drive for a living are at an increased risk of being injured on the job compared to the average person. Truck drivers, delivery van drivers, and food delivery drivers are generally eligible for workers' comp benefits when they are hurt in a crash, even if they were found to be at fault for the accident. Professional drivers can also be injured while moving cargo, lifting packages, or walking to a customer's door. At Kaiser Law, we work on behalf of injured truck and delivery drivers to ensure their best interests are fully protected. If you drive for a living and you suffered any type of on-the-job injury, we will help you explore all of your options for seeking benefits, including the possibility of a third-party personal injury lawsuit.

Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions

It is not uncommon for employees to suffer an accident at work that aggravates or exacerbates a prior injury or pre-existing condition. For example, if you had knee surgery many years ago, you may be more susceptible to knee injuries now, and a slippery surface at work could cause you to slip and re-injure the same knee. In such a case, workers' compensation should cover the aggravation of your knee injury, but you may face difficulties in getting the benefits you deserve. The lawyers at Kaiser Law have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you overcome any challenges presented by your employer or the insurance company. We know how to get results, and we will work hard to ensure that your rights and best interests are fully protected.

Reduction of Earning Capacity Injuries

The vast majority of workplace injuries are relatively manageable. The injured worker might miss a day or two—or even several weeks—but he or she will typically make a full physical recovery and return to work eventually. Some injuries, however, are so severe that the employee's ability to earn a living is forever compromised. If you have suffered a work injury that diminished your earning capacity, the Illinois workers' compensation program provides benefits that could help you and your family deal with your new reality. At Kaiser Law, we know that securing benefits for decreased earning capacity is often difficult, as doing so requires a complex analysis of your situation, including your career path prior to the injury. You can depend on us to remain at your side throughout the process.