How to Find the Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Chicago

Injuries and accidents can happen anywhere, even at work. If you have sustained an injury while on the job in Chicago, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

When you want to secure the financial recovery that you are owed, it’s important to find the best workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago. Employees should not have to carry the financial burdens from their work injuries on their own.

When you have been hurt in a work-related accident, there are deadlines to meet and forms to file. If you are wondering how to find the best workers’ compensation lawyers in Chicago, we can help.

Contact the accomplished legal team at Morgan & Morgan today. Fill out our easy-to-use contact form online to schedule your free case evaluation.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

When you believe you have a legitimate claim to workers’ compensation benefits, it is crucial to find legal representation. A skilled attorney will help you to navigate all of the intricacies of the Chicago workers’ compensation claims process.

Also, a lawyer will investigate the facts of your case to help you appropriately determine the value of your injury.

Under Illinois state law, workers are not entitled to all of the benefits that negligence victims can receive. But having knowledgeable legal counsel will ensure that you pursue the full amount to which you are entitled.

The best workers’ compensation lawyers in Chicago will handle the following aspects of your claim:

• Drafting and filing relevant paperwork
• Speaking with experts and specialists, if necessary
• Collecting powerful evidence to support your claim
• And more

After a work injury, you should be able to focus on your physical recovery. You should not face the additional burden of managing a complex process for legal claims.
 

Which Chicago Employers Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

According to Illinois law, all employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employers also have the option of becoming self-insured to provide benefits to any employees that get injured on the job.

The intention of workers’ compensation regulations is to provide wounded workers with financial support quickly. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you do not need to file a lawsuit or establish fault.

This is one of the key distinctions between workers’ compensation claims and other types of personal injury cases. Injured workers are still eligible for compensation, regardless of who is liable for the injury, with very few exceptions.

The victim does not need to prove that their employer was negligent. They only need to show that their condition or injury is directly work-related.

Despite the intention of workers’ compensation regulations, some employers and insurance providers are uncooperative. That is why you should find the best workers’ compensation lawyers in Chicago to represent your interests.

Below, we will discuss several tips to remember when searching for a legal representative.
 

Finding the Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Chicago: Top Tips

Following a work-related accident, it is normal to feel confused and overwhelmed. Many injury victims know that they need legal representation, but they are unsure about how to find the right lawyer.

Most people do not have experience searching for an attorney unless they have been in an accident. While it is normal to feel confused, keep the following strategies in mind:
 

Read Online Assessments

As with any major decision, it is important to do some research. This will help you to gain a better understanding of your options. If you have searched online for Chicago personal injury attorneys, you know there are many firms out there.

It is never a good idea to simply choose the first attorney or firm that you find online. For any lawyer that you are considering, take some time to read reviews from their former clients.

This is an excellent way to understand what it is like to work with a particular firm. Do not rely solely on the positive reviews and testimonials on the firm’s own website. Instead, read assessments from many different sites.

Even the best workers’ compensation lawyers in Chicago may have a few negative reviews. This is nothing to worry about. As long as the vast majority of past clients had positive experiences, the firm may be a valuable partner.
 

Schedule a Case Evaluation

Most personal injury law firms will offer you a free consultation before you decide to hire them. This initial meeting is a good way to get to know a lawyer or firm better.

When you speak with a particular attorney face-to-face, you can ask any questions that you have about your case or the workers’ compensation process. After scheduling the appointment, write down any questions or concerns that you have and bring your notes to the meeting.

The following are examples of questions that new clients frequently ask:

• How many years of legal experience do you have?
• Have you handled workers’ compensation cases before?
• What is your success rate?
• Have you taken cases to trial?
• How much do you think my claim is worth?
• How are my legal fees handled?
• Do you believe I have a valid case?

This last question is particularly important. You should never hire an attorney who does not genuinely believe that you have a valid case. A personal injury attorney serves as your legal advocate and should fight hard for your best interests.

If the attorney says or does anything during the meeting that leaves you with doubt, keep looking. It is vital to choose a workers’ compensation lawyer that you can trust.
 

Hire a Specialist

Many people believe that all attorneys are the same. This is a misunderstanding. There are many different specialized areas of legal expertise in the American judicial system.

When you have been injured at work, look for a legal professional that has years of experience in handling cases like yours. Your case should not be a learning experience for your attorney.

A personal injury specialist will understand how to find the relevant facts in your case. They will expertly navigate the claims process and negotiate with any uncooperative parties on your behalf.

To secure the benefits that are rightfully yours, you will need to prove:

• That you are injured or suffering from a condition
• That your injury or condition were work-related
• That you are partially or fully disabled

Employers and insurance providers often dispute various elements of these claims. They are incentivized to pay as little as possible on every compensation claim. That is why you need a representative that has specialized legal knowledge.

It is not sufficient to select someone who has experience as a lawyer. Make sure that your attorney has experience in personal injury and workers’ compensation claims.
 

Contingency Fees

Injured employees do not just face the physical and emotional challenges of their condition or injuries. They must also handle mounting financial pressure from the costs of treatment and lost income.

Typically, victims are unable to work for extended periods of time. If that happens, you may find yourself worried that you cannot afford the best workers’ compensation lawyers in Chicago.

That is why it is important to hire a law firm that operates on a contingency fee payment structure. Contingency fees are standard among personal injury lawyers.

Rather than paying upfront, clients agree to a certain percentage of their recovery that will be allocated to cover the cost of legal services. This helps to alleviate the financial pressures that injured employees face.

Contingency fees ensure that a lawyer is working hard in the best interests of their clients.
 

Find a Firm with Resources

Workers’ compensation claims, like other personal injury cases, require negotiations with powerful organizations. These may include an employer, insurance provider, or government institution.

That is why it is crucial to find a Chicago law firm that has adequate resources. Uncooperative insurance providers know that injured workers experience massive amounts of financial pressure.

Some companies or institutions will leverage this difficult situation to their own advantage. If the opposing side drags out the claims process as a strategy against you, you should be ready.

A firm with adequate resources will be ready to fight for you as long as is necessary.