How to Find Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Chicago

If you’re a Chicago worker who has been hurt or injured on the job, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, and other financial obligations. But when you’re focused on your care, you may find that you simply don’t have the knowledge or desire to navigate the legal aspects of Workers’ Compensation yourself.

If you’re facing a decrease in pay, expensive medical bills, and healthcare bills, you need a lawyer. In this guide, we’ll explore how to find Workers’ Compensation lawyers in Chicago and how an experienced legal team can help you.

Chicago Workers’ Compensation: It’s the Law

In the state of Illinois, every employer is required by law to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. This is true whether the employer has a thousand employees or just one part-time worker.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019 saw over 104,000 reports of non-fatal workplace injuries in the state of Illinois. Given the breadth and magnitude of the Illinois workforce, this may not see like a large number.

But what happens when you are one of the population injured on the job? How will you afford your medical bills, and what happens when you’re out of work and lose wages?

Workers’ Compensation insurance is an insurance that is paid for by your employer. Should you become injured or ill as a direct result of a job-related accident, this insurance will protect you financially.
 

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available in Chicago

You may have a general notion that you’re eligible for benefits. If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or become ill on the job, you may realize that you might be able to receive reimbursement for some medical expenses or lost wages.

There are several types of Workers’ Compensation benefits available to the Chicago – and Illinois – workforce. Because insurers are for-profit companies, it’s fair to assume that they may not always offer full disclosure about what these types of benefits are. Let’s take a quick look at what you may qualify for.
 

Lost Wages

Under Illinois law, Workers’ Compensation covers lost wages. If you’re out of work for more than three days, you can be paid for the wages you lost while you’re in recovery. In fact, your Workers’ Compensation may cover two thirds of your usual income.

Check with your attorney about the specifics of your case. In some instances, you may qualify for disability benefits, or your case may be more typical, allowing you to collect through your employer’s insurer.
 

Medical and Healthcare Costs

You may be familiar enough with Workers’ Compensation to know that this insurance covers your medical expenses. Put simply, you don’t have to worry about expensive doctor visits, copays or even transportation to and from the hospital or your necessary appointments.

If you’re injured on the job, it’s important that you let your medical practitioner know that you’re filing for Workers’ Compensation. The administration at the hospital or medical office will be familiar with the process and ensure that your personal insurance is not billed.

Should you need medical care at home, talk to your Workers’ Compensation lawyers in Chicago about what you are eligible to be reimbursed for. Long-term care and medical equipment are covered.
 

Death and Disability Benefits

In the unfortunate case that you become partially or totally permanently disabled as a result of your injury, you need to know how to find a Workers’ Compensation lawyer. Your legal team can assist you as you communicate with your doctor to determine the extent of your disability. Workers’ Compensation insurance covers disability.

Finally, if you’re the family member of someone who was killed on the job, you are likely eligible for death benefits. The amount of money available to many death benefits recipients in Chicago can be considerable, so speak with your attorney about what you qualify for.
 

How to Find Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Chicago

Searching for a lawyer to assist you with your Workers’ Compensation may seem like quite an overwhelming task. After all, you’re already managing your health and your loss of income. Hiring a lawyer is just one more task added to your already full plate.

The very first step you should take when you are injured is to notify your employer of your injury. You have 45 days to report the injury or illness, but it’s best to do so as soon as the event occurs.

Following your report, visit a doctor. Whether you’re injured badly or feel that it’s minor, it’s best to have documentation of the incident available.

Once you’ve seen to your own health, it’s time to find a Workers’ Compensation lawyer. If you’ve lived in the city for any length of time, you know you’ll have quite a few options to choose from. Here are a few tips to help you find Workers’ Compensation lawyers in Chicago.

• Choose an attorney you feel at ease with. Your lawyer will advocate for you but if he or she makes you feel as if you must hold back information, the attorney is not right for you.
• Choose an attorney who has good references and is in good standing with the Illinois State Bar Association. Review his or her past cases, if possible, and check for disciplinary action.
• Ask your friends, family members or even your physician for attorney recommendations. Doctors deal with Workers’ Compensation lawyers regularly and may have suggestions that will help you.
• Finally, ask your attorney who will be on your case. Will it be the attorney himself or herself, or will a paralegal or assistant be working your Workers’ Compensation case?