Workers’ Comp Attorney in Chicago

Illinois employees who suffer a workplace injury or illness deserve quality medical care that is entirely compensated. They are also entitled to compensation for their lost wages if they miss time at work. Illinois workers’ compensation is a system set up to take care of these burdens, replacing civil negligence cases. If you are hurt on the job or are diagnosed with a workplace illness, you have a right to compensation, no matter if your employer is at fault or not. Unfortunately, some employees in this state have to fight to receive what they are due. An experienced workers’ comp attorney in Chicago can help if you are one of them.

Third-Party Negligence

Even though you can’t file a legal claim against your employer, there may be third parties who negligently contributed to your injury or illness. For instance, defective supplies or equipment might have caused your injury, and the manufacturer could be to blame. It’s also possible that your employer hired contractors who were negligent. You may be eligible to file a workers’ comp claim and a claim against the third party. It’s crucial to hire a knowledgeable workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago to assist with your claim so that you can maximize your compensation. 

After Your Injury

You can increase your chances of a successful claim by following specific steps after your injury. Skipping a step or missing a deadline can void your claim or cause delays. 

Report Your Injury

As per the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, you have 45 days from the date you were injured to notify your employer. You are allowed to report your injuries; however, written notice verbally is preferable as it provides evidence of the notification.

Get Medical Care

Seek medical treatment from a licensed physician as soon as possible after your injury. If it is an emergency, call an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department. Even if you don’t feel like you were injured or that your injury isn’t that big of a deal, see a doctor anyway. It’s possible you have serious injuries but don’t feel pain due to the effects of adrenaline. For some injuries, symptoms don’t develop right away.

Collect Evidence

Any evidence from the accident scene will help your workers comp attorney in Chicago investigate and prove your claim. Take pictures and videos of the scene or any equipment involved. If you can’t do this, you can ask your co-workers to help. Ask witnesses to write down their statements. You should also write your account of what happened as soon as possible. 

By hiring a workers’ comp attorney in Chicago, you can ensure that you take all the proper steps and not miss any critical deadlines. 

Call a Workers’ Comp Attorney in Chicago

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, we’ve seen the devastating impacts of workplace injuries. We know that employees who suffer work-related injuries and illnesses deserve medical care and compensation for their lost wages. Whether you suffered a minor injury that kept you from work for a few days or a catastrophic injury and will never be able to return to work, we fight for these rights. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation with a well-versed workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago. The sooner you have us on your side, the more successful your claim could be.