Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in Aurora

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Aurora, Illinois?

  The non-emergency dispatch number for the Aurora Police Department is (630) 256-5900.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Aurora, Illinois?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report by visiting the Records division of the Aurora Police Department located at 1200 E Indian Trail, Aurora, IL 60505. The department accepts walk-up requests from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Voicemails and emails left after hours will be attended to by the records department staff on the following business day.

• What workers' compensation benefits are offered in Aurora?

  Aurora provides four types of workers' compensation benefits:

  • Medical Benefits: Your employer is obligated by law to cover your medical costs if you are injured while working or engaging in any work-related activity.
  • Temporary Total Disability: If you are unable to work for at least three days due to a workplace injury or illness, you are eligible for weekly payments of 66.66% of your average weekly wages from the previous year.
  • Permanent Total Disability: After you have completed medical care, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits in one of these four groups - permanent partial disability, disfigurement, wage differential, or permanent total disability.
  • Death Benefits: If your partner or parent dies in a work-related incident, you can receive compensation for their death through workers' compensation.

• What types of documentation are required in Aurora to support a workers' compensation claim?

  The required documentation to support a workers' compensation claim in Aurora include statements from any witnesses who saw the incident, an incident report outlining what happened, and medical reports from your doctor that describe your injury or illness in detail. Your workers' compensation lawyer will go over other pertinent documentation that might be useful, such as pictures of the accident scene or your injuries.

• What reasons do employers give for denying a workers' compensation claim in Aurora?

  Your Aurora employer may refuse to approve your claim because they believe that the injury did not occur at work, or it was caused by something unrelated to work, such as a pre-existing condition. They may think the injury is severe enough to qualify for workers' compensation benefits or believe you are not covered by insurance. Additionally, if the employer disputes the employee's version of how the injury occurred, they may deny the claim.

• How do you appeal a denied workers' compensation claim in Aurora?

  To appeal a denied workers' compensation claim in Aurora, submit a Request for Hearing to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC) within three years of the final payment or denial. An arbitrator will evaluate the case and make a decision. If dissatisfied, you can appeal to the Commission for a final ruling. Consult a workers' compensation attorney before considering an appeal to the Illinois Circuit Court. They will help you navigate the process effectively.

• What other injuries are covered by workers' compensation in Aurora?

  Workers in Aurora can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for other injuries such as long-term exposure to hazardous materials, ergonomic-related conditions, and accidents away from the workplace. You may be eligible for compensation if you developed a health problem over time as a result of performing repetitive tasks, staying in one place, or utilizing poor workstations. Additionally, you may qualify for workers' compensation if you were injured while traveling for work, participating in a work-related event, or driving for your employer.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.