Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Palatine, IL

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency issues, you can dial 847-359-9000 to reach the local police station in Palatine.

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

  The Palatine Police Department accommodates Freedom of Information Act requests at 595 N Hicks Road Palatine, Illinois 60067. You can visit the Police Records Section between Monday to Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Accident reports can also be obtained online at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/.

• What are the different benefits that injured workers can receive in Palatine?

  The benefits workers can receive in Palatine are determined based on the seriousness of their injuries. If you are suffering from an on-the-job accident, you can seek the help of an attorney who can pursue just compensation that can cover lost wages, loss of earning potential, lost future earnings, and medical bills. You can also file a personal injury lawsuit alongside your workers' compensation claim if your injuries are caused by different negligent parties, including property owners, subcontractors, or product manufacturers.

• Are stress-related injuries covered under Palatine's workers' compensation law?

  Repetitive stress injuries are included in the workers' compensation law of Palatine. When employees are repeatedly exposed to hazardous chemicals or substances in the workplace, they can suffer from stress-related health concerns that can lead to a stroke, heart attack, or psychological trauma. Injured employees can still pursue certain benefits, yet it is difficult to establish liability for these types of workers' compensation claims. This is why most of these cases are often delayed by employers and insurance companies.

• Can self-employed workers in Palatine obtain compensation for their workplace injuries?

  Yes, self-employed individuals in Palatine can still receive financial benefits for their injuries if they have purchased workers' compensation policies. However, since 1099 contractors are not considered employees, they are not covered by workers’ compensation laws. If you are seeking to recover damages from your current company, you can hire an attorney who can establish the existence of an employee-employer relationship. This is an important step when building your workers’ compensation case as an independent contractor.

• Can injured workers still file compensation claims after exceeding the statute of limitations in Palatine?

  There are certain cases wherein Palatine-based workers can still file their injury claims even after exceeding the two-year limit. If an employee is still experiencing the symptoms of their workplace injuries, they should immediately contact their insurance company. If they cover upcoming medical appointments, then the workers' compensation claim can be reopened. Injured employees can also work with an attorney who can help them understand their legal options when submitting compensation claims past the deadline.

• What can workers do if their Palatine worker's compensation claims for injuries are denied?

  Employees in Palatine with denied injury claims can proceed to file a case under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Typically, the injured worker needs to go through arbitration hearings and panel reviews before they obtain a favorable resolution. Yet, most of these employee-employer disputes are resolved through settlement negotiations without the need to go through the appellate process.

• 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.