By the time we reach adulthood, most of us tend to spend more time at work than we do anywhere else. With so much time dedicated to making the boss look good, validation can be the deciding factor in keeping employees happy with their current workplace. When an accident leaves you unable to continue working, panic can begin to set in. Workers’ Compensation claims can be notoriously intimidating, this I know, as a Chicago personal injury attorney.
Employees that feel appreciated and valued by their employer work harder to provide better results for their company.
According to Katie Wolfe, “Recognition [builds] stronger organizations, since rewarded behaviors…often repeated.”
This also saves the employer time and money by reducing the voluntary turn-over rate of their employees.
Worker’s Compensation
However, as important as employee appreciation is some employers not only miss the mark, but they also make it hard for employees to receive the benefits they deserve when things go wrong. When an employee is injured while working, there are specific steps that must be taken in order to make sure that the employee seeks proper medical care, is given adequate time to recover, and receives the necessary compensation to meet their needs while they recover.
The U.S. Department of Labor defines Worker’s Compensation as benefits to civilian employees of the United States for disability due to personal injury sustained while in the performance of duty or to employment-related disease. The State of Illinois requires every employer to carry workers compensation insurance. Your Chicago personal injury attorney will be your ally when navigating the confusing world of Worker’s Compensation.
Legally, your entitlements, as an injured worker, cover:
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Mileage to and from the medical treatment centers
- Lost wages
- Funeral expenses
First Steps Following Injury
Confusion starts immediately post injury. Unfortunately, the steps you should take after being hurt on the job are not always presented clearly. Report the injury and/or incident to your direct manager or supervisor immediately. The sooner the better as waiting longer may result in your employer denying your claim.
Most employers will also require you to fill out an official injury form and other documentation.
Next, you will need to seek medical attention. The very first exam is the most important. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to visit a hospital or your own doctor. Be sure that your doctor or hospital of choice accepts the workers compensation insurance carried by your employer. Keep copies of receipts, bills, and medical records for later use by your personal injury attorney in Chicago. This could make a huge difference later.
Backlash
Unfortunately, when filing a claim for worker’s compensation, there is a chance that you may receive some form of payback from your employer or coworkers. This can add more pressure to an already stressful situation. The Illinois Worker’s Compensation Commission states that it is illegal for an employer to harass, discharge, refuse to rehire, or discriminate in any way against an employee for exercising their rights under the law; such conduct by the employer may give rise to a right to file a separate suit for damages in the circuit court.
Why get a Chicago personal injury attorney?
This is why is is so imperative that you seek assistance from a Chicago personal injury attorney when you have been injured while working. Workers compensation law can be extremely complex for someone who does not have experience in the worker’s compensation system in Chicago. Lerner and Rowe‘s Chicago personal injury attorney will be your ally throughout your claim filing process.
In a wreck? Need a check?™ We bring experience, skill and passion to your case. We also provide free consultations and no fee, unless we win your case! Contact us through our LiveChat online or visit our office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are also available 24/7 to take your call at 844-977-1900.