In the workplace, there is no such thing as an injury too minor to report. While workers may feel pressured to dismiss small cuts and other injuries not seen as serious enough to report, failing to report an injury when it happens can make it much harder to file a claim if the injury turns out to be less minor than you initially believed. Some injuries may initially look and feel like they are not serious only to later become a major medical issue. A small issue that turns serious may mean that you will need Workers’ Compensation to help you pay for treatment and compensate you for any time you must take off. People working in trades like construction or factory labor may feel pressure to be “tough” and disregard small injuries that are seen as a normal part of the job. However, reporting your injury as soon as it happens is the better course of action, as it preserves your claim should you need to file one. 

How Small Injuries Can Become a Big Problem

If you report a minor injury and it remains a minor injury that does not interfere with your work, you have lost nothing by reporting it. However, failing to report it can mean that you will not be able to receive Workers’ Compensation later if the injury does turn out to be more significant than you initially thought. It is important to report small injuries that can become problematic later, including: 

• Cuts - Cuts are a very common workplace injury for almost anyone. In most cases, these injuries will heal on their own if properly cleaned and bandaged. However, there is also a risk that a small cut can lead to a major infection. An infected cut can interfere with the use of the affected body part. Considering that hands are a very common location for cuts, a “minor” cut can severely impact your ability to do your work. 

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A workers’ compensation claim can be a complex and confusing process. If you have been injured on the job, it is essential to seek legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you may be entitled to. Today, we are going to unpack the reasons why it is essential to hire legal counsel as you go about pursuing compensation for your work-related injury.

What Can Happen if I Do Not Have a Lawyer?

Many things can go wrong, including:

• You may not receive the compensation you deserve – If you do not hire legal representation, you may not receive the compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries. Insurance companies frequently try to minimize the amount of compensation they pay out and may pressure you to accept a settlement that is less than what you are actually entitled to. An attorney can ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, including pain and suffering, medical expenditures, and lost income.
• You may miss important deadlines – Workers’ compensation claims have strict deadlines that must be met. For example, workers in Illinois must let their employer know of their injury within 45 days of the injury. Furthermore, you will have three years to file your claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. You may lose your right to file a claim or receive compensation if you miss a deadline. An attorney can help you meet these deadlines and ensure that your claim is filed correctly and on time.
• You may not understand your rights – Workers’ compensation laws can be complex and challenging to understand. If you do not have legal representation, you may not be aware of your rights under the law. An attorney can explain your rights and options and help you make informed decisions about your case.
• You may face challenges from the insurance company – Insurance companies may challenge your claim or try to deny it outright. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your claim is properly documented and presented.

Contact a Will County Workers’ Compensation Attorney

It is important not to make the mistake of handling your workers’ compensation claim on your own. An attorney can be an invaluable resource during this challenging time. Contact the skilled Joliet workers’ compensation lawyers with McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC. Call 815-727-0100 for a free consultation.

As you are likely aware, workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are hurt or become sick because of their job. However, there are certain situations and conditions that workers’ compensation does not cover. Today, we will discuss when workers may not be eligible for this type of compensation. If you have been injured or fallen ill due to your job and have questions regarding workers’ compensation, consider contacting a workers’ compensation attorney who will work with you to understand your legal options.

What Situations and Conditions Must Exist that Make an Employee Ineligible for Workers’ Compensation? 

There are various situations where workers’ compensation will not cover an injury. Those situations involve the following:

• Intentional self-injury – Workers’ compensation does not cover intentional self-injury. Employees who injure themselves on purpose are not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. 

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It is not hyperbole to say that police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders are among the heroes of our society. Day after day, night after night, these men and women put their life on the line to help others in their time of greatest need. But unfortunately, such occupations do carry a substantial risk of injury. As a result, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs are eligible for workers' compensation for injuries they sustain in the line of duty. 

Today, we will talk about what is most important to know regarding workers' compensation for police officers, firefighters, and EMTs. Accordingly, if you are an individual working in one of these professions and you have sustained an injury on the job, do not hesitate to contact a workers' compensation attorney to ensure you receive the compensation for your injury or injuries that you may be entitled to.

Common Injuries for Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and EMTs

Injuries are prevalent in these types of roles because of the physicality of the job. Whether chasing down a suspect and wrestling them to the ground or running into a burning office building to save the occupants inside, these jobs are very physical, making it easier to sustain injuries. Common injuries include the following:

To put it plainly, workers' compensation is there to help injured workers when they need it most. Compensation for a work-related injury is often used for medical expenses, lost wages, and even total disability if the injury was severe to the extent that the injured person became disabled because of the injury. Thankfully, the Illinois Workers' Compensation act mandates that employers provide workers' compensation insurance to their employees. 

However, like many other government programs, the process for obtaining workers’ compensation can be difficult and highly complex. As a result, making a mistake when filing your claim can be easy. To ensure that no errors are made, contacting, and working with an experienced workers' compensation attorney is essential to ensuring the process is as smooth as possible.

What Mistakes Do People Make When Filing Their Claim? 

Making a mistake during the workers’ compensation process is an excellent way to derail your claim. Besides not hiring an attorney after their work-related accident, the first mistake people often make when filing for workers' compensation is failing to receive medical treatment for their injuries promptly. If you delay getting treatment for your injuries, the insurance company will likely argue that your injury could not have been that serious if it did not require prompt medical treatment. So get treatment as soon as possible.