Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?

 Posted on May 06, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

If you get injured at work, your employer likely has a workers’ compensation policy so you can receive compensation for whatever costs and damages you suffered. Unfortunately, it can be quite complicated to get a big insurance company to pay you the maximum amount you are eligible for. An experienced Joliet, IL workers’ comp attorney with a track record of successful compensation claims can help you navigate the process.

Why is a Lawyer Important?

Without qualified legal representation, there are many ways your workers’ comp claim might not go the way you want it to:

• Missed deadlines: There are strict deadlines for filing everything necessary for a workers’ comp claim. As a worker, you have 45 days to inform your employer of your injury. You also have up to three years to file the claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Missed deadlines might mean you have lost the chance to file your claim altogether. Lawyers who are experienced with these kinds of cases will know all about the deadlines you need to be aware of and can keep track of your progress in obtaining all the paperwork you need to file. 
• Insufficient compensation: Qualified workers’ comp lawyers can fight for the maximum compensation you might be entitled to. As an individual without prior experience in similar cases, you might be overwhelmed or intimidated by the big insurance company that has no interest in giving you all the compensation you deserve. They may employ various ways to try to give you less than they should, but an attorney can make sure that your rights and interests are being protected.
• Lack of familiarity with your rights: The laws regarding workers’ comp can be confusing, especially for someone who has not been legally trained. Without reliable legal representation, you will not have anyone dedicated to making sure you are aware of your rights and that they remain the top priority throughout the case. Having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side can make a big difference and can help you reach informed decisions.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Will County, IL Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you need to file a claim for damages you suffered from a work injury, let a skilled Joliet, IL workers’ comp attorney help. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we will fight aggressively to get you the best outcome. Call us at 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation.