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.

False confessions, or confessions to crimes that an individual did not commit, are well-known in the justice system. While it may seem strange or counterintuitive for someone to confess to a crime they themselves were not responsible for, there are several reasons people do so. For anyone charged with committing a crime, it is essential to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected. It is vital to speak with law enforcement only if an attorney is present, as this may reduce the likelihood of getting stuck in a vulnerable position, which can lead to false confessions.

Reasons Why False Confessions Occur

The following are reasons why false confessions occur, including:

• Coercion and duress – One of the most common reasons people confess to crimes they are not responsible for is coercion and compulsion. This can include physical coercion, such as torture or abuse, or psychological pressure, such as threats, deception, or intimidation. When an individual is subjected to this kind of treatment, they may feel that confessing to a crime is the only way to end the abuse or to protect themselves or their loved ones.
• Mental illness or intellectual disability – People with mental illness or intellectual disabilities are at a higher risk of making false confessions. This is because they may not fully understand the consequences of their actions or may be more susceptible to suggestion or manipulation by law enforcement. Additionally, people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities may be more likely to give inaccurate information during interrogations due to impaired cognitive abilities.
• Desire for attention or fame – Sometimes, people may falsely confess to crimes to gain attention or notoriety. This can include people who are mentally ill or have a history of attention-seeking behavior. In other scenarios, someone may falsely confess to a crime to protect another person or to cover up their involvement in the crime.
• Misunderstanding or miscommunication – Some false confessions may result from misunderstandings between the individual and law enforcement. For example, the individual may have given an ambiguous or confusing statement during an interrogation, and law enforcement may have interpreted that statement as a confession.

Contact a Joliet Criminal Defense Attorney

Remember, do not speak with the police unless there is a lawyer present. Moreover, if you have been charged with a crime, consider contacting the experienced Will County criminal defense lawyers with McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC. Call 815-727-0100 for a free consultation.

Personal injury cases can be complicated and emotional, and it is important to understand the types of damages that may be available. Damages are the monetary compensation awarded to the plaintiff in a personal injury case for the harm they have suffered. Therefore, if you have suffered a personal injury, it is essential to understand what damages may be relevant to you and your case. Remember, an experienced personal injury attorney can be highly beneficial during this time, as they can explain your legal options while ensuring your rights stay protected.

Types of Damages That May Be Relevant to Your Case

• Economic damages – Economic damages are the monetary losses that result from the injury. Economic damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages – Non-economic damages are intangible losses that result from the injury. These damages are meant to compensate the plaintiff for any emotional or psychological harm they have suffered as a result of the injury. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages – These damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff for their losses. Instead, they are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and deter them from participating in similar activities in the future. Therefore, punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the accused party’s conduct was incredibly obscene and reckless.
• Loss of consortium – Loss of consortium damages are awarded to compensate the spouse or family members of the injured person for the loss of companionship, affection, and support they have suffered due to the injury.
• Wrongful death damages – Wrongful death damages are awarded to the surviving family members of a person who has died due to the defendant’s actions. These damages can include compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and loss of financial support.

Contact a Joliet Personal Injury Lawyer

Suppose you have been injured as a result of someone else’s actions. In that case, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, our experienced Will County personal injury attorneys are committed to helping injured clients receive the compensation they may be entitled to. For more information about our firm’s services, call us at 815-727-0100 for a free consultation.

Source - https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/non-economic-damages/

In criminal cases, a defendant must enter a plea to the charges brought against them. The plea entered is a crucial step in the legal process and can significantly impact the case outcome. Today, we will discuss three different types of pleas available in criminal cases and the pros and cons of each. If you are facing criminal charges, you must work with a criminal defense attorney to understand your rights and which plea makes the most sense for your current situation.

Guilty Plea

This plea means the defendant admits to the criminal charges and accepts responsibility for their actions. By pleading guilty, the defendant waives their right to a trial and agrees to be sentenced by a judge. Sometimes, a defendant may plead guilty as part of a plea bargain. This is when the prosecution agrees to reduce the charges or recommend a more lenient sentence in exchange for the defendant’s admission of guilt.

The pros of a guilty plea are as follows:

If you have been involved in an accident or have suffered an injury, it is essential to understand that; chances are, the insurance company would prefer you not hire an attorney. Insurance companies may try to convince you that you do not need one or that an attorney will only complicate matters. However, the truth is that hiring a lawyer can help you protect your legal rights and maximize compensation. Today, we will discuss why the insurance company would prefer you not employ legal counsel. Remember, if you have been in an accident or have been injured, hiring a personal injury attorney is an essential first step in ensuring your rights remain protected, respected, and advocated for. 

Reasons Why the Insurance Company Wishes You Do Not Lawyer Up

There are many reasons why the insurance company hopes you do not lawyer up after your accident or injury, including:

• Reduced payout – Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out large settlements. Therefore, they will often try to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. If you do not have a lawyer representing you, you may be offered a far less settlement than you deserve. A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries, damages, and losses. 

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