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Individuals spend many hours in the workplace, and it can become akin to a second home. However, accidents do happen, and workers can become injured as a result.
If you do not know what to do after a workplace accident in Chicago, a workers’ compensation attorney from McCready Law could help. A lawyer could make sure you take the proper steps in the days and weeks after an accident to secure benefits for you and your family.
The workers’ compensation system acts as insurance held by employers to cover injured employees. Nearly all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
If an accident happens in the workplace, workers’ compensation benefits go to the injured individual to avoid litigation. Without the option of bringing a legal claim as one would in other situations—such as a car accident or a slip and fall in public—a worker must take care to follow the rules set by the workers’ compensation system in place.
The process of receiving benefits can be complex, requiring the accurate completion of various forms, contact with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), and negotiations with an employer and their insurance carrier. Attempting to receive compensation without fulfilling the system’s requirements can lead to reduced or denied benefits, especially if an employer or their insurer pushes back on a worker’s claim.
Workers’ compensation benefits can include income replacement and coverage of medical expenses, immediately after an accident and into the future. An attorney who knows how to proceed after a Chicago workplace accident can provide valuable insight and assistance in securing these benefits.
Most importantly, an injured worker should do two things. First, they should report the accident to a supervisor as soon as possible. Second, they should seek medical attention to document their injuries. These actions form the foundation of a worker’s compensation claim by showing what happened and the injuries that resulted.
Alerting an employer of a workplace accident is legally required, but also allows the employer to contact their insurer and begin the process of paying out benefits. Similarly, a worker will need a doctor’s opinion to show that their injuries prevent them from working, either temporarily or permanently. This information will determine what benefits will be paid to the employee and for how long.
An attorney specializing in workers’ compensation could ensure a doctor properly examines the worker and is prepared to document injuries in a way receptive to the benefits process. A Chicago attorney can also communicate with the employer to confirm they are aware of the incident and that there is evidence proving the worker acted appropriately following the accident.
Of course, these initial actions are just the first steps in the larger workers’ compensation process. Instead of taking this system on alone, seek the legal advice of an attorney on what to do after a workplace accident in Chicago.
The injury compensation lawyers at McCready Law could investigate the circumstances surrounding your workplace accident to determine if you will be eligible for benefits and to what extent. An attorney could also evaluate whether you have a claim against a third party and protect against employers disagreeing with the facts of your situation. Schedule a consultation as soon as possible.