Workers compensation provides wage replacement and covers medical expenses when an employee is injured while on the job. For these benefits, the employer is required to give up his or her right to sue the employer for negligence. In the majority of cases, this system works well, but there are times when you need to hire a Chicago workers comp attorney to protect your rights.
Workers comp is far more complicated than it might appear on the surface. There are specific procedures that must be followed, and strict timelines that must be met.
When to contact a workers comp attorney:
There are circumstances where contacting a workers comp attorney is in your best interest:
* Your employer has denied that your injury is work related
* You were denied benefits by the insurance company
* You have no source of income
* The accident was caused by a third party
Negotiating with your employer’s insurer:
Insurance companies are tasked with the responsibility of maximizing their profits. To do this, they attempt to minimize their financial exposure. Even though you may not be 100 percent recovered, the doctor will assign a disability rating. This does not mean that the insurance company will settle. In many cases, you won’t know what the disability rating is. If the doctor was working for the insurance company, you can almost bet that they will assign the lowest rating that is consistent with the law. When you are represented by a Chicago workers comp attorney, they will request a second opinion. With a new rating and sufficient supporting medical evidence and documentation, your attorney will negotiate a far better settlement.
If the insurance company does not budge from its position, your attorney will take the case to trial.
If you are injured at work, and you do not get the medical and financial help you deserve, you should hire a Chicago workers comp attorney. You are invited to contact the Shea Law Group. Like us on our facebook page.