Peoria Workers’
Compensation Attorneys

If you suffer from a job-related illness or injury, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois. These benefits can help replace your wages while you are unable to work because of your physical condition, and they will pay for your related medical expenses. If your injury is severe or expected to be long-term or permanent, you can receive extended benefits. For families who have lost a loved one due to a work-related injury or illness, there are benefits that will pay for the decedent’s lost wages up to a certain amount.
All of these benefits are necessary, and generally, all employees in Illinois are entitled to them if they are hurt because of their duties on the job. However, many employers and workers’ compensation insurance companies put their bottom line above your physical and financial well-being. To help prevent or assist when this happens, many hire experienced Peoria workers’ compensation attorneys for help.

Are You Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

Far too often, Illinois employees fail to understand their eligibility and rights regarding workers’ compensation insurance. They need to know that in this state, workers’ compensation starts from the moment employment begins. There are no waiting periods. Your employer cannot deny your benefits because you haven’t been employed there for a specific amount of time.
Workers’ compensation also covers nearly every employee in Illinois. If your employer or their insurance company tells you that you are not covered, check with knowledgeable Peoria workers’ compensation lawyers before accepting what they tell you.
To get out of paying for your injuries, sometimes your employer or their insurance company will tell you that some of your medical expenses are not covered. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, expenses for job-related injuries and illnesses are covered under this type of insurance.

What Types of Injuries are Covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

There are hundreds of injuries that are covered under workers’ compensation insurance. However, it only covers injuries that happened on the clock or are job-related. For example, it would cover:

• Injuries caused by the repetitive use of a body part at work, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• A stroke caused by work
• A heart attack caused by work
• Any other physical problems caused by work such as injuries from falling off of a ladder, being exposed to dangerous chemicals, or a back injury from lifting heavy items
• Any pre-existing conditions made worse by work

Injuries that are not covered under workers’ compensation include:

• Injuries sustained at corporate recreational events (company picnics, bowling, or softball games), unless your employer mandates that you go
• Injuries from accidents that occur during a drug or alcohol rehab program

What Do You Need to Prove to Win Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?

When you file your workers’ compensation claim, it is up to you to prove that you have a good-faith claim. Each of the following facts must be proven to win your claim:

• You were an employee of the employer on the date you sustained your injury or illness
• You were injured or exposed to a disease because of your employment
• Your injury was caused by or made worse by the incident
• You notified the employer within the mandated time limits

Our experienced Peoria workers’ compensation attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove and win your claim. However, even if you can prove all of these facts, your employer could still oppose your claim based on:

• The extent of your injury or illness
• The amount of your average weekly income
• The necessity of your medical treatment

Can You Sue Your Employer for Your Injuries?

In most cases, employees cannot sue their employer over work-related accidents and illnesses as workers’ compensation insurance is meant to provide them with benefits. However, our seasoned Peoria workers’ compensation lawyers could examine the facts of your case to determine if a third party is possibly liable for your injuries. If so, there is no legal regulation that prevents you from filing a lawsuit to receive compensation from them.

Peoria Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Workers’ compensation benefits are extremely important after sustaining a work-related injury or illness. For many, they are a lifeline to maintaining their lifestyle and well-being. If you are being denied these benefits or any portion of them, take the time to meet with the well-versed Peoria workers’ compensation attorneys at Malman Law. We will take the time to understand the specifics of your injury and why you are being denied benefits. If your employer should be paying your benefits or you believe another party besides your employer is liable for your injuries, we can use the legal system to hold them accountable for your injuries.

Schedule your free workers’ compensation case review today by calling (312) 629-0099 or complete our convenient online contact form.

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