Law

Ten Signs that You Need an Attorney to Represent You and Protect Your Rights as a Worker

workersThe state of Illinois has laws protecting workers injured on the job. If you recently experienced an accident while in the workplace and you have surmounting medical bills and/or lost income because of the accident, you'll want to hire a personal injury lawyer to assist you with presenting your workers compensation case in the court of law.

Here are ten signs that you need an attorney to represent you and protect your rights as a worker:

1. You've missed work.You can hardly pay your bills and take care of everyday needs for you and your family when you're unable to work. Missed work often equates to missed wages.

2. You require ongoing medical care. Even with insurance, medical bills can be daunting. If you've spent any length of time in a hospital, you'll know just how expensive an accident in the workplace can be. Factor in the costs of doctors' visits and appointments with specialists and you'll have a whole lot of debt to deal with quick.

3. Your financial situation is worsening as a result of missed work. Many employees that are injured in the workplace are the sole breadwinner in their household. Even if they aren't, the income that they brought in made a big difference where the family's economic situation was concerned. If you find that you're struggling to make ends meets because of an accident, you may have a case.

4. You don't have the option of suing your employer. You can still receive benefits from the insurance company hired to represent your employer. That's who you're going to deal with most of the time anyway.Don't settle before speaking to an attorney first.

5. Your claim was denied. An attorney can still request a hearing on your behalf. The arbitrator will act like a judge, hear both sides, and then make a decision on the case.

6. You were forced to take a lesser paying job because of the extent of your injuries. You are entitle to 2/3 of your weekly wages in benefits checks according to Illinois law.

7. Your employer is harassing you. You CANNOT be fired because you were injured on the job. They also CANNOT discriminate against you because of a lawsuit.

8. You've received benefits checks. You should still file a formal claim. It could make things easier in the future in the event that you run into problems later on.

9. Your accident happened in the last three years. Illinois law gives you three years to file a claim. The deadlines is two year from the date of your last benefits checks if you received some compensation.

10. You don't know what else to do because your life has changed forever. Even if you doubt yourself, it's best to speak to a professional. Most lawyers offer free consultations so that you have nothing to lose. Contact a trusted attorney with your questions and concerns. This is especially important since the statute of limitations can prevent you from getting the compensation that you deserve.

The Social Security Administration reports, "In 2011, state and federal workers’ compensation laws covered about 125.8 million employees. Covered payroll in 2011—that is, total wages paid to covered workers—was $6.0 trillion." Some exemptions from coverage, however, were in the domestic service, agricultural employment, small employers, and casual labor sectors. Some programs provide some coverage for agricultural workers and one-half offer some form of coverage for domestic workers.

A workers compensation lawyer can be a real asset to you. If you're injured in the workplace, you'll need to reach an attorney right away. They can help you sort out the details of your case and provide you with the knowledge, expertise, and support needed to pursue a lawsuit, if necessary, in a court of a law.
Make good use of a seasoned professional. You don't need to suffer an injury alone. Lost wages, massive medical bills, and health problems are serious matters. Schedule a consultation and receive the answers that you deserve.

Donald Jaburek of Pope & Jaburek, P.C. in Chicago, Illinois is a personal injury attorney with decades of experience. Mr. Jaburek focuses his practice on motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, slip and fall, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and most other types of injury cases.

If you have any questions, please ask below!