Illinois Work Comp Attorney

Credibility- How to Help Your Injury Case

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Credibility means that you are believable and the Judge or Jury leans toward your version of events.

Credibility is important in work injury cases, personal injury cases and Social Security Disability cases.

The most important factors that enhance your credibility include how medical providers view you, how your documents support your claim, and how your testimony supports your claim.

Medical records provide a snapshot of what you told nurses and doctors at or near the time of your accident. This is viewed as important because you did not have time to reflect and possibly exaggerate your pain or the cause of your accident. Make sure that you go to the doctor right away and explain all your injuries, how the accident happened, and what limitations you are experiencing.

Documents such as police reports and accident reports corroborate your testimony regarding the cause of accident and how you were injured. Inconsistent testimony with these documents will harm your case.

Your testimony should be consistent with medical records and accident reports. Your testimony should be believable.

Exaggeration will damage your case.

Arguments with opposing lawyers, the Judge or Arbitrator will make you look bad and make it easier to deny or reduce the value of your case.

Questions about how to help your case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, and Social Security Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Help

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Here are some tips to keep you out of trouble and increase the settlement value of your Illinois Workmans’ Compensation case.

Make sure that you file an accident report as soon as possible after your injury.

This prevents the insurance company from arguing that you were injured at home or somewhere off the job.

Make sure that you go to a doctor immediately after your injury.

You do not want the insurance company to claim that your injury was minor or not related to work because you waited several days to see a doctor.

Make sure that you tell the doctor, nurse, and receptionist that you are seeking treatment because of a work injury.

Do not allow the insurance company to claim that your injury is not related to work because you failed  to provide a work related injury history to your medical providers.

Make sure that you tell the doctor and nurse about all of your work related injuries such as neck and shoulder and low back conditions.

Some insurance companies will deny claims that are not clear cut and try to argue that delayed medical treatment for separate parts of the body is proof the injury is not related to a work accident.

Speak with an experienced Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer early in the process so that you do not make mistakes that will damage the value of your settlement.

Questions about what you are facing? Feel free to contact Illinois Work Comp Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

 

What Should I Do about My Settlement Offer?

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You should always review your settlement offer with a lawyer experienced in Illinois Workers’ Compensation law or personal injury law depending on the type of case you have.

The insurance company may have made a fair offer, but you will not know until a lawyer with knowledge of the law and your case studies it.

The strength and weaknesses of your case are very crucial to determining whether your settlement offer is fair.

Do not rely on friends or family or people who claim to have some knowledge of the work comp or personal injury cases.

They do not not understand the specifics of your case or the law.

For instance, you may experience some pain or limitations after you have had surgery or medical treatment but if you do not have  permanent restrictions from the doctor, the allegations and symptoms are not as strong and may not justify additional settlement money.

Workers’ Compensation cases in Illinois are based on your average weekly wage the year before you were injured.

For instance, a person with the same injury who is a union member will have a higher settlement than a minimum wage worker with the same injury.

You also need to know how your medical bills will be paid as part of the settlement. This is different with personal injury and work comp cases.

Need some guidance with your injury case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation and personal injury lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

 

 

Why Not Talk with the Insurance Company Adjuster

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What can it hurt to speak with the insurance company adjuster about your work injury or motor vehicle collision?

You may think it will speed up the process and get your check faster, however it can result in a low ball offer and harm your case in the end.

Some adjusters will want to take a recorded statement from you before they will talk settlement.

Whatever you say to the insurance adjuster in the recording can be used against you later in the case.

You may misunderstand a question or become nervous and misspeak. It is hard to undue the mistake once it happens. So make sure that you do not agree to a recorded statement unless you have a lawyer present with you.

Some adjusters will want to make a quick settlement offer and wrap up the case.

The problem is that once you settle your case it is over. If you miss a medical bill or need more medical treatment later, then it is your responsibility.

Be very careful before you settle your case. Make sure that an experienced workers’ compensation or personal injury lawyer reviews your settlement before you sign any documents.

Insurance companies have many lawyers on retainer to protect its interests, make sure that you have a lawyer to help you out.

Questions about your injury? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation and personal injury lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Illinois budget impasse may be broken with workers comp compromise – Watchdog.org

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House Minority Leader Jim Durkin thinks reforming workers comp is where Republicans and Democrats in Illinois can start to come together.

Source: Illinois budget impasse may be broken with workers comp compromise – Watchdog.org

Click above to read.

Be very nervous when Illinois Workers’ Compensation is the focus of the legislature and the Governor. It can only get worse for injured workers in this State.