Arm Injuries and Work Comp Settlements


In Illinois Workers’ Compensation cases, with arm injuries it can be difficult to determine settlement value.

An arm has a total value of 253 weeks. The arm is usually awarded a percentage of the 253 weeks. For example, 10 percent is worth 25.3 weeks.

However, if you must change your job due to your arm injury you may be able to get up to 100 to 150 weeks.

If you have permanent restrictions as a result of your work accident, then this also increases your settlement value.

The problem with arm injuries is that they may need future surgery. You will need to cover the future medical needs in your settlement, or you will have to pay for them on your own.

Questions about arm injuries and your Workmans Compensation settlement? Feel Free to call Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

More About How Long Social Security Disability Takes

In a recent blog post I discussed how much time it usually takes to get through the Social Security Disability system in Central Illinois. In this post I will explain this in more detail.

When you file your application for Disability, it will be sent to Springfield, Illinois for review. This will take about 5 to 7 weeks.

If you are denied benefits, then the appeal will go back to Springfield for someone else to review. This will also take about 5 to 7 weeks.

If you are denied again, then you will have to file a Request for Hearing. It is taking approximately 10 to 12 months for your Social Security Disability Hearing to be scheduled.

There is no sure way to speed up the process. However, it is a good idea to make certain you keep going to your doctors so you can provide updated progress reports to Social Security. You should also keep Social Security informed about any changes in your household income, loss of your home, or any hardships that may occur. With dramatic changes you can request for Social Security to speed up your case.

Questions about Social Security Disability and getting approved? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

What if Work Comp Will Not Pay Me?


The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company will sometimes refuse to pay you what is called TTD or Temporary Total Disability. This is equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wage.

Why? Because they feel like it. Or they want to force you to settle for a low amount.

It is really tough to fight the Workmans Compensation Company when it refuses to pay you. But you do not have a choice.

You must take the Work Comp Insurance Company to trial. It will take some time to get ready for the trial. However, the only way to get paid the money you are entitled to is show the insurance company you are ready for trial.

Questions about Work Comp and why you are not being paid? Feel free to call Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

What if I get a Bad Judge?

Administrative Law Judges for Social Security Disability cases are randomly assigned.

You cannot tell Social Security you want a different Judge unless there is some personal conflict. Such as you know the judge or they were your lawyer at one time.

I suppose you could move out of the region, and then your case would be reassigned to a new hearing office with a new judge. Most people will not go to this extreme.

The best way to prepare is to know who the Judge is for your Social Security Disability case and how she handles the hearings.

This will give you an advantage because you will need to know what type of questions to prepare for, and what she looks for in proving your disability case.

You will also need to know how she questions vocational experts.

Questions about your Social Security Disability case, and the type of Judge you may have? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 1-309-827-4371.

Workmans Comp Settlements and Bills


What if Workers’ Compensation will not pay your medical bills?

Your only real choice is to file an Application of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and go after the Work Comp Insurance Company.

If the insurance company is not paying your bills they are telling you that they have denied your case.

The only way to fight this is to force the Work Comp insurance company to get a lawyer.

This shows them that you are ready to fight for the payment of your medical bills, your time off pay, and your settlement.

The Work Comp Insurance Company often hopes you will give up and go away.

Questions about why your work injury medical bills are not being paid? Feel free to call Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.