Illinois

Mock Interview of Illinois Workers’ Compensation Arbitrator

Dirk May Help, Illinois, Illinois Work Comp Attorney, Illinois Work Comp Lawyer, Law, Lawyers, Workers Compensation ,

This what I imagine an arbitrator, what they call a Workers’ Compensation Judge in Illinois, would tell you about the inner workings of the work injury system.

Q: What is the main part of your job?

A: The most important part of my job is to decide disputed cases and provide a well reasoned ruling as quickly as possible. I understand that an injured worker’s life has been interrupted and if they meet the requirements of the law they are entitled to off work pay, medical benefits and compensation for the injury. At the same time, the employer should not have to pay for medical treatment and any additional money to a person who was not injured on the job.

Q: What are you looking for when you have a trial?

A: Really for me there are two main aspects of the case I focus on. First, are the witnesses believable. In most cases there are only one or two witnesses, and the injured worker is the person who testifies the longest. Witnesses who tell a story that doesn’t make sense do not get very far with me. Witnesses who fight the lawyers or who are angry make it difficult at times. The second part is looking at the medical records. They really do tell a story.

Q: What specifically are you looking for in the medical records?

A: Did the injured worker go to the doctor right away? It does not make much sense if you are seriously injured and delay in seeing the doctor. Did you tell the medical personnel how you were hurt? Why would someone hide important information from their doctor?

Q: Any other important information you look for?

A: Did the injured worker file an accident report? Or is there a witness to the accident. These things can certainly make an injured worker’s case stronger.

Q: What about doctor testimony?

A: Sometimes in a close case regarding whether the accident could have caused the medical condition there are some complex issues. However, in most cases the medical records really show what is happening and the doctors are just confirming what makes sense.

As mentioned, this is what I believe an Arbitrator would tell you. But remember this is just my take on important parts of a case.

Questions about your work comp case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

 

Piatt County teen killed in bicycle crash with car | News-Gazette.com

Dirk May Help, Illinois, In the news, Law, Lawyers ,

Piatt County Coroner Troy Dunn said Ashton Brandenburg, 14, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Illinois 32, just south of Piatt County Road 500 North.

Source: Piatt County teen killed in bicycle crash with car | News-Gazette.com

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Bicycle riders have rights to the road also. Investigation will attempt to reveal how collision happened and if any traffic violations occurred. This information may be used in a civil lawsuit for damages.

Estate of student who died jumping from bus is suing school district

Dirk May Children, Illinois, In the news, Law, Lawyers ,

The legal guardian of a Grant Middle School student who died after he jumped out of the back of a moving school bus has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Springfield School District and First Student bus company.Hubebia Langston, legal guardian of 14-year-old Idris Alford, alleges negligence on the part of the school district and First Student.Springfield police said Alford opened the back door and jumped out on his own accord while the bus was traveling at approximately 40 mph near

Source: Estate of student who died jumping from bus is suing school district

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It is difficult to prove that bus employees knew of the student’s plans and had time to react and prevent him from acting on his threats. The law also provides a defense when another person’s reckless actions cause his own injuries. This will be a hard case for the estate of the young man.

Social Security Disability Tips

Dirk May Help, Illinois, Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney, Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer, Social Security, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income ,

Do not wait to strengthen your Social Security Disability case.

Social Security must make two decisions in your case.

First, are you disabled.

Second, if you are disabled when did you become disabled.

Strong evidence will help get the earliest possible disability onset date.

This means more money for you.

Tip number 1: go to the doctor early and often and tell the doctor about how your condition limits you. For example, my legs swell all the time and I need to elevate them on the couch for most of the day.

Tip number 2: get xrays, MRIs, and any tests that will objectively prove your problems. For example, arthritis shows up on xrays. Spine problems may show up on MRIs. EMGs may show nerve problems. Social Security places a lot of value on objective tests that support pain complaints.

Tip number 3: get prescriptions for canes, walkers, braces. Social Security gives more weight to prescriptions because the doctor is acknowledging your need for assistance.

Tip number 4: get a disability placard for parking. The doctor completes these forms if you have problems walking and standing. Many jobs require extensive walking and standing.

Tip number 5: get help with your disability application and appeals. Social Security will look at every answer you give so make sure that you respond properly.

Questions about your Social Security Disability claim? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Report: Brain disease seen in most football players | Sports | pantagraph.com

Dirk May Help, Illinois, In the news, Law, Lawyers ,

CHICAGO (AP) — Research on 202 former football players found evidence of a brain disease linked to repeated head blows in nearly all of them, from athletes in the National

Source: Report: Brain disease seen in most football players | Sports | pantagraph.com

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Scary study indicating the link between high school, college and pro football players and traumatic brain injury. Pro football players may file Workers’ Compensation claims. College and High School players must file liability lawsuits because they are not paid workers.