Illinois Work Comp and Independent Medical Exams

Illinois Workers’ Compensation law allows an insurance company to schedule as many independent medical exams for injured workers as it wants to.

An independent medical exam or IME involves a doctor the insurance company hires to examine an injured worker.

The purpose of the exam is not for treatment. It is to provide an opinion for the insurance company’s case.

This will be used against you in a trial or to deny benefits if the doctor’s opinion is that your condition is not related to the work accident or that you do not need anymore treatment or that you are able to return to work.

If this happens to you, then you do not have to give up on your case.

You should see an experienced Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney right away if this happens to you.

It does not cost you anything to hire an Illinois Work Comp lawyer. The law provides that all attorney fees are contingent upon winning your cases. This means that you do not have to pay a fee until you receive money from the insurance company. All fees are limited to 20 percent of the total award or settlement.

Do not the insurance company keep you from the money you are entitled to. Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Senate panel votes down Rauner’s work-comp plan | Belleville News-Democrat Belleville News-Democrat

One of the pillars of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s “turnaround agenda” for improving Illinois’ business climate fell Wednesday in a state Senate committee.

Source: Senate panel votes down Rauner’s work-comp plan | Belleville News-Democrat Belleville News-Democrat

 

Click above to read.

This bill was voted down in an Illinois Senate Committee. However, nothing is ever dead in Illinois politics. Similar Workers’ Compensation changes may surface in combination with the budget negotiations. The Governor has continued to tie any budget agreements with Workers’ Compensation changes and business related issues.

A Social Security Disability Primer | Brad Reid

The Social Security Act provides financial benefits to qualified individuals who have suffered a physical or mental disability. “Disability” is defined as the “inability to engage in an

Source: A Social Security Disability Primer | Brad Reid

 

Click above to read.

Some background information explaining Social Security Disability. If you need a specific explanation about your situation please call for a free consultation. Illinois Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Work Comp- Denied?

What do you do when your Workers’ Compensation insurance company denies your claim and tells you they will not pay for any more medical treatment or pay for your time off work?

Some insurance companies will legitimately deny a person based on medical information or accident information, however some insurance companies will deny an injured worker in hopes that the person will drop the case.

If you have a bona fide injury, then you should contact an experienced Illinois Work Comp Attorney to help you.

Do not let the insurance company try to bluff you.

If you have suffered a work injury you are entitled to off work pay, medical treatment, and a settlement.

An Illinois Workers’ Compensation lawyer can tell you if you have a compensable case and what you need to do to win.

It does not cost any upfront money to hire a lawyer. In Illinois a lawyer is only paid when you get paid. The fee is limited to 20 percent of your recovery.

Questions about your work injury case? Feel free to contact Illinois Work Comp Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Chiari Malformations and Social Security Disability

Chiari malformations involve structural defects of the cerebellum. This part of the brain controls balance.

When part of the cerebellum is located below the foramen magnum it is called a Chiari malformation.

This may cause symptoms such as neck pain, balance problems, muscle weakness, numbness, abnormal feelings in the arms or legs, dizziness, vision problems, hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, depression, or headaches. Hand coordination and fine motor skills may also be affected.

CT scans and MRIs are often used to diagnose Chiari malformations.

Treatment for people who are symptomatic usually involves surgery. The purpose is to relieve the pressure on the cerebellum or the spinal column.

When the symptoms become severe they may interfere with work and activities of daily living.

This may require you to file for Social Security Disability.

To win your case you will have to prove the severity of your symptoms.

This will include having doctors’ records documenting the diagnosis, treatment and symptoms.

You will need to have your medical providers explain and record your problems and their frequency.

You should also have family members and friends keep a log of your problems and limitations and what they do to help you out.

Getting Social Security Disability benefits is never easy so your doctors and family must be made aware of your symptoms and the problems that result from your condition.

Need help? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.