Settlements

In Illinois Workers’ Compensation Law it can make a difference in your settlement value if you cannot return to your old job because of your work injury.

For instance, if your work injury results in restrictions that keep you performing your former work, and you find another job that pays less money than your old job, then you may be entitled to difference in your wages.

The Work Comp law provides that you are entitled to 2/3 of the difference for as long as your condition exists. For example, if you made $16 an hour and your injury forced you into a $10 an hour job, then you are entitled to 2/3 of the $6 difference. This would be $4 an hour for as long as your condition existed.

As you can see, this could add up to be quite a bit of money over someone’s lifetime.

This is why it is very important to know what your permanent restriction will be, and how it will affect your job before you settle your Work Comp case.

Questions about Work Comp settlements? Feel free to call me, Illinois Work Comp Attorney, Dirk May 309-827-4371.

The most asked questions in Illinois Workers’ Compensation cases are: How much is my case worth?, and How long will my case take?

The honest answer is that we do not always know.

The value of the case cannot be determined until you are done with your medical treatment, and your final restrictions are decided. The value of your case also depends on your average weekly wage. The Work Comp law requires your wage to be based on your pay for the 52 weeks before your injury. This means that someone with a lower paying job will have a smaller settlement than someone with the same injury at a high wage job.

How long your case takes depends on how long it takes you to heal, and when the doctor releases you. You cannot settle your case until medical treatment is complete.

If the insurance company is denying your claim, and you need a trial to have the judge decide your case, then your case may take some time to be prepared for trial.

More questions about your Illinois Work Comp case? Feel free to give me a call at 309-827-4371. Ask for Dirk

In Illinois Workers’ Compensation, the most serious leg and knee injuries involve surgeries for acl tears or meniscus tears, or fractures.

Restrictions resulting from serious knee and leg injuries can include limited sitting, standing, and potentially lifting restrictions. You may also need to use a cane, walker or wheelchair.

You may also need long term pain medications, medical equipment, or knee replacements.

You can see that these restrictions may seriously restrict your work abilities. They may also result in future medical costs.

Your settlement should address future medical needs and any work limitations you may have.

Questions about leg and knee injuries at work? Please feel free to give Illinois Work Comp lawyer Dirk May a call at 309-827-4371.

Most neck injuries in Illinois Workers’ Compensation cases involve herniated discs or bulging discs.

The most serious of these injuries result in surgeries to repair the disc, or a fusion surgery to repair several levels of the cervical spine.

Restrictions from the neck or cervical injuries usually involve restricted movement of the neck, or neck pain that radiates into the arms, or chronic pain resulting from the condition. Nerve pain or neuropathy is also another residual that often results.

Many injured workers with neck surgery have to take powerful pain medications that have side effects such as fatigue or loss of concentration. This can dramatically limit your ability to work.

Serious restrictions, or the need for ongoing medical treatment, or pain medications are important factors that must be taken care of in your Work Comp settlement contract.

You want to make sure that your future medical needs will be covered, and any reduced ability to work is addressed in the settlement.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss neck injuries and your Illinois Workers’ Compensation settlement.