Do Not Believe Everything You Hear

Illinois Workers’ Compensation laws may be subject to change soon if the new Governor has his way.

This has emboldened some insurance companies to tell injured workers that they no longer have to pay their bills or for their time off work.

They sense that they have nothing to lose if the injured worker believes them and drops their claim.

You should check with an experienced Illinois Work Comp lawyer to make sure that all your rights are being protected.

Do not let an insurance company tell you what they are going to do.

You must know what you are entitled to pursuant to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation law and how to make sure that you get it.

A Workers’ Compensation lawyer does not charge anything unless he can get money for you.

Questions about how to fight the insurance companies? Feel free to contact Illinois Work Comp Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Back Surgeries and Work Comp

Illinois Workers’ Compensation law treats back surgeries differently from other type of injuries.

For instance, a back surgery is worth more than a back injury with conservative treatment such as physical therapy treatment, injections or pain medications.

Make sure that the workers’ compensation insurance company does not convince you to settle your case before surgery or offer you a low amount that does not take into account your surgery.

Make sure that the adjuster does not tell you that your injury is not serious since your surgery has taken care of your herniated disc, or your narrowed spinal canal, or stopped most of your pain.

That is not what matters in Illinois Workers’ Compensation back surgery cases.

The fact that you have had a surgery increases the value of your settlement.

Any additional restrictions that you have because of the surgery and injury add value to your case.

Make sure that you discuss your case with an experienced Illinois Work Comp attorney before you settle your case.

An insurance adjuster will try to close out your case too soon and save money for the insurance company.

You need to protect yourself against these tactics.

Need to know what you the law in Illinois says about your work injury? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Comp Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Good News- You Are Entitled to A Workers’ Compensation Settlement

The law in Illinois provides that you are entitled to a Workers’ Compensation settlement if you are injured on the job and you can prove it.

Some Insurance Companies are failing to tell injured workers that they are entitled to a settlement or they are telling them that the law has changed and they cannot get any settlement.

This information is false.

If you do not settle your claim within a specified amount of time or file an application of claim pursuant to the Illinois law, then your right to a settle will be forever waived.

Make sure that you do not lose your rights to your work injury settlement.

Consult with an experienced Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer immediately to make sure that you get the money you deserve.

Do not rely on information from the Workers’ Compensation company who does not have your interests in mind.

Any attorney’s fees are limited to 20 percent of your recovery and are not payable until you get your money.

Contact Illinois Work Comp Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee for a free consultation at 309-827-4371.

Illinois Workers’ Comp Thoughts

This is a composite of different discussions and experiences I have had with insurance company staff, attorneys and people who have had sought workers’ compensation in Illinois.

This fictional interview takes poetic license to give you an idea of what happens at an insurance company when a work injury occurs.

What is your job?

I am a claims adjuster for a major insurance company. I handle work comp claims from time of injury until settlement.

How many claimants would estimate show up without a lawyer?

Quite a few do not have a lawyer.

What do you notice about claimants who do not have a lawyer?

They do not understand the process and why their bills are not being paid, or why they are denied, or the rights they have under the Illinois law.

What would you advise them if your boss would not find out?

Make sure you report your injury right away and go to the doctor immediately and tell them you were hurt at work.
This makes your case much smoother. You are also entitled to a settlement at the end of the case. If you are hurt make sure that you get all your medical treatment before you settle your case. Once you settle. It is all over and you have to pay for any future medical treatment.

Why do you think some people go into something so important as a work injury case without a lawyer?

They think that they have to pay a lot of money to get a lawyer to represent them.
They do not understand that the lawyers only get paid if they win, and the State limits how much the lawyer charges.
They do not understand that the insurance company has lawyers helping us every day.

Make sure that you do not make these mistakes in your Work Injury case. Feel free to call Illinois Work Comp Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.

What Kind of Work Comp Lawyer Do You Need?

Workers’ Compensation in Illinois can be complicated so make sure your lawyer is helping you as much as possible.

If you need your lawyer to come see you in the hospital or at your home make sure that you ask the lawyer.

Your lawyer should help you file your application. You want to have all the advice and input necessary before you provide any information to your employer and the Work Comp insurance company.

When you get any paperwork from the insurance company make sure you call your attorney. When you get a call from the Work Comp adjuster be sure to call your attorney. Any information you provide the insurance company may be used against you later in the case.

If you are scheduled for an IME doctor’s appointment call your lawyer right away to discuss what will happen.

Any discussion of settlement should be reviewed carefully with your lawyer. Once you sign the paperwork it is too late.

If you reach the trial stage you should go over and update all medical information with your lawyer before the hearing.

Getting ready for the trial and discussing the questions that will be asked at the hearing is crucial.

Only an experienced Work Comp attorney can prepare you for the questions the insurance company will ask at the hearing, and explain what you need to prove to win your case.

Finally, if you need a ride to get to the hearing then your attorney should be able to help if you cannot get there with family or friends.

Questions about your Workers’ Compensation case? Feel free to contact Illinois Work Comp Lawyer Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.