Workers Compensation

The best thing to do in Illinois if you are injured on the job is to go to the doctor right away and explain you were hurt at work.

However, if for some reason your medical treatment was delayed explain to the doctor and the medical staff why it took you longer to get into see the doctor.

For instance, if you are trying to get an appointment and it takes a long time make sure to tell the staff that it is a work comp case and document it in writing (keep a copy of the note or letter).

If you did not notice pain immediately, then explain to the doctor how you were hurt at work and there was a delay in pain or limitations from the accident.

If your doctor does not diagnose the problem right away and then refers you to a specialist, make sure to explain to the specialist that your primary care doctor was having a problem figuring out your symptoms.

Whatever causes the delay make sure to make an immediate written accident report to your supervisor and human resources department (keep a copy of your report).

You want to avoid the insurance company disputing your work injury case.

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

A pre-existing problem is a condition that you received treatment for before the date of your work injury.

For example, you may have had a surgery on your right shoulder a year ago. Then last week you tear your right shoulder while lifting a 30 pound box over your heard.

Or you have had a bad back for several years and you twist it while working on the assembly line. Now you need a disc surgery.

Illinois law provides that if your work injury makes your prior condition worse, then you are entitled to benefits such as medical treatment, off work pay and a settlement at the end of your case.

Many insurance companies will deny your claim because your body part ( shoulder, back) was damaged before the date of your work accident.

This is wrong.

You should contact an Illinois Work Comp lawyer right away to get help. It does not cost any upfront money to do this. The lawyer is only paid at the end of your case when you recover money.

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