Click above to read.
Horrible result from gross oversight on employer’s part. Shows that our actions certainly have consequences. OSHA violations, Workers’ Compensation claim, and in some circumstances a third party claim may result.
Workers Compensation
Why Not Talk with the Insurance Company Adjuster
What can it hurt to speak with the insurance company adjuster about your work injury or motor vehicle collision?
You may think it will speed up the process and get your check faster, however it can result in a low ball offer and harm your case in the end.
Some adjusters will want to take a recorded statement from you before they will talk settlement.
Whatever you say to the insurance adjuster in the recording can be used against you later in the case.
You may misunderstand a question or become nervous and misspeak. It is hard to undue the mistake once it happens. So make sure that you do not agree to a recorded statement unless you have a lawyer present with you.
Some adjusters will want to make a quick settlement offer and wrap up the case.
The problem is that once you settle your case it is over. If you miss a medical bill or need more medical treatment later, then it is your responsibility.
Be very careful before you settle your case. Make sure that an experienced workers’ compensation or personal injury lawyer reviews your settlement before you sign any documents.
Insurance companies have many lawyers on retainer to protect its interests, make sure that you have a lawyer to help you out.
Questions about your injury? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation and personal injury lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.
Social Security Disability and Work Comp Hearing Tip
One overlooked aspect of testifying in your disability or Workers’ Compensation case is being likeable.
Many cases are close cases. Meaning that in the Judge’s eyes a small piece of evidence can sway the Judge to deny or approve your case.
It often comes down to how you testify in court before the Judge.
The legal term is whether the witness is credible or believable.
The best way to influence a Judge favorably is to be polite and answer truthfully and in a way the paints the picture of your condition and limitations.
A witness who argues with a Judge, who is evasive, or gives confusing and long winded answers does not help himself.
Judge’s usually do not give witnesses like these the benefit of the doubt.
However, witnesses who treat a Judge with respect, who answer in a straight forward manner and explain what happens to them in a reasonable manner will find that Judge’s will overlook some weaknesses in their case.
It is only human nature that a Judge will find it easier to side with a polite witness who testifies with a ring of truth.
Above all, do not give the Judge a reason to find against you. Instead, make it difficult for the Judge to rule against you.
Questions about your Social Security Disability or Workers’ Compensation case? Feel free to call Illinois Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.
Illinois budget impasse may be broken with workers comp compromise – Watchdog.org
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin thinks reforming workers comp is where Republicans and Democrats in Illinois can start to come together.
Source: Illinois budget impasse may be broken with workers comp compromise – Watchdog.org
Click above to read.
Be very nervous when Illinois Workers’ Compensation is the focus of the legislature and the Governor. It can only get worse for injured workers in this State.
Work Comp and Social Security Disability Tip Number 5
What is found in your medical records will make or break your Social Security Disability case or Illinois Workers’ Compensation case.
The Judge will give great weight to what the doctor or nurse writes in your records.
If you tell the Judge that the doctor got it wrong, you will lose because the Judge almost always believes what the doctor puts in your medical records.
It is the job of the doctor or nurse to write an accurate description of what they observe and what the patient tells them.
The Judge believes that what you tell the doctor near the time of the injury is closer to the truth than what you testify to at trial.
Make sure that you explain clearly to the medical provider how your accident happened and what parts of your body you injured.
You should also explain how it hurts you, how often it hurts, how long it hurts and how it limits you.
For instance, if you need to elevate your leg for 15 minutes every 2 hours because your knee swells make sure that you tell the doctor.
One idea is that you should write down the key information before your doctor appointment, and give a copy to your doctor and nurse so it is fresh in their mind and they will not misunderstand you.
Questions about your disability or work comp case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.