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.