Workers Compensation Commission

Work Comp Settlements and Patience

Dirk May Help, Insurance, Law, Settlements, Workers Compensation, Workers Compensation Commission

Does it pay to be patient in Illinois Workers’ Compensation cases?

Look at it this way. The more desperate you appear, the quicker it appears you want your money, the more reluctant you appear to be to go to trial in your case, the easier it is for the Work Comp insurance company to stick to a lower offer. They can sense when you have reached your need to resolve the case.

I realize it is difficult to battle through the stress and to overcome financial problems, but if you cannot fight back against the Work Comp company then you will not be able to be get the full value of your case.

In most cases, the best way to get full value is take the deposition of your doctors. This shows you mean business and locks in your doctor’s favorable testimony.

Questions about your settlement? Feel free to call Illinois Work Comp attorney at 309-827-4371.

Cannot Return to Your Old Job? What it means to your Work Comp Settlement

Dirk May Help, Insurance, Law, Medical, Settlements, Workers Compensation, Workers Compensation Commission

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.

Illinois Work Comp and Attorney Fees

Dirk May Help, Insurance, Law, Settlements, Workers Compensation, Workers Compensation Commission

Lawyer fees in Illinois Workers Compensation case are often misunderstood.

You can get a lawyer to help you without paying any up front legal fees. This is called a contingent fee. In other words, you do not have pay anything unless the lawyer wins money for you. You pay at the end of the case.

In Illinois, the fee is limited to 20% of your recovery.

That is not bad, considering that recoveries can be worth thousands of dollars. They can also result in payment of medical bills and cover future medical.

Questions about legal fees, or ways a lawyer may be able to help you in your work injury case? Feel free to call me, Illinois Work Comp Lawyer, Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

Tax Help- Available Money

Dirk May Help, Law, Workers Compensation, Workers Compensation Commission

There is free tax help available throughout Central Illinois.

This is important because you may be able to get money from the Earned Income Tax Credit. You do not have to have any tax due to take advantage of this program.
In other words, you do not have to pay any tax and you get a refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit.

In the Bloomington, Illinois area contact Heartland Community College. In Champaign, Illinois contact Parkland Community College or the Champaign Public Library. In Springfield, Illinois contact Lincoln Land Community College or the Springfield Public Library. In Peoria, Illinois contact Illinois Central Community College or the Peoria Public College.

Many people who are seeking Workers’ Compensation or who are receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits may be able to receive additional money if they file a tax return.

Illinois Work Comp: How Much Money and How Long?

Dirk May Help, Insurance, Law, Medical, Settlements, Workers Compensation, Workers Compensation Commission

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