settlement

Corrections agrees to $450,000 settlement in Lincoln prison rape lawsuit – News – The State Journal-Register – Springfield, IL

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The Illinois Department of Corrections has agreed to pay $450,000 to a man who says he was punished and humiliated by prison officials after he reported that his cellmate raped him at the Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln.The man’s attorneys announced the settlement of his federal lawsuit Friday.He was imprisoned for eight months for a minor drug offense and was housed in a cell with a gang member serving 22 years for armed robbery who had a record of starting prison fights.The lawsuit says

Source: Corrections agrees to $450,000 settlement in Lincoln prison rape lawsuit – News – The State Journal-Register – Springfield, IL

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This case shows that even prisoners have legal rights that may result in a damages settlement or award.

Pontiac prison on lockdown after inmates assault 6 workers | Chicago Sun-Times

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A prison in central Illinois has been placed on lockdown while state officials investigate the assault of six employees by five inmates.

Source: Pontiac prison on lockdown after inmates assault 6 workers | Chicago Sun-Times

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Prison guards and workers may file Workers’ Compensation claims in Illinois for injuries they suffer as a result of inmate attacks. The damages may include payment of medical bills related to the assault, time off work pay, and permanent partial disability for the injury itself. The amount of settlement is tied to the average weekly wage of the injured worker.

Illinois Work Comp- You Have to Know When to Hold Them

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Negotiating your Workers’ Compensation settlement is really an art.

As the song goes you have to know when to hold them and when to fold them.

This is all based on the value of your case and how strong it is.

In other words, is there some defense the Insurance company has that may reduce the value of your case or may knock out your case all together.

There is nothing worse than having a decent offer, rejecting it and going to trial and receiving a zero from the Arbitrator.

An experienced Illinois Work Comp lawyer can explain the weaknesses of your case and what you should expect from the Arbitrator.

Case value depends on your wage the year before you were injured, times 60 percent, times a number of weeks for each body part.

The job of your lawyer is to get a fair settlement based on the nature of your injury and your wage.

Sometimes you may be unable to return to your former job.

This usually requires a job search.

You must be committed to do the hard work of looking for a new job.

This is the only way you can prove the wage difference between your old job and the new job.

Whatever you do make sure that you get someone to help you through the maze of Illinois Work Comp rules and laws.

Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

What Should I Do about My Settlement Offer?

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You should always review your settlement offer with a lawyer experienced in Illinois Workers’ Compensation law or personal injury law depending on the type of case you have.

The insurance company may have made a fair offer, but you will not know until a lawyer with knowledge of the law and your case studies it.

The strength and weaknesses of your case are very crucial to determining whether your settlement offer is fair.

Do not rely on friends or family or people who claim to have some knowledge of the work comp or personal injury cases.

They do not not understand the specifics of your case or the law.

For instance, you may experience some pain or limitations after you have had surgery or medical treatment but if you do not have  permanent restrictions from the doctor, the allegations and symptoms are not as strong and may not justify additional settlement money.

Workers’ Compensation cases in Illinois are based on your average weekly wage the year before you were injured.

For instance, a person with the same injury who is a union member will have a higher settlement than a minimum wage worker with the same injury.

You also need to know how your medical bills will be paid as part of the settlement. This is different with personal injury and work comp cases.

Need some guidance with your injury case? Feel free to contact Illinois Workers’ Compensation and personal injury lawyer Dirk May at 309-827-4371.

 

 

Why Not Talk with the Insurance Company Adjuster

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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.