what happens when your workers comp attorney files a claim in the state of illinois

by Jodie Feeney 3 min read

If your employer is not paying your workers' compensation benefits, you or your attorney should contact the employer directly. Poor communication often causes delays and misunderstandings. If the problem continues, you should get an attorney. Your attorney should file a claim at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

Full Answer

How do I file a workers'compensation claim in Illinois?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a workers comp claim in Illinois: Step 1: Notify your supervisor or employer – Do this immediately, or as soon as possible, and tell them that you have been injured on the job. Step 2: Seek medical treatment – Like Step 1, this is obvious and should be done as soon as possible.

How does workers’ compensation insurance work in Illinois?

Hiring an Illinois Workers' Compensation Lawyer. Hiring an attorney is not required, but the Workers' Compensation Commission advises that most employers and employees hire attorneys for contested cases. An attorney can help facilitate settlement and/or request a formal hearing. An attorney can also help prepare evidence when a claim is heard at a trial. Illinois Workers' …

Do you need a lawyer for workers comp in Illinois?

Dec 05, 2018 · They know many ways to deny your claim. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney knows the tricks and the methods that the insurance companies will use the deny your claim. Your attorney will make sure that you file all your claims on time, that all the paperwork is properly prepared and represent you at any hearing or trial. Let the Law Firm of Argionis & …

Why was my workers'compensation claim denied in Illinois?

Mar 01, 2022 · When filing a workers’ compensation case, an employee of the State of Illinois faces a different situation than an employee of a traditional company. ... The answer is to hire a workers’ comp attorney. Not just any attorney, but one with years of experience in bringing claims against the State of Illinois. One who is aggressive, will get ...

How long does a workers comp case take to settle in Illinois?

Parties are always able to get a trial date before the arbitrator. Like most court systems, most cases at the Commission are settled. On average, a settlement is approved about two years after a claim is filed.

Do all workers comp cases end in a settlement in Illinois?

Get In Touch with Your Illinois Workers' Comp Lawyer While most workers' compensation cases end in a settlement, not all of them do. Proving a workers' compensation claim can be difficult, so it's vital to have an attorney to guide you through the process.Mar 27, 2021

What percentage does a workers comp attorney get in Illinois?

20%The Illinois Legislature has set attorneys' fees for workers compensation cases at 20% for most situations. If there is a separate case against a third-party, the case is handled separately, and the separate fee agreement will need to be agreed upon.

How are workers comp settlements calculated in Illinois?

To determine your PPD rate for settlement, we take your average weekly wage (gross not net) and multiply it by 60%. If you grossed $1,000 a week your PPD rate would be $600. There is a cap on this amount. The highest PPD rate you could have if you were injured today is $790.64.May 3, 2018

How long does it take to get workers comp settlement check?

While there's no enforceable rule on how soon the settlement check is to be released after expiration of the 30 days, it's typically one to two weeks.

Are workers comp settlements public record in Illinois?

Illinois Workers' Comp Settlements Are Public Information All workers' compensation claims filed with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission are public record. This means someone could theoretically go look up your specific claim and find the amount you settled for.Oct 11, 2019

How do workers comp attorneys get paid?

Workers' compensation attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. That is, they don't get a penny until they recover benefits for their client. Workers' comp attorney fees are usually 15 percent of the total permanent disability award.

How are settlement amounts determined?

Settlement amounts are typically calculated by considering various economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and out of pocket expenses from the injury. However non-economic factors should also play a significant role. Non-economic factors might include pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.

What is the workers compensation rate in Illinois?

How much does workers' compensation insurance cost in Illinois? Estimated employer rates for workers' compensation in Illinois are $0.94 per $100 in covered payroll.

How long can you collect workers comp in Illinois?

In many cases, workers' compensation benefits involve a one-time lump sum payment. However, there are scenarios where injured workers may receive benefits over a period of time due to a disability. In Illinois, workers' compensation benefits can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years.Nov 16, 2021

Collecting Illinois Workers Compensation Benefits

Illinois workers' comp benefits include reasonable medical care required to cure or relieve the impact of the injury, temporary total or partial di...

Appealing An Illinois Workers' Compensation Denial

Common reasons for denial of a workers' comp claim include failure to notify your employer of an injury within 45 days, and failure to prove that t...

Hiring An Illinois Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Hiring an attorney is not required, but the Workers’ Compensation Commission advises that most employers and employees hire attorneys for contested...

Illinois Workers' Compensation Office Locations

Chicago office: 100 W. Randolph St. #8-200Chicago, IL 60601312/814-6611 [email protected] office: 401 Main St., Suite 640Peoria,...

How to file a workers comp claim in Illinois?

There are two steps to filing a workers' comp claim in Illinois. Notify Your Employer. When you are injured at work, you should immediately notify your employer. You must include the date and place of the accident in your notification.

What happens if an employer does not respond to an injury notification?

If the employer does not respond to your injury notification, you'll need to file a claim with the Commission. Appealing an Illinois Workers' Compensation Denial.

How long does an employer have to file an accident report?

Your employer must also file an accident report with the Commission (Form IC45, Employer's First Report of Injury) within 30 days of being notified of your injury (if your injury caused you to not be able to work for more than three days). Note that the accident report does not trigger any action by the Commission.

How to file an adjustment of claim?

To file a claim with the Commission, you need to mail or give to your employer an Application for Adjustment of Claim, along with a proof or service stating that you've mailed or given a copy of the application to your employer.

Does Illinois require workers compensation insurance?

Employers in Illinois are required to purchase workers' compensation insurance for their employees and the insurance companies fund the payment of worker's compensation benefits for employees' claims. In the event of a dispute, the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC, or the Commission) enforces the state's worker's compensation laws ...

Do you need an attorney for workers comp in Illinois?

Hiring an Illinois Workers' Compensation Lawyer. Hiring an attorney is not required, but the Workers' Compensation Commission advises that most employers and employees hire attorneys for contested cases. An attorney can help facilitate settlement and/or request a formal hearing.

What happens if your employer denies your workers comp?

If your employer denies your benefits, they must send you a written explanation of why they have denied workers’ comp benefits.

What does a workers compensation attorney do?

Your attorney will make sure that you file all your claims on time, that all the paperwork is properly prepared and represent you at any hearing or trial.

Why is my employer not sending me a letter of explanation?

The primary reasons for the denial of a workers’ compensation claim are: Your employer does not believe that your injury happened in your workplace or as a result of the activities of your job.

How long do you have to notify your employer of your workers compensation?

Notifying a fellow employee or even your union does not count as properly notifying your employer. If you fail to notify your employer within 45 days, you may lose your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. You must notify your employer verbally or in writing.

How long does it take for an IWCC to re-examine a case?

Once the form has been filed, an arbitrator will be assigned to your case, and you will receive a case number. After this happens, every 60 days your case will be re-examined in what is known as a status call.

What is the best way to win a case in Illinois?

Solid medical evidence is one of the best ways to win a case if your employer denies your initial claim and you must file your claim with the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Commission (IWCC). In Illinois, you have the choice of your own doctor for treatment.

How often does an insurance case get re-examined?

After this happens, every 60 days your case will be re-examined in what is known as a status call. When you receive notice of the status call, you can either request a hearing or tell the arbitrator that you and the insurance company are currently in negotiations on a settlement.

Signs You Need a Workers Comp Attorney in Southern Illinois

The Illinois Workers Compensation Act, like everywhere else, is clear about what should happen when someone suffers a work-related injury: Pay for their medical treatment and, if they miss more than three days work, compensate them for wages.

What Does a Workers Comp Attorney in Southern Illinois Do?

When people consider hiring a workers comp attorney, they often envision going to a courtroom for a trial as being the only real reason you would need a lawyer.

How Much Does a Workers Comp Lawyer in Southern Illinois Charge?

Hiring a workers compensation attorney should be the easiest decision in any workers comp claim.

Handling a Workers Comp Case on Your Own in Southern Illinois

The first step in a workers comp case is to notify your employer. That will kickstart the process of filing a workers compensation claim. If your claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision.

Help with Worker's Comp Claims in Will County

At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we understand how difficult the Workers' Comp process can be, particularly when you are debilitated by a serious injury. Our attorneys have dealt with the intricacies of the Illinois Workers' Compensation system for over 20 years, and we can take most of the burden off your shoulders.

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Process

To give you an idea of what to expect, we offer this overview of the process:

Joliet Attorney Representation for On-the-Job Injuries

If you or a loved one has suffered a severe on-the-job injury, you may need to concentrate all of your energy on healthcare and recovery. Let the attorneys of McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC relieve you of the burden of managing the Workers' Comp process. Contact us at 815-727-0100 for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you.

What is the best way to win a workers compensation case?

For the best possible outcome in your workers’ compensation case, you should hire an experienced attorney that has a proven record of success in various types of workplace injury claims.

How can a claim be diminished?

Another way your claim can be diminished or denied is by not following your doctor’s treatment plan or advice. If your doctor orders follow-up tests or physical therapy, it is extremely important that you follow up on everything, even if you are feeling better.

What are the mistakes in a medical malpractice case?

Mistake 1: Failing to Act Immediately at the Time of the Accident. Mistake 2: Failing to Inform Your Doctor of the Details of Your Workplace Injury. Mistake 3: Falsifying Your Injuries and Symptoms. Mistake 4: Failing to Select Your Own Doctor. Mistake 5: Failure to Follow Your Doctor’s Advice, Orders, or Treatment Plan.

What is the mistake of a worker?

Mistake 1: Failing to Act Immediately at the Time of the Accident. At the time of an accident or injury a worker may be embarrassed, dazed or disoriented. They may not be thinking as clearly as they normally would, even if they have no outward appearance of injuries. Certain things should be done at the time of the accident including remaining calm.

Do injuries that do not present long-term health consequences require any further action on your part?

In some cases, injuries that do not present long-term health consequences do not require any further action on your part. Only you can decide. The decision should be made with all the facts considered and only after all of your treatment is completed or a treatment plan has been outlined going forward.

Do insurance adjusters have your best interests at heart?

No matter how nice an insurance adjuster appears to be, do not believe he has your best interests at heart. They work for the employer’s insurance company. The adjuster’s job is to pay you the least amount of benefits and that is in the best interest of his or her employer.

Can insurance companies see what you post online?

You can be sure the insurance companies will have someone checking, at least intermittently, to see what you are posting online that they can use against you. It is advised that you not discuss the details of your case with anyone except your attorney while the outcome is still pending.

How to file for workers compensation in Illinois?

Steps to file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois include the following: Seek medical help. Any time you are injured, you should seek medical care right away. If you need to be seen urgently, seek care at an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If your doctor is available quickly, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

How long do you have to notify your employer of an injury?

Notify your employer. As soon as possible, you should notify your supervisor and/or human resources department that you have been injured. You only have 45 days after being injured to notify your employer, otherwise, your claim may be denied.

What to do if your employer doesn't approve your claim?

If your employer does not approve every part of your claim, you may have to appeal their decision to the Workers’ Compensation Commission. You can check the status of it on the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission website here. If treatment is being denied or wages have not been approved, you should seek legal help.

What does "workman's comp" mean?

This means carefully documenting your injuries, keeping track of your injury-related expenses, and verifying that you are getting the correct amount for your workers’ comp claim. Your employer may deny your claim or fail to compensate you properly for medical bills, travel, lost wages, or other losses.

How to keep records of your injuries?

Make sure you keep records of your injuries, including lists of all doctors you’ve seen and their opinions. Keep receipts and bills from medical providers, pharmacies, and stores from which you buy over-the-counter supplies to treat your injuries. Keep a diary of how the injuries are impacting your life.