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Why You Should Call A Lawyer As Soon As You’re Hurt

workers comp

Every year, 2.7 million accidents at work lead to injuries. For example, suppose you were injured at work when you fell down the stairs. In most cases, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation for work-related accidents in Illinois, even if the incident was your fault.

First, you should report the accident to your employer within 45 days, then speak to our Lake County workers’ compensation attorney at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., for legal assistance with your claim.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Overview

Workers’ compensation is insurance that most employers in Illinois must provide if an employee is injured or becomes ill on the job. The insurance covers medical bills, partial lost wages, and treatment and rehabilitation costs.

You can receive workers’ comp for both job-related injuries and illnesses. For instance, if you suffer a lung condition from being exposed to chemicals in a factory, you could receive workers’ comp, just as if you slip and fall in the office kitchen. However, you do not need to prove that the accident was anyone’s fault; you can receive workers’ comp at most employers any time you have a job-related injury or illness.

Why Should You Talk To A Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

If you claim workers’ comp in Illinois, hiring an attorney to represent you is usually recommended. These attorneys are specialized in making workers’ comp claims and can maximize your benefits. Your attorney will do the following:

  • File the workers’ comp claim with your company and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.
  • Determine how much compensation you should receive and negotiate with the insurance company.
  • Find evidence to make the most robust case to the insurance company.
  • Represent you and your case if the insurance company fights the claim and there is a trial.

Your attorney’s goal is to get you the best compensation; they are not paid unless successful. While you can always claim your own, most injured parties typically benefit from using an attorney. For example, your attorney will ensure that you meet the deadlines to file your claim through your company. They also know how to ensure you get benefits as soon as possible.

Many workers discover that it is harder to get workers’ comp than they thought, and they may be paid less than expected. If you make your claim, you will often be asked how much you are claiming, but that does not mean you will receive that amount.

If negotiations are necessary to get a fair settlement from the insurance company, your attorney can handle that. Workers’ comp attorneys negotiate insurance settlements daily and will do everything possible to get you the most money. After all, they are not paid unless you are and receive more compensation for a larger settlement.

Contact Our Lake County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Now

You might consider handling your workers’ compensation case alone if you were injured at work. However, hiring our Lake County workers’ compensation lawyer to handle your case is usually best to maximize your benefits.

Contact our Lake County workers’ compensation attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today at 847-395-2200

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Are Self-Driving Boats Really Safe?

self driving boat

Self-driving cars get much attention these days, but what about self-driving boats? Over the last few years, self-steering ships have become a reality. For example, a self-driving container vessel moves fertilizer in Norway between a local port and a factory. In addition, a commercial tanker in Texas recently traveled through the Panama Canal to South Korea using software to drive the ship.

But are self-driving boats safe? Keep reading to learn more, and talk to our Antioch boating accident lawyer at The Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens, P.C., if you have legal questions.

What Is Autonomous Shipping?

Self-driving boats are a form of autonomous shipping that is becoming more popular as technology advances. Autonomous shipping involves the use of self-piloting ships to handle shipping operations. Just like self-driving vehicles on our roads, self-driving ships can operate autonomously alongside other vessels on popular shipping routes. These ships usually pilot themselves with software, but humans are still required for loading, unloading, and maintenance.

A potential advantage of autonomous shipping is they will be either low-manned or unmanned, reducing the number of people who put themselves at risk at sea. Even if self-piloting ships do not reduce accidents, it is alleged that safety at sea will increase. However, will the software running the autonomous ships be safe?

What Are The Risks Of Self-Driving Boats?

The autonomous technologies being used in self-driving vessels are often beneficial, but they are not risk-free. Having fewer humans on a ship means a higher risk of something going wrong if the software piloting the vessel makes a mistake. While there are limited examples of self-driving boat piloting errors, we have seen many accidents happen with self-driving Tesla vehicles. This could happen with boats, as well.

For example, Tesla recently recalled 362,000 vehicles because its new driver-assistance software could cause crashes by allowing cars to drive unsafely around intersections. Another recent example was when a Tesla hit a firetruck in California, killing the driver and critically injuring a passenger.

If a self-piloting vessel hits another ship or object, a severe accident could lead to injuries and loss of life. Also, there are concerns of environmental impacts when a self-driving boat operates without human monitoring. For instance, if there was an undetected spill or leak that put pollutants into the water could cause severe environmental damage before a human sees the problem. On the other hand, if a regular crew were on board, they could notice the leak or spill sooner.

Contact Our Antioch Boating Accident Lawyer Today

Like the development of any new technology, self-driving boats and autonomous shipping will require many adjustments in society and regulatory bodies. Before there are many self-piloting ships, regulatory organizations such as the International Maritime Organization will have to review the software and related technology to determine if it is safe.

In the meantime, boating accidents, whether they involve software or humans piloting them, still happen often. If you were injured in a boating accident, speak to our Antioch boating accident lawyer at The Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens, P.C., at (847) 395-2200.

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What Workers’ Compensation Investigators Are Looking For

You will probably apply for workers’ compensation if you were hurt at work. If so, it is important to understand how workers’ compensation investigations operate and what they look for to question a claim. Continue reading to learn more, and contact our Waukegan workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens if you need help with your claim.

Workers’ Comp Investigators Always Look For Fraud

Most workers’ compensation claims are legitimate, but Illinois workers’ comp investigators always look for fraud. Workers’ comp fraud happens when the employee obtains benefits by lying about or exaggerating their injuries. Employers, medical providers, and insurance companies also can commit workers’ compensation fraud. Some examples of fraud they look for are:

  • Making up your injury or illness
  • Claiming your non-job-related injury happened on the job
  • Working another job while receiving benefits
  • Exaggerating your illness or injury to receive additional benefits
  • Lying about your income to receive more money
  • Trying to get compensation for treatments you did not have

It is possible that you could get flagged for potential fraud even if you play by the rules. That is why it is often wise to have a workers’ compensation attorney handle your claim for you. Your attorney will handle the claims process and do everything to ensure it goes smoothly.

How Workers’ Compensation Investigators Collect Evidence

There are many ways that investigators collect evidence to find workers’ comp fraud. However, being aware of the tools they use to root out fraud can help you to avoid having your claim questioned or denied:

Video Surveillance

Workers’ comp investigators often use video cameras to catch workers exaggerating or faking job-related injuries. For example, they may install a surveillance camera near your residence or have an investigator follow you. Workers’ comp investigators will try to get it on video if you do anything that makes it look like you are not injured.

Remember that most healthcare facilities have video surveillance of their parking lots. It is easy for investigators to obtain this footage, so always assume a camera is on you when out in public.

Online Surveillance

Workers’ comp investigators can track your social media activities easily. They will review status updates, tagged photos, and posts. For example, if you post a picture of you finishing a 5k when you are on disability, the investigators will come across it.

Interviews

An investigator may interview you in person, by phone, or by video. You are not required to talk to them, but doing an interview can benefit your case. Also, the investigator can interview friends, family, and neighbors to check if you are genuinely injured.

Summary

When you are on workers’ comp or applying for it, always be aware of your actions in public. Behave like you are being watched 24/7, and do not make social media posts that might be construed as a sign of workers’ comp fraud. The insurance company will question anything that looks like you are not seriously injured.

Contact Our Waukegan Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

If you were injured at work, filing for workers’ compensation benefits can cover your medical bills and partial wages as you recover. However, filing for workers’ comp yourself may be a mistake; an attorney might be able to obtain higher benefits for you. Contact our Waukegan workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today at (847) 393-2200.

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As Weather Warms Heed These Swimming Safety Tips

swimming safety

The weather in Illinois is growing warmer, and pools will be open soon. Unfortunately, there are many avoidable swimming injuries and deaths annually. If you remember the following swimming safety tips, you and your loved ones can stay safe. But if you were hurt in a swimming accident caused by another person or entity, contact our Lake County personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Robert T. Edens today.

Check If There Is A Lifeguard On Duty

You may want to take a swim at a beach on Lake Michigan, Fox River, Wolf Lake, or another nearby body of water. It sounds fun, but remember to check if a lifeguard is on duty at the beach during your visit. The chances of severe injury or death are always higher when lifeguards are absent.

Also, consider going to the pool instead; seeing a struggling swimmer in a pool is usually easier than in open water. Also, the pool has clear depth markers, so swimmers are less likely to get into trouble. Finally, while swimming in a pool with a lifeguard is not foolproof, it reduces the chances of the myriad factors contributing to drownings in open water, including drop-offs, waves, and currents.

Always Have Adults Present

Any time children are swimming, there must always be adults actively supervising them. Never just drop your children off at the pool because that is how accidents happen. When you watch your kids at the pool, always keep an eye on them, too; do not be distracted by conversations or cell phones.

Never Dive

You should not dive into a pool or body, or water, no matter how deep you think it is. The risk of severe head and neck injuries is too high. Also, if you are on open water, the depth could be shallower than you think because of tides and currents.

Always Have Life Jackets On Open Water

It does not matter if you are a beginner or advanced swimmer, everyone should always have life jackets available. In addition, experts usually recommend life jackets for anyone who is under 13 when they are on open water.

Use The Buddy System

No one should ever swim alone. Unfortunately, even the best swimmers sometimes run into medical problems or unforeseen weather conditions. So always swim with a buddy, even at a local pool in Chicago with a lifeguard present.

Do Not Rely On Water Wings For Children

Parents should remember that water wings are fun for children, but they are never a replacement for a life vest. Water wings are just toys and are not designed to prevent drowning. Only use floatable toys when swimming with those who can stay safe in the water without them. Also, never leave children unattended when swimming, especially with water toys when not wearing a lifejacket.

Keeping these swimming safety tips at the top of your mind can help to avoid tragedies. But if you were hurt while swimming and someone else was responsible.

Call Our Lake County Personal Injury Attorneys Today

Were you or a loved one injured in a swimming accident because someone was negligent? You could receive compensation in a lawsuit, and the Law Office of Robert T. Edens can help. Contact our Lake County personal injury attorneys today at (847) 395-2200 for legal assistance.

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Don’t Jeopardize Your Workers’ Comp Settlement

If you are injured at work, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation during your recovery. Workers’ compensation pays your medical bills and partial wages so you can get back to health.

A workers’ compensation claim can go on for a long time, depending on the injuries’ severity. Therefore, ensure you do not jeopardize your workers’ comp settlement by making the following mistakes. If you have questions, talk to our Antioch workers’ comp lawyers at the Law Office of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today.

 

Workers’ Compensation Overview

Illinois’ workers’ compensation is a system of benefits provided to most workers who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. If you qualify, benefits are paid for the injuries and illnesses caused at work. In addition, you could receive workers’ compensation in Illinois if your work-related injury aggravated a pre-existing condition.

Workers’ comp is also paid for some repetitive use injuries, heart attacks, and other physical issues. You are paid benefits whether you were at fault for the accident. In exchange for receiving workers’ comp regardless of fault, it is difficult to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer for a job-related injury.

You want to get maximum workers’ compensation benefits during your injury recovery. Thus, you should not jeopardize your claim by doing the following:

 

Staying With The Company Physician

Do not assume you must use the company physician for your medical treatments while injured. You can choose your own doctor, which can be to your benefit. However, the doctor, the workers’ compensation insurance company, pays for may be interested in paying as little as possible on the claim. It is possible this conflict of interest could result in you getting less thorough medical treatments than you should.

After the injury, you may end up seeing the company doctor initially. But you have a right under Illinois law to see your own choice of doctor.

 

Not Going To Medical Appointments

Going to regular doctor’s appointments can be annoying. However, you must attend every appointment when you receive workers’ compensation. If you do not comply with the treatment plan and skip visits, they may suspend or cancel your benefits. If you need to reschedule an appointment, that is not a problem, just make sure you go as soon as possible.

 

Downplaying Your Injuries

Most of us do not want to be injured, so it is understandable if you downplay your pain. But you should be upfront with your doctors about your pain and how you feel. If your injuries are incorrectly documented, you could get less money when on workers’ compensation.

Explain your injuries and pain level to your doctors. Make sure you document your discomfort and pain for your medical record.

 

Engaging In Too Many Physical Activities

The workers’ comp insurance company has a motive to show that you are not as injured as you claim. They might put you under surveillance to see what you are up to while recovering. Do not engage in strenuous physical activities when hurt, or your benefits could be suspended.

Call Our Antioch Workers’ Comp Lawyers Now

Were you hurt at work? You could be entitled to workers’ compensation, but handling the claim yourself could lead to a lower benefit level. The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. can help. Contact our Antioch workers’ comp lawyers today at (847) 395-2200 to learn how we can maximize your benefits.

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What Is Talk And Die Syndrome?

talk and die

After a car accident, you may have injuries you are unaware of. For example, did you know you could initially have a brain injury with few symptoms? This injury is sometimes referred to as ‘talk and die’ syndrome. Learn more about this condition in this article, and talk to our Cook County personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., if you have legal questions.

Talk And Die Syndrome Overview

Talk and Die Syndrome can occur when a car accident victim has head trauma but does not get immediate medical attention. The person may feel fine and acts normally, but the untreated head injury may lead to brain damage and sometimes death.

While some may consider Talk and Die Syndrome an Internet myth, the condition is real but relatively uncommon. However, the condition stresses how serious many head injuries can be even if you feel fine after the incident. Unfortunately, the life-threatening effects of some traumatic brain injuries (TBI), closed head injuries, and concussions may not be evident to you right away. No matter how minor you think the trauma to your head was, it should be taken seriously.

Who Was Natasha Richardson?

One of the most famous examples of Talk and Die Syndrome was actress Natasha Richardson, who died from a head injury in 2009. The actress was skiing on a slight slope with her child when she fell and struck her head. After the accident, she spoke to others, laughed, and did not get medical attention. A few hours later, she went to the hospital because she had a headache. There, she lapsed into a coma and died. The autopsy showed that she had an epidural hematoma.

An epidural hematoma can happen from blunt force trauma, such as a slip and fall or a car accident. It causes bleeding in the brain that may not produce symptoms immediately. Instead, blood may slowly accumulate in the narrow space between the skull and brain, eventually leading to neuroglial damage and sometimes death.

The impact that Ms. Richardson experienced on the ski slope was less than what many people have in minor car accidents. So, remember that even a ‘minor’ car accident can  cause serious injuries, including to the brain.

Always Get Medical Attention After An Accident

Talk and Die Syndrome, while rare, illustrates the importance of seeing a doctor after a car accident. Even if you believe you are uninjured, you could have a severe injury you initially overlooked. Going to the doctor to be reviewed can be the difference between a full recovery and dying from a preventable injury.

Call Our Cook County Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Were you or a loved one hurt in an accident with untreated head trauma? If so, talk and die syndrome could leave you with severe cognitive deficits. However, if someone’s negligence caused the accident, our personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. can help. Contact our Cook County personal injury lawyers today at (847) 395-2200.

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Why Construction Accidents Increase In The Spring

construction accident

Many Americans like Daylight Saving Time (DST) because it gives us an hour of extra daylight in the evening in the spring and summer months. However, considerable evidence shows that DST could have adverse outcomes for society. For example, evidence suggests that the time change every spring leads to more construction accidents. Learn more about this critical topic in this article. If you were recently injured at work, our McHenry County construction accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C could help.

Daylight Saving Time Overview

DST means moving clocks forward an hour in the US and other countries in the spring and summer months. The idea is to offer citizens more daylight hours in the number. In most states, we move our clocks ahead an hour around mid-March. In the fall, clocks are moved back to Standard Time. While many people enjoy having more daylight hours in the evening with warm weather, the switch has potential downsides.

Does Daylight Saving Time Cause More Workplace Injuries?

Two researchers at Michigan State University say yes, DST causes more injuries on the job, such as at construction sites.  Investigators David Wagner and Christopher Barnes argue that the number of injuries on the job increases after DST begins every March. Yet, they did not notice a rise in job-related injuries when clocks are moved back every November. The change every fall did not have a significant effect on how much people were able to get – only a 12-minute difference. This would not be enough to affect safety in the workplace, the researchers said.

How The Research Was Conducted

Wagner and Barnes performed two studies, noting that the DST change each spring caused people to get an average of 40% less sleep. This led to a 5.7% rise in injuries on the job, including in construction areas. Their studies will be shared in the monthly Journal of Applied Psychology edition.

Does Losing An Hour Of Sleep Cause More Construction Injuries?

Barnes claimed in his research that losing one hour of sleep for a few days or weeks can cause more workplace accidents. The thinking is that workers are more tired after the change, leading to job fatigue and more errors at work. This is especially concerning in work requiring high attention to detail to prevent serious injuries or death, such as in construction areas.

Further, University of British Columbia research using data from the Canadian Ministry of Transport determined that when Canada moved their clocks ahead in the spring, 8% more accidents occurred the day after DST began.

Barnes also noted in his study that many people do not believe that a one-hour sleep change can make a difference in job-related injuries. However, the research suggests that it can.

Talk To Our McHenry County Construction Accident Lawyers Now

If you were in a construction accident in McHenry County, fatigue after the change to DST could have caused it. If a worker’s or employer’s negligence led to the accident, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for your injuries.

You could receive compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering if you are an employee, visitor, or someone else with a construction injury. Contact our McHenry County construction accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. at (847) 395-2200.

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How Does Daylight Savings Time Increase Car Accidents?

Daylight Savings Time

Many people strongly believe we should have Daylight Saving Time (DST). Some prefer having more light in the evening. Daylight Saving Time begins mid-March. Is it a good idea?

Some evidence suggests that DST leads to a spike in auto-related accidents. More information on this vital topic is below. If you were in a car accident recently, our Lake County car accident lawyers at The Law Office of Robert Edens, P.C. can help.

What Is Daylight Saving Time?

DST is when we move our clocks forward an hour in the spring, as the practice of moving clocks forward an hour in many countries as warmer weather occurs in the spring. Then, the time is turned back to Standard Time in the fall. DST is intended to offer better use of available daylight hours by raising the number of evening hours.

Are There More Car Crashes After DST Begins?

Opinions differ about whether DST is a good idea. However, science suggests that moving clocks ahead one hour in the spring could cause more car crashes. For example, the University of Colorado at Boulder reported in January 2020 that its study of 732,000 crashes over 20 years showed a 6% rise in fatal auto accidents that week. That increase led to approximately 28 more crash deaths every year.

The study was reported in the January 2020 edition of Current Biology. It also noted that the farther west people live in their time zones, the greater the risk of fatal car accidents.

These findings were reported at a time when many states are thinking about doing away with DST. Evidence suggests that DST may increase workplace injuries, strokes, and heart attacks.

Why Does DST Cause More Car Crashes?

Some scientists believe that the loss of an hour in the evening every spring causes Americans to have ‘jetlag’ that is stronger in the first few days after the time change. The symptoms can linger for up to two weeks. Statistics also suggest that drivers lose 40 minutes of sleep on the night of DST in addition to the one-hour change.

Interrupted sleep may tire us, leading to poor decisions and driver fatigue. Also, less light in the morning can have a negative effect on driving safely.

How To Adapt To DST

Reduce your risk of a car accident after DST takes effect with these tips:

  • Reduce cell phone and TV light exposure before bed.
  • Avoid coffee, alcohol, and heavy meals before bed. Eat dinner a few minutes earlier per night.
  • Go to bed 20 minutes earlier each night before the time change.
  • Set your clocks ahead the afternoon before the time change and go to bed at your regular time.

Speak To Our Lake County Car Accident Lawyers Now

Were you in a car accident recently in Lake County near Six Flags Great America, the Chicago Botanic Garden, or another location? Evidence suggests more auto accidents after Daylight Saving Time begins each spring. If you were in an accident caused by someone’s negligence and have injuries, you need a personal injury lawyer. Contact our Lake County car accident lawyers at The Law Office of Robert Edens, P.C. now at (847) 395-2200.

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How Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation ACT 232 Impacts Workers

workers comp

Wisconsin Governor Evers signed the Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Act 232 in April 2022. This law changes essential parts of the Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Act. Some of the changes were to Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) calculations and allowing for independent medical examinations (IMEs) to be observed by a third party. Learn more about Act 232’s changes below, then contact our Antioch workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert. T. Edens, P.C., if you have questions about a claim.

Workers’ Compensation Act 232 Boosts Maximum PPD Payment

One of the most-needed changes in the Act is to boost the maximum PPD benefit from $362 to $415 per week. Also, the maximum PPD  benefit is $430 for employees hurt on or after Jan. 1, 2023. This change was long overdue; it was the first increase in the benefit since 2017.

Observers Now Allowed At Independent Medical Exams

Section 102.13(1)(b) has been changed to allow a worker at an IME ordered by the company doctor to have a neutral observer present at the examination. It is expected that the state government will soon publish guidance on the observer issue. However, our Antioch workers’ compensation attorneys say that letters sent to the worker about an IME should say the employee has the right to a neutral observer at the exam.

Wage Expansion For Employees Was Eliminated

Next, sections 102.11(1)(am) and (f1) were eliminated. Section 102.11(1)(ap) was made in its place to take out wage expansion for workers working part of a class if those injuries occurred on or after April 10, 2022. Under this rule, when the worker works less than 35 hours per week, part-time earnings have been expanded to 40 hours to calculate workers’ compensation benefits.

This rule applies when the injured employee works for another company. It also applies when the injured employee worked under 40 hours per week for under 12 months before the injury occurred.

The company can contest the wage expansion if there is evidence that a worker volunteered to work only part-time. Evidence might include when a worker writes a statement indicating they want to work part-time. However, if the worker is working for another company, the wages from the other employer should not be used to calculate workers’ compensation wages. Other rules enacted in Act 232 include:

  • Providing sole rule-making authority to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to execute workers’ comp laws.
  • Stating that the Department can select alternative dispute resolution in some workers’ comp cases.
  • Transferring from the DWD to the Department of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) authority to grant a license to a non-attorney to appear in a workers’ comp case.

Speak To Our Antioch Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

If you were hurt in your workplace, you might wonder if you should simply go to HR and handle the claim independently. Of course, you can, but you might not get as many benefits if you hire a Wisconsin workers’ compensation attorney. Please contact our Antioch workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today at (847) 395-2200 for assistance. Our attorneys also can assist you in Palatine, Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock, and Lake County.

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How Do Workers’ Comp Doctors Get Paid?

workers comp

If you or someone you love was hurt in an Illinois workplace accident, you probably are entitled to workers’ compensation for your injuries. Workers’ comp provides part if your weekly wage or salary so you can pay your bills while recovering. Learn more below about Illinois workers’ comp, including how the workers’ compensation doctor is paid. If you have questions, our workers’ comp lawyers in Lake County at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens can help.

Who Treats Your Workplace Injury?

The first thing to know about your workers’ comp doctor is your right to choose your medical provider. The law in Illinois states that you can select your doctor for medical treatments. This ensures you are treated by a medical professional looking out for your best interests, not your company.

Many injured clients need to realize they can select their own doctor. So, the employer’s doctor or that of the workers’ compensation insurance company sees them. The problem is that the employer or the insurance company pays the doctor. Therefore, the doctor may suggest the injuries are not as severe as they are to save the company money. Patients who are only seen by the company doctor may discover that they do not receive as much in benefits as they thought.

While you can choose your doctor, your employer may request that you undergo an independent medical examination or IME. The company doctor will conduct this exam. If your employer asks for an IME, refer the request to your workers’ comp lawyer in Lake County. They will ensure that the IME is performed in a timeframe that works for you. Also, the doctor’s IME report can be countered by that of your personal physician if questions arise about the severity and the cause of your injuries.

How Doctors Are Paid For Your Treatments

Whoever treats you for your injuries, they will be paid by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider. Therefore, they should be paid promptly for your medical treatments. If there are payment delays, you must alert your workers’ comp attorney as soon as you find out. You do not want unnecessary delays in your medical treatments.

The Two-Doctor Rule

Not only are you allowed to choose your treating physician in a workers’ compensation case. You can switch doctors at any time. The doctor must be in your employer’s Preferred Provider Program (PPP). If the employer is not in a PPP, you can visit any doctor.

When you visit your doctor after the injury, inform them that your injury happened at work and will be handled by workers’ compensation insurance. To handle such claims, the state must approve Doctors in Illinois on a workers’ compensation case.

Speak To Our Workers’ Comp Lawyer In Lake County

Were you injured on the job? You may struggle to pay your medical costs and other bills without a regular paycheck. You could be entitled to compensation in a workers’ compensation claim. Please contact our workers’ comp lawyers in Lake County at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today at (847) 395-2200 for assistance. Our attorneys also serve clients in Palatine, Antioch, Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, and Woodstock.