How Long Do I Have To File Workers’ Comp Claim?

workers comp

Being hurt on the job is upsetting and stressful, but most injured employees in Illinois can qualify for workers’ compensation. However, it is essential to follow all filing rules and deadlines, including the statute of limitations. Learn more in this blog post about workers’ comp, and then our Lake County workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., can answer your questions.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Overview

State law in Illinois requires most employers to have workers’ compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee. If you are hurt or suffer an illness from work in Illinois, you are probably eligible for benefits to cover medical costs, lost earnings, and ongoing medical care. For instance, if you cut your hand working in a butcher shop, workers’ comp should cover your medical bills and part of your lost earnings during your recovery.

When you are injured at work in Illinois, you should report it to your employer within 45 days. Your company must report the injury to their workers’ comp insurance company. Also, if you are unable to work for more than three days, your company must do the following:

  • Keep paying you, even if the claim still needs to be made with their insurance provider.
  • Give a written explanation about any additional information or documentation required for the workers’ compensation claim.
  • If the claim is denied, you must be given a written explanation.

Illinois Temporary Disability Benefits

You could be eligible for temporary total disability benefits if you cannot work as you recover from your job-related injury. You also may be eligible for total temporary disability (TTD) if your company cannot provide light-duty, alternative work during your recovery. These benefits kick in once you have missed three days of work, but they will be paid until your physician says you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).

The benefits should be 2/3 of your average weekly wage before you were hurt, up to a maximum wage that changes every 180 days. For instance, the maximum in early 2020 was approximately $1,549.00. If you can return to part-time or light-duty work during your recovery, you can receive temporary partial disability (TPD). You would receive t/w of the difference between the wage you would receive in your pre-injury job and your current earnings.

What Is The Illinois Statute Of Limitations To File A Workers’ Comp Claim?

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act states that you have three years from the date of injury to file a benefits claim. Filing a claim means filing an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission. However, it is best to file your workers’ compensation claim as soon as you can. If you are unsure if you qualify for benefits, please contact a workers’ compensation attorney.

Contact Our Lake County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Now

If you were hurt on the job in Illinois, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. But without an attorney handling your claim, you could get fewer benefits than you deserve. Contact our Lake County workers’ compensation lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., for help with your case at (847) 395-2200.

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.

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.

The Difference Between Workers’ Compensation And Disability Benefits

workers compensation

If you are injured and unable to perform your job, you could be entitled to several types of financial support, including workers’ comp and disability. What is the difference between the two? Keep reading to learn more. If you have questions about your benefits when you are injured, our Lake County workers’ compensation attorney at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C., can assist you.

Workers’ Comp vs. Disability Benefits

Most employers in Illinois are required to offer workers’ comp insurance, including Six Flags Great America and the Volo Museum in Lake County, Illinois. Workers’ comp allows you to receive partial benefits when you are hurt on the job. While you will not receive your full salary, you can usually qualify for workers’ comp even if you were at fault. However, you cannot sue your employer for damages.

On the other hand, Illinois disability benefits offer weekly benefits if you are hurt when you are not at work but cannot do your regular job. The significant difference with workers’ comp is you are covered for illnesses and injuries for which your company would be liable. An example is carpal tunnel syndrome for people who work in an office. Disability benefits are not paid for by your company but can still provide some lost income.

You could be eligible for state disability and workers’ comp, depending on if your disability payments are higher than workers’ comp. If your company disputes if you should get workers’ comp, Illinois may provide you with disability payments until the matter is resolved. At that point, the state of Illinois would want its money back from your company or its insurance provider.

Worker’s comp offers temporary benefits until your injury or illness is possibly considered permanent. At that time, you may be eligible for permanent disability payments. However, benefits for state disability are only paid for up to one year from the date of injury.

Can You Get Workers’ Comp And Disability Simultaneously?

Technically, you may receive workers’ comp in addition to Social Security disability and private disability. However, your SSDI benefits payment will be reduced if you take workers’ comp. If you receive workers’ comp, the usual rule followed by the Social Security Administration is your combined benefits cannot be more than 80% of your average current wages before you were hurt.

What About Receiving Workers’ Comp And Unemployment Simultaneously?

This does not usually happen. For example, you are probably not eligible for unemployment benefits while getting temporary disability via workers’ comp in Illinois. But if your physician reports that you cannot return to work, you could get unemployment if your company states it does not have suitable work available.

Talk To Our Lake County Workers’ Compensation Attorney Now

If you have been injured at work and cannot pay your bills, you probably wonder if you qualify for workers’ compensation or disability benefits. To understand your rights, it is vital to speak to  a Lake County workers’ compensation attorney at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C  Please contact us at (847) 395-2200 today. Our attorneys also serve the communities of Palatine, Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, and Woodstock. 

What To Do After Workers’ Compensation Payments End

Workers’ compensation ensures you don’t pay out-of-pocket medical expenses you incur from workplace injuries. But what happens when those end?

What Happens When Workers’ Compensation Benefits End?

One out of four things can happen when your workers’ compensation benefits end. Your temporary disability benefits end when:

  • You are cleared for work by a doctor.
  • You return to your original job or an alternative one but on the same salary.
  • Your health or condition is not improving or worsening, making it permanent.
  • You have availed over 104 weeks within five years of sustaining injuries.

Once your benefits end, your claims administrator will send you a notification after your last payment. Expect it within 14 days. However, this doesn’t mean you are not eligible for other benefits.

If your physician claims you cannot make a complete recovery, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits or a new job that can accommodate your limitations. Experienced Cook County workers’ compensation lawyers can review your situation and guide you on the best steps for your recovery and compensation.

When Can You Receive Permanent Disability Benefits?

You can receive permanent disability benefits (PPD) if you have not recovered from a work-related illness or injury. As per Illinois law, employers must provide these benefits to workers who can work in a limited capacity because of an impairment or disfiguration. In contrast, you get permanent total disability benefits (PTD) if you are unable to work or cannot work permanently.

What Happens When You Return To Work After Availing Workers’ Comp Benefits

Determining when you should return to work after workers’ compensation benefits end can be challenging. If your employer and their insurance company pressure you into returning as soon as possible, that doesn’t mean you should. Your employer may be losing money, but that doesn’t mean you should indulge them.

There is no best time to return to work after benefits end. One workers’ compensation case can be vastly different from another. The last thing you should do is return too soon. Leave that decision to your doctor and your physical state rather than your employer or the insurance company.

Return to work only when you are cleared to do so by the physician, i.e. when you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). That is when your health cannot improve without additional medical treatments. Once that is established, you will be examined again for permanent disability benefits.

Why You Should Hire Cook County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

You can and should sue if your workers’ compensation is denied even after you reach MMI. A lawyer can help you with your case by:

  • Accumulating and presenting evidence to prove your injuries or condition have affected you.
  • Explain your legal options.
  • File paperwork on your behalf so you don’t have to stress about deadlines.
  • Represent you at a hearing which can be highly stressful.

Your employer and their insurance company will have their lawyers representing them. Hire an attorney who can take on your legal burdens as you heal from your injuries.

Contact The Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens For A Consultation Today!

At The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, we have been representing workers like you who have been injured on the job and were denied workers’ compensation benefits. We have years of experience and knowledge that can ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us for a consultation today!

What Are the Four Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Workers CompensationWorkers’ compensation ensures employees who are injured on the job are taken care of and don’t have to pay out of pocket for their medical bills. If you were harmed during work, you are owed four types of workers’ compensation benefits depending on your state post-accident. These can include salary benefits, vocational rehab, and medical coverage.

Top 4 Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Some of the workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to include the following:

1. Temporary Total Disability

If your doctor says you have to practice certain restrictions at work or gives restrictions that your employer cannot ignore, you are eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. The payments are two-thirds of the gross average weekly salary you earn over the last 52 weeks before the day of your injury.

2. Temporary Partial Disability

Say you can return to work after your workplace accident, but your injuries force you to work in a lower capacity. In this case, you may have your hours reduced, take on achievable or less-demanding roles or even earn a lower salary. In this case, you are eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits.

These benefits are two-thirds of the difference between your original and existing (post-accident) average weekly income. The amount cannot exceed $450/week, and it is usually paid for 350 weeks starting from the day you were injured.

3. Permanent Partial Disability Benefits

If you get a permanent disability because of a workplace accident but do not get the above benefits, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. Employers in Illinois have to pay these benefits to workers who suffered from physical impairment, amputation, or disfigurement caused by a workplace accident.

It is usually paid to workers who have reached maximum medical improvement. These benefits are calculated as per the degree of disfigurements such as burns, cuts, abrasions, skin grafts, loss of skin, etc. You and your employer have to establish the number of weeks for benefits, and if you cannot agree, an IWCC arbitrator can. The maximum number of weeks you can get is 162. The established duration is multiplied by 60% of your weekly wages to determine the total amount.

4. Death Benefits

If a worker dies because of a workplace accident or from injuries/illnesses sustained from workplace practices, their dependents may qualify for death benefits. These are income replacement benefits that include funeral and burial expenses.

Important noteA workers’ compensation lawyer in Waukegan will tell you that pain and suffering damages are usually one to three times the cost of your medical bills and lost wages.

Contact Robert Edens for a Consultation Regarding Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Getting appropriate workers’ compensation can be a challenge. The process is quite complicated, and your claim can be denied for several reasons unless you hire an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Waukegan from The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens. We have been fighting for the rights of employees like you in Illinois for decades and know what it takes to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!

How Long Does it Take to Receive Workers’ Compensation?

workers compensationYour employer’s insurance company typically offers workers’ compensation for settlement claims, and they will try to go as low as possible. 12 to 18 months is the average time to reach a settlement agreement. However, it can increase to 24 months or longer if the insurance company digs in its heels and says your claim isn’t valid.

At this point, you need a team of experienced and dedicated Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers to ensure you get fair coverage promptly. They can also negotiate with the insurance company or file a lawsuit on your behalf if they refuse to cooperate.

Factors That Impact Workers’ Comp Timelines

Some of the common factors that can delay a settlement for workers’ compensation include the following:

The Injury Severity

To determine the amount of worker’s comp you will receive, you need to acquire a ‘state of permanency.’ To achieve this, a doctor has to determine that you have recovered from your injuries or illness as much as you could and reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Disputes

Most employers want to reduce the number of approved claims as much as possible to keep insurance costs low. If your employer wants to do the same, they may question your claim by doubting whether it is work-related. They may also claim you can return to work because you are not as seriously injured as you say you are. Any such disputes can delay settlement.

The Time You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Some injured parties can wait months before seeing how their claim is handled and only hire a lawyer when they face disputes. That is the worst thing you can do. At that point, you may not have access to essential evidence or may receive poor medical aid that can affect your case. This can also delay settlement, but not if you hire experienced legal representation.

The Settlement Size

You can find a complete schedule of permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. The schedule is determined according to the number of weeks you have to be paid. For example, suppose your limb is amputated or you suffer from a complete or permanent loss of a body part because of a workplace accident. In that case, you can get the maximum settlement for PPD benefits. There is a different schedule for workers who suffer from partial body part loss, such as a finger or thumb.

 

The bottom line is that the larger the injury, the longer worker’s comp settlements take. Impairment ratings also impact the duration. For instance, if your physician gives you a 20% permanent impairment rating but is disputed by the insurance company, the timeline for the settlement can also change drastically. The rating will significantly impact the amount of money you get, so the insurance company may double down on their efforts to change it in their favor. A dispute can lead to six months in delays, if not more unless you have experienced Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers in your corner.

Contact Robert Edens for Disputes on a Worker’s Compensation Claim

Robert Edens has decades of experience representing employees like you and ensuring they get the max settlement amount following a worker’s comp claim. He is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the insurance company if it means you can get a big payout. Get in touch with him for a consultation at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens today!

Are All Employers Required to Carry Workers’ Comp Insurance?

workers compensationIn Illinois, all employers have to carry workers’ comp insurance if they have at least one part or full-time employee on the payroll. If your employer has denied you insurance after sustaining a workplace injury, you should hire Antioch workers’ comp lawyers as soon as possible.

Exemptions to Workers’ Comp

Some Illinois employers are exempt from this insurance. These include:

  • Business partners.
  • Sole proprietors.
  • Corporate officers.
  • Members of Limited liability companies (LLC)

Who Should Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The following business owners have to provide coverage for their employees or risk penalties:

Independent Contractors

The state determines whether an employer is a contractor or employee. These can include contractors who hire employees on a full or part-time basis, including family members. For instance, even if truck drivers are independent contractors, they still have to provide workers’ comp insurance to their employees.

Hazardous Industries

Employees in any hazardous industry, such as a construction or trucking company, are eligible for coverage. Their employers have to get the insurance whether they are sole proprietors, business partners, or members of an LLC or corporate office.

What Employers Should Do If They Don’t Have to Get Workers’ Compensation

Employers who are excluded from getting worker’s comp for their employees need to file a coverage opt-out form with the Division of Workers’ Compensation. However, this doesn’t mean they are home free. They still need to get other insurance to protect their employees if they are injured in the workplace.

Penalties for Ignoring Workers’ Comp Insurance

If an employer is legally obliged to get this insurance for their employees and knowingly fails to get it, they may be fined heavily. Expect anywhere between $500 and $10,000 per day, depending on the scale of operations. Corporate officers are not exempt from these fines if they are found guilty by Antioch workers’ comp lawyers. Besides facing hefty penalties, they will also lose their employer’s protection which prevents workers from suing you.

The Cost of Workers’ Compensation

There is no standard fee. The price of the workers’ comp package an employer gets will depend on several factors based on their business operations. They can pay as low as $40 a month for the coverage, but the insurance company will consider the following to calculate costs:

  • The type of work their employees do.
  • Payroll.
  • Their claims history.

Some types of coverage can also provide death benefits to employees’ families who lose their lives on the job or because of a work-based illness or injury.

Where You Can Get Coverage

Employers can get workers’ compensation coverage for their employees from any private insurance company in Illinois. If they cannot do so, they can go to the National Council of Compensation Insurance to get coverage. Be advised that their premium can be 50 percent higher than private insurers can offer.

Contact The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens for Workers’ Compensation Cases

If you have been denied workers’ compensation or your employer doesn’t offer coverage even though they aren’t exempt, you have grounds to sue. The experienced Antioch workers’ comp lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens can ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Does Fault Matter When Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Cook County workers compensation attorneyIllinois’ workers’ compensation law is based on a no-fault system, which means that even if you are at fault for your workplace injury, you are still entitled to full worker’s compensation benefits. If you are being denied, you have every right to hire a Cook County workers’ compensation attorney. However, there are some rare cases where the fault is irrevocably yours.

When Fault Doesn’t Matter

Here are some common examples of when a workplace injury is not your fault, even though it seems like it:

  • You hurt yourself running down a flight of stairs at top speed for a meeting you are late for.
  • You drop a heavy box on your foot breaking it even if you were careless while handling it.
  • You throw your back lifting a heavy object because your form was incorrect.

You can still get your medical bills taken care of and get time off work for these types of workplace injuries.

When Fault Matters

This doesn’t mean that fault never matters when it comes to a worker’s compensation claim. Here are some rare instances in which it can matter:

  • If you hurt yourself at work because you were inebriated or high. That can be considered a violation of workplace duties and may prevent you from getting full compensation. However if your Cook County workers’ compensation attorney can prove that your condition did not contribute to your accident, you can maximize the amount you receive.
  • If you were fooling around at work and got injured as a result. For example, you work as a security guard at a golf course and take a golf cart for a joy ride. If you get into an accident while driving and hurt yourself, your injuries may not be covered. That’s because the incident was not a part of your job duties.
  • You get into a fight with a colleague and you are the aggressor. You may not get compensation because you instigated the fight.

Proving An Injury Is Work-Related

While you don’t have to prove that a workplace injury was your boss’s fault, you do have to prove that it occurred at work. Workers’ comp fraud can carry serious consequences so pretending a home-based injury happened at work can land you in hot water.

The workplace injury has to be reported within 45 days. The longer you wait, the less likely your boss may believe your claim and may refuse to cooperate. The insurance company may latch onto this and say you don’t have grounds for a claim.

Personal Injury Attorney

Whether you were at fault for your workplace injury or not, you deserve compensation. If your boss or the insurance company is denying your claim, get in touch with our Cook County workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens today. We have over two decades of experience helping workers get the compensations they deserve and can help you too. We will take a detailed look at your case before formulating a strategy.

What Do I Need to Tell a Doctor After an Injury?

What to do after an injury, seeing a doctor, workers compensation lawyerMany of us will skip the doctor’s visit after an accident, especially if the injury seems negligible. Seeing a doctor is important from a healthcare and legal standpoint. What appears a simple headache may exacerbate into a traumatic brain injury, or a cut may get infected if you don’t seek immediate healthcare treatment. Besides, your healthcare providers’ medical records can serve as valuable evidence when it’s time to file your personal injury claim. If you’re wondering what to do after an injury, or more specifically, what to discuss with your doctor, this guide is for you.

What to Discuss With Your Doctor After an Injury

According to this post from Avvo, in order to get the best care as well as the most settlement money for an injury you need to see a doctor within 72 hours of an accident.

What Caused the Injury

Instead of just informing that you have a headache, for instance, inform the doctor about the cause of the problem, such as a recent vehicle collision or a slip and fall. In fact, share the precise details of the incident. This will help the doctor better understand your situation, and they develop an effective treatment plan.

Also, your doctor will document all this information, relating it to your medical conditions. Since investigators look for this connection in personal injury cases, it will make your case stronger when you sue the person responsible for your injury.

Your Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Don’t think that there’s no point in disclosing your past health conditions or injuries to the doctor. If you have asthma, diabetes, or faced a back injury two years ago, sharing this information with your doctor can directly impact the healing process.

Ask What Your Future Treatment Will Involve

Depending on the seriousness of your injury, the healing process can be lengthy and uncertain. Understanding what your future treatment looks like should mentally prepare you as well as help you estimate the cost of medications, physical therapy, and surgeries that you may seek compensation for.

Ask Whether You Should Continue Working or Not?

Some people are so overly loyal to their employers that they’ll continue to work even after sustaining severe injuries in a collision. The determination is undeniably commendable but can prove detrimental to their long-term health. Since working through the pain can exacerbate the condition or cause another injury, ask your healthcare provider about the work-related limitations you should be considering.

Personal Injury Attorney

By now, you should not just be aware of what to do after an injury but also what to discuss upon seeing a doctor. Moving ahead, your top-most concern should be to find a worker’s compensation lawyer to help you file your claim. For extraordinary assistance, contact Robert T. Edens, an experienced worker’s compensation lawyer serving in Chicago, Waukegan, Libertyville, Woodstock, and Antioch, IL.