Injured workers often have a number of questions and concerns following a workplace accident or on-the-job injury. An injured worker might be confused about whether they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if they were partly or entirely responsible for the accident. A union member may wonder whether how his or her benefits are affected by the collective bargaining agreement. And a travelling employee may not think that his or her out-of-state injury is covered by workers’ compensation.
At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, our dedicated Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers focus on helping injured workers get the benefits and compensation that they deserve. We have extensive experience working with clients throughout the state, across the country, and around the world. We are dedicated to delivering superior client service and maximizing our client’s recovery in the following ways:
- Explaining your legal rights. Injured workers are often hesitant to file a workers’ compensation claim for a number of reasons, but there is no reason to not file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation laws can be confusing and the procedures for filing a workers’ compensation claim may seem intimidating, but we will explain your legal rights to you so that you can make an informed decision.
- Advising you about available legal options. After we have helped you understand your legal rights, we will advise you about possible legal options, including workers’ compensation claims, union procedures, and any possible third-party legal claims. We will explain the pros and cons of each option and help you decide the best course of action.
- Ensure that statute of limitations deadlines are met so that your legal rights are preserved. An injured must notify his or her employer within 45 days of the injury and, in most cases, an injured worker must file a claim within three years of the work-related injury or within two years of the last payment of TTD benefits or a medical bill, whichever is later. Since the failure to file a timely claim will generally result in a loss of the right to claim future benefits, a workers’ compensation lawyer who knows and understands the applicable time limitations can help ensure that you do not lose out on benefits by missing a deadline.
- File the necessary legal documents to pursue your claim. Our skilled Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers can help you file the workers’ compensation claim documents with the insurance company and with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. We can also help you submit any necessary documentation to obtain union benefits, and can file legal claims against any responsible third parties.
- Communicate and negotiate with union representatives, insurance companies, and opposing counsel. We will communicate with the insurance company, union representatives, and opposing counsel so that you don’t have to. Because we understand the terminology of workers’ compensation laws and union agreements, we can better communicate and negotiate on your behalf.
- Appear in court to advocate on your behalf. If you choose to file any third-party legal claims or submit a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, we will advocate on your behalf in mediation, arbitration, or in a court of law. We will also cross-exam any of the defense witnesses and experts, and obtain witnesses and evidence to support your claim.
For more than 50 years, the Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers at Katz, Friedman Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca have been helping injured workers throughout Illinois obtain the workers’ compensation benefits that they deserve. We are committed to helping injured workers protect their legal rights and obtain the benefits and compensation that they deserve.
If you suffer from a work-related injury or illness, we are here to help. Contact us at 312-724-5846 for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers.