Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that is meant to protect employees and employers. It provides medical benefits and wage replacement for injured workers and ensures employers are protected from lawsuits. While the process is meant to be fairly easy to go through for injured workers, it is often laden with delays, and sometimes, deserving individuals are denied their benefits. When problems begin to arise, injured victims can find help with a workers’ comp lawyer in Winnebago County, IL.
The first step in the process is for the employee to inform their employer they have been injured. It is vital a worker acts quickly and does not delay in reporting their injuries, or they could end up forfeiting their benefits. Once the employer has been informed, they must report the injury to their insurance company. The insurance company then takes over the claim and has a certain amount of time to respond, usually around two weeks.
If denied, the injured worker has the right to appeal. Disputes are handled by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. When problems begin to arise, many injured workers find it beneficial to hire a workers’ comp lawyer in Winnebago County, IL. A lawyer will help their client pursue compensation benefits and will assist them through the appeal’s process if their initial claim is denied.
In some cases, an injured worker may be able to file a third-party claim in the form of a lawsuit. Although the injured worker is not allowed to sue their employer, they have the right to sue a third party and collect compensation for damages, in certain circumstances. A lawyer can help their client determine the best form of recourse to help them receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.
If you have been injured on the job and are in need of legal help, it is imperative you schedule a consultation appointment right away. To schedule your appointment and get the legal help you need, contact us today. They will be happy to help you through the process so you can receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
