Helping Injured Workers Obtain The Compensation They Deserve
If you are injured on the job in Illinois, you are entitled to benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. However, the workers’ compensation claims process can quickly become complicated and overwhelming, especially while recovering from an injury or illness. At the Orzoff Law Offices in Chicago, our lawyers are determined to make sure you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Our attorneys have over 55 years of experience assisting injured workers. When you work with us, you will always receive the personalized attention and care you deserve throughout your case. From the initial claims process to filing an appeal if you receive a denial, you can trust us to always fight for your right to compensation.
You Deserve Compensation For Your Injuries
Workers’ compensation covers all types of worker injuries, including back injuries, knee injuries, shoulder and arm injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, burns and other types of worker injuries.
Workers’ compensation covers all types of injured workers, including the following:
- Office workers and managers
- Tradesmen, construction workers, and heavy equipment operators
- Factory workers
- Airline employees
- Truck, package, delivery drivers, and dock workers
- Public transportation and government employees
- Nurses and health care workers
- Railroad worker injuries covered under the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA)
No matter what industry you work in, our attorneys can fight for your right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits after your injury.
Understanding The Benefits Associated With Workers’ Compensation
The following are some of the most important benefits provided by the Workers’ Compensation Act:
100% Medical Expenses
You are entitled to 100% of all your reasonable and necessary medical bills, including ambulance expenses, emergency services, hospitalization, doctor fees, MRIs, CT scans, prescriptions, etc. There are no deductibles, co-pays or caps. There are no time limits. You are entitled to receive 100% of your medical expenses until treatment is no longer necessary.
Choice Of Treating Physicians
You are entitled to choose your own physician for treatment. Employers and insurance companies may attempt to bully you by demanding that their chosen doctor treat you. Their objective is to control your treatment in order to minimize their expense. Our firm will see to it that your legal right to choose a doctor is protected so that you will be properly treated until you make the best possible recovery.
Weekly Lost Wage Benefits
If your doctor feels it is necessary that you be off work to recuperate from your injuries, you are entitled to Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. TTD is a weekly lost wage benefit that is based on two-thirds of your average gross weekly wage, including mandatory and regularly scheduled overtime. These benefits are paid to you for the entire time that you are off work and under doctor’s care. There are no caps or time limits. These benefits are not subject to income tax.
Lump Sum Settlement Or Award Of An Arbitrator
After you have finished treatment for your injuries and you have returned to work, you will be entitled to receive a lump sum settlement. This settlement will be based upon any partial permanent disability caused by your injuries. If we cannot agree to a settlement with the attorney for the insurance company, then you will be entitled to an arbitration hearing and the possible entry of an arbitration award for partial permanent disability.
Statute Of Limitations
If you have completed your medical treatment and have returned to work, you still may be entitled to retain our law firm for the purposes of making a lump sum settlement. The time limit for filing your claim is three years from the date of your accident or two years from the date of the last payment of any workers’ compensation benefits, such as weekly TTD or the payment of a medical bill. If you still have time to file your claim, please contact our law offices immediately so that we may protect your very important right to a settlement.
Lost Wage Differential
If, after exhausting all forms of treatment, you are no longer able to perform your job and, as a result, must accept a lower-paying job, you may be entitled to what is known as a wage differential. This amount would equal two-thirds of the difference between the average gross weekly wage you could be earning, but for your accident and the wage, you are now able to earn. Weekly wage differential benefits may continue for life and settlements for a wage differential are based on present value and life expectancy tables.
Vocational Retraining
If your doctor has determined that you are unable to return to the type of work that you were doing before your injury, your employer could be responsible for paying for any retraining or re-schooling necessary for your return to a position consistent with your physical limitations. You also may be entitled to receive weekly lost wage benefits during the entire retraining period.
Permanent Total Disability
If, as a result of your workplace accident, you are permanently unable to return to your previous employment and unable to return to any gainful employment, you may be entitled to permanent total disability benefits. These benefits would be in the same amount as your TTD benefits, and they are payable for life. If you are permanently disabled, a lump sum settlement may be made on the basis of present value and life expectancy tables.
If your work injury was caused by a third party (someone other than your employer, such as an equipment manufacturer or contractor), you could also recover additional compensation for such damages as pain and suffering by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Us Today
Contact the workers’ compensation attorneys at Orzoff Law Offices in Northbrook or Chicago. Our lawyers will sit down with you and offer you experienced, common-sense legal advice about your claim. We offer Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian and Polish language legal services upon request. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 847-780-2356 or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with us.