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4 Important Steps You Need to Take if You're Injured on the Job

Studies show that more than 4 million individuals are injured at work or suffer from an occupational illness each year in the United States. If you have suffered from a work-related injury, then consider these important steps you may need to take when injured on the job.

1. Notify Your Employer

The first thing you’ll need to do after suffering a work-related injury is to notify your employer of the incident. As a good rule of thumb, outline your injuries in writing to ensure that your supervisor cannot deny that you reported the event. Avoid having your worker’s compensation claim denied by reporting your injury within 30 days of the incident.

2. Seek Medical Attention

After you have notified your employer of the accident, you’ll need to have your injuries assessed and treated by a physician. Check with your employee benefits ahead of time for a listing of medical providers within your network. It is important that you inform your physician of your accidental injury on the first medical visit. It is also important to have your physician provide you with copies of your medical records, including the diagnosis, prescribed medications, and projected treatment plan, so that you can submit this information to support your claim.

3. Gather Your Paperwork

Once you have been seen by a medical physician, it’s time to organize all of the documents and paperwork you have regarding the accident. This includes medical paperwork, injury photos, and the initial employer notification form.

4. Hire a Worker Injury Attorney

Filing a worker’s compensation claim can be a difficult process; take some of the stress off of yourself by hiring a work injury lawyer. Worker’s compensation law firms can help you file the claim, determine company liability, and defend your right to personal injury benefits.

When you’ve been injured on the job, the last thing on your mind is negotiating with your employer for worker’s compensation benefits. Let our work injury attorneys with the Santilli Law Group defend your case and help you get back to your daily life. For more information on medical malpractice law and other practice areas, call (888)319-6979 today.

A Guide to Understanding the Current State of Illinois Workers Compensation Reform

Earlier last month, the Illinois House sent the governor a revised workers’ compensation bill, a piece of legislation which mandates the way cases between employers and injured workers are settled, and it was passed.

In the interest of helping our clients to better understand how this reform affects them, we’ve provided a brief summary of the changes made on June 1, 2011:

• The definition of “accident/injury” is now more limited—employees must now go further to prove that their injury has been caused by a work-related incident.
• In cases in which an injury prevents workers from returning to their jobs, compensation is capped at five years from the date of the award.
• The new bill specifically addresses workers pursuing compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, a common complaint made by employees. Workers making a claim for this injury must provide convincing evidence in order to get (at most) 190 weeks of compensation.
• Permanent partial disability is now determined using American Medical Association guidelines and is further specified by the occupation of the worker, their age, their future earning capacity, and any medical records relating to the injury.
• Workers must now carry the burden of proving any variance in the quality or level of care they receive, should their employer refuse or deny treatment recommended by a medical professional.
• Workers who are under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substances at the time of their injury will be subject to testing and higher levels of scrutiny.
• The reform plan is purported to save businesses approximately half a billion dollars per year by cutting 30% of the fees paid to medical practitioners and hospitals that treat injured workers.

Proponents of the Workers’ Compensation Reform have claimed that the new bill prevents fraud and abuse of the system—others have said that it does so at the expense of employees. Either way, these changes make it absolutely necessary for a worker to hire an attorney as soon as they are injured to ensure that they get fairly compensated for their legitimate claim. Should you be hurt on the job, call Santilli Law Group at (88)319-6979—our legal team will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.

What You Can Expect From Your Doctor During Recovery From a Work-Related Injury

If you have been injured on the job, then one of the first things you’ll need to do is schedule a medical examination with a licensed physician. It is important that you inform your physician of your injury on the first medical visit. Before you contact your insurance company for a listing of medical providers covered under your workers compensation benefits, consider this overview on what you can expect from your doctor during recovery from a work-related injury.

Physical Examination and Testing

The first thing your doctor will most likely do is perform a physical examination of your injuries. Wounds or conditions that are not outwardly visible may be diagnosed through the use of several radiological examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Short-Term Injuries vs. Long-Term Injuries

Once your physician has diagnosed your injury or illness, he or she will outline a variety of treatment options to fit your needs. Treatment methods will vary depending on whether or not your condition is considered a short-term or long-term injury. For example, many short-term injuries can be treated using prescription medication or general medicine, whereas long-term injuries may also require physical therapy, occupational rehabilitation, and durable medical equipment in addition to prescription medicines.

Medical Documentation

It is crucial to have your physician provide you with ample documentation regarding what was done during the physical examination, diagnostic testing and results, prescription medications, and a projected treatment plan. This information is not only required by your employer in order to file a worker’s compensation or personal injury claim, but it will also be necessary in the event your claim is denied and the case is taken to court.

Our work injury attorneys with the Santilli Law Group have represented hundreds of individuals and families struggling with worker’s compensation claims. Let our worker’s compensation lawyers help you get the compensation and benefits you’re entitled to—after all, personal injury cases are our specialty. Give us a call today at (888) 319-6979.

Illinois Workers' Compensation Reform 2011

Illinois lawmakers have recently passed a worker's compensation bill. The reform includes many important changes that will affect injured workers. Please click the link below to learn more.

http://www.wcla.info/MCLE/mcle_certs.htm

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The Santilli Law Group specializes in Worker's Compensation Law, Catastrophic Injury, Medical Malpractice, Uninsured Motorist Claims and Employment Law. We have a dedicated group of lawyers who are committed to winning the maximum settlement for your worker's compensation claims and employment lawsuits. Contact us today at 888-319-6979 for a FREE consultation.