What Does A Workers’ Comp Attorney Do?

Sustaining a workplace injury can lead to significant financial setbacks for individuals. Even though workplace injury victims should be able to recover compensation for their losses, claims are often complicated by aggressive insurance carriers or employers. Here, we want to examine what a workers’ compensation attorney in Illinois actually does to help your case move in the right direction so you can secure the compensation you need.

The Role of a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Anytime a person sustains a work-related injury, they should be able to receive compensation through the workers’ comp system in Illinois. However, there are times when employers or insurance carriers regularly deny work injury claims, even if they are legitimate. This can leave an injured worker facing major expenses, lost wages, and a complex system of appeals. It is not uncommon for workplace injury victims to simply give up at this point, but that should not be what happens.

A skilled workers’ compensation attorney in Illinois will allow a person to have a much better chance of obtaining the benefits they are entitled to. A lawyer will handle every aspect of the claim on behalf of their clan if they take the case, and this will include supporting their client, handling all communication with other parties, handling negotiations, and representing the worker at hearings. 

One of the most important roles a workers’ compensation attorney will play is that of an investigator. An attorney will know that one of the most common reasons that a workers’ compensation claim is denied is due to a lack of medical evidence. Even if a claim is approved, individuals are more likely to receive full compensation if they have strong medical evidence that supports their injury claim. An attorney will help develop the case by:

• Gathering medical records
• Recommending or arranging treatment with various doctors 
• Obtaining medical opinions from the treating physician and through independent medical examinations
• Representing individuals if they are required to appear for questioning through depositions
• Conducting depositions of medical experts 

There are various types of evidence that an attorney may turn to to help bolster the case, including working with testimony from others. This can include testimony from vocational experts about a person’s job requirements, statements from friends or family members about a person’s daily activities, and evidence showing an employer’s history of workplace safety concerns or lack of training.

Importantly, an attorney will thoroughly immerse themselves in negotiations. Often, an initial workers’ compensation claim denial is solved through a negotiated settlement with the insurance carrier. These negotiations can be tough, and the agents for the insurance carrier are trained to limit how much money they payout in these situations. An attorney will thoroughly explain the extent of your injuries and your resulting limitations, lay out the evidence, and fully prepare the claim for every part of the appeals process.

Contact a Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

If you or somebody you care about has sustained a workplace injury but are having trouble recovering the compensation you are entitled to, we encourage you to speak to a skilled Chicago workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. These claims can become immensely complicated, but an attorney will walk you through the entire process and ensure that you are not alone.