Workplace accidents can happen to anyone. Unexpected injuries or illnesses can have devastating short-term and long-term consequences. The Illinois workers’ compensation system is designed to allow employees to recover a portion of their lost wages and medical expenses incurred as a result of a work-related injury. Promptly filing one’s claim for benefits can help expedite the payment of benefits. It is important that you correctly handle your claim to make sure that you receive the benefits to which you may be entitled. Retaining an experienced attorney can help ensure that your claim is filed and handled properly. Damon Young is a Peoria workers’ compensation lawyer who has been representing clients since 2003. He also assists injured workers in Bloomington and other areas of Central Illinois. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Attorney filing workers’ compensation claims for Central Illinois residents
If you have been injured on the job then you may file a claim through Illinois’ workers’ compensation system. To be eligible for benefits, you must have been injured in the course of your employment or developed an illness related to your workplace. You must inform your employer about the incident, either orally or in writing, typically within forty-five days after the accident. Your employer will report the incident to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. In most instances, you will have up to two years in which you may file a claim for benefits. Some employees may not need to file a claim if their employer is voluntarily paying their benefits through their workers’ comp insurer. An employer’s voluntary payment does not, however, preclude them from stopping the payments or denying liability later. Filing a workers’ comp claim will preserve one’s legal right to receive compensation in the future. Missing the filing deadline normally prevents any claims from being made related to the same injury.
Once a claim is filed, the Commission will appoint an arbitrator to handle the case. At the initial hearing, it is the employee’s responsibility to prove that they are eligible for benefits. Information about the date, location, and nature of the injury as well as records of employment and medical exams may be relevant. If the employer does not dispute the claim, it will typically proceed with the arbitrator conducting status update calls every three months while the case is pending. If the employer disputes the claim at any time or if the employee believes they are not receiving appropriate benefit payments, the parties may request a trial. The initial hearing and any required trial will include the presentation of evidence and the calling of witnesses. This process can be highly complicated and it is important that you retain an experienced lawyer to assist you.
Damon Young is a Peoria workers’ compensation attorney who is experienced in filing claims in Illinois. Once retained, Damon will prepare the necessary documentation on your behalf within the required deadlines. He will work with the arbitrator and your employer’s counsel to identify any potential disputes about the injury or benefits to be paid. Damon will represent you through the entire process and will ensure that your rights are protected throughout. He has significant arbitration and litigation experience and will not hesitate to request a trial should one become necessary to preserve your rights. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and we are ready to assist you. Contact our office today.
Peoria attorney assisting with workers’ compensation matters
Damon understands that the legal process can become complicated. His workers’ comp clients can rely on him to create an action plan for their case. He will prepare and monitor all filings, potential disputes, and requests for a trial that may arise during the case. Damon is prepared to handle the complexities of the process on his clients’ behalf. These include filing claims to recover lost wages, medical expenses, and disability payments as well as preparing for and handling all related litigation. If you need assistance, contact our office to speak with a lawyer.
In addition to Peoria, our attorney also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
