Workers' Compensation

The personal injury attorneys at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC help injured workers in Chicago and the surrounding areas receive workers' compensation benefits for their workplace injury. If you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to receive benefits through the Illinois Workers' Compensation system. Obtaining those benefits is not a simple matter, however, and legal assistance and representation is often required.

Why You Need a Lawyer

As the injured worker, it is up to you to prove your eligibility to receive benefits, including proof that the accident occurred in the course of employment and caused your injuries. Still, your employer may dispute the extent of your disability or the necessity of your medical bills, or you may disagree over how much you should receive in wage replacement benefits. These disputes are resolved at a trial held by an arbitrator, which requires you to know Illinois law, rules of evidence, precedents set in previous workers' compensation cases, and the rules for practicing before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Further, the decision of the arbitrator may be appealed to a three-member panel of Commissioners and even into circuit court, appellate court, and the Illinois Supreme Court.

Whether negotiating a compromise settlement or litigating the case, being represented by an experienced workers' compensation attorney is critical to winning your case and receiving a fair amount of benefits. Also, workers' compensation may not be the only source of compensation available for your workplace injury. There are many instances where a negligent third party or maker of a defective product is responsible for causing your injuries, in which case you will want to pursue a civil action as well as workers' compensation benefits in order to receive the maximum money damages available.

Notify Your Employer and Contact a Workers' Compensation Lawyer

You must notify your employer promptly following an accident, occupational illness or injury. In most cases, you have 45 days in which to file notice, or you may lose your right to benefits. Also, the sooner you file for benefits, the sooner you can begin to receive them. Contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney as soon as possible to make sure your rights are preserved and that you are positioned to receive the best workers' compensation award possible. In Chicago, contact Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC for a free consultation.