Cicero, IL asked in Workers' Compensation for Illinois

Q: My husband is in the hospital with injuries - it's okay if I report it to

his boss and not him, right? Does that count as notifying them?

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: Yes, it does. It is even better if you notify them via email or some other way that lets you prove later that you told them about the injury. They need to know (a)he's injured, (b)the general nature of his injury, (c)when it happened and (d)how his injury is connected to his work.

A: It is impossible for me to know to whom the pronouns refer. You MUST notify a supervisor, owner, or HR about the injury within 45 days or the claim can be denied (even if it is already accepted). It is best to do this in writing or by email so that you have proof that you gave Notice.

For Illinois Workers' Compensation claims, you will ALWAYS cheat yourself if your do not hire experienced counsel. You will have someone to guide you through the process AND when it is time to settle, an attorney can add value to your case IN EXCESS of his fee. In the last few years, employers also seek to advance the argument that when you settle a case without an attorney, your already low settlement should be further reduced by 20% so that you do not get a “windfall.” Representing yourself in Illinois is a lose-lose proposition. When you are represented, you have fewer headaches AND you get more money. It really is a no-brainer.

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