Q: I hurt back at work reported it to boss. Went to doctor but used my insurance. Since I have also went to ER what do I do
Doctors X-rays said inflammation arthritis 2 days off work then 6 days back to work landed me in ER cat scan showed 2 bulging discs. Boss has told me take as much time as needed and he can always find something for me to do at work. I have given my personal insurance for doctors and Er visits, not sure of what to do
A:
This is why you need an experienced Workers' Compensation attorney. You are entitled to be paid for every day you cannot work due to your injury or you earn less money because of restrictions. Back injuries are among the most debilitating. No matter what your boss says, if you need surgery and then are released with permanent restrictions, the fact is that your boss will need to hire someone to do the job that you were hired to do. There are no guarantees of job security with Workers' Compensation. The only guarantee (IN ADDITION TO YOUR MEDICAL CARE) is income, as long as necessary and assistance finding a new job.
NONE of these benefits is possible unless your doctor is willing and able to state that the mechanism of injury which you described to him (e.g. "I slipped on a greasy step and caught myself with the handrail as I began to fall.") was actually responsible for your injury AND that fact is memorialized, early on. It is nice to be assured by your boss but this injury could end up costing hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. Your boss isn't going to pay a penny towards that, it will be paid by Workers' Compensation. You need an attorney.
For Illinois Workers' Compensation claims, you will ALWAYS cheat yourself if you 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.
You can find an experienced Workers' Compensation attorney here on JUSTIA. Attorneys on JUSTIA want to help you but we are not permitted to solicit your business. You must contact us. Talk to more than one attorney and don't be pressured. Try to assure yourself that the attorney you hire will actually be accessible to answer your questions AFTER you hire him. You can email us at cjc@candiano.pro or call us at 312-465-2914. Consultations are without charge or obligation of any kind.
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