Workers’ compensation is not just another cost organizations pay to keep their doors open—it’s a mandatory policy designed to protect workers or employees from the aftermath of on-job injuries or illnesses. However, the question is, what are the odds of winning a workers’ comp case? Before getting into the nitty-gritty of workers’ compensation, here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your claim.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation, sometimes known as “workers comp,” is a federally required program that pays benefits to employees suffering from a work-related injury. The process functions as a kind of worker’s disability insurance scheme, offering monetary compensation, healthcare benefits, or a combination of the two, managed by State Government Agencies under The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)—which varies substantially from state to state.
How Does the Compensation Program Works in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, anyone with a payroll of more than $1,000 per year in Illinois must have workers’ compensation insurance coverage without organizations charging an employee for some or all of the costs associated with a workers’ compensation premium.
Moreover, employers are prohibited from firing, harassing, refusing to rehire, or discriminating in any other manner against an employee who uses their legal rights in the course of their employment. If the employee is penalized or dismissed for any other reason, the employee is still protected under the law. Finally, both the state and federal governments do not impose any taxes on benefits earned from workers’ compensation insurance policies.
How to Improve the Odds of Winning a Workers’ Comp Case
If you are a worker who has been injured on the job, wondering whether or not you are eligible for workers’ compensation, you are not alone. Every year, thousands of American file workers’ comp claims; however, up to 25 percent of these claims are denied on the first round of appeals.
Mostly, these rejections aren’t even warranted. Instead, the insurers just send them along in the hopes that the claimant would notice the denial and give up. So, how can you improve the odds of winning a workers’ compensation case? This section will tell you all you need to know.
Document Anything and Everything
First things first, if you want to win a workers’ compensation claim, you must record anything and everything. Start by notifying your employer about the injury within 30 days and obtain legal advice from an attorney if you are unsure about the laws in your state. However, whenever you report an accident, provide all of the specifics about what caused the injury. It’s also good to organize your documents since some doctors’ offices and insurance companies will log your phone conversations.
Join Hands with an Experienced Attorney
Believe it or not, working with a worker’s compensation attorney will boost your likelihood of success in a lawsuit. In addition, no one except for an attorney will be able to clearly explain what you need to accomplish and what the most effective plan for YOUR case is. Finally, you cannot submit a claim on your own. A workers’ compensation attorney in Illinois can provide you with all of the information and assistance you might need to deal with the insurance company later on.
Pay Attention to Disability and Impairment Scale
Understanding the distinction between disabilities and impairments is essential when claiming workers’ compensation. In the workplace, disabilities are defined as limitations on a worker’s capacity to do job-related duties. At the same time, impairments are changes in the way the body operates due to an accident or sickness, and they may be either physical or mental.
- Permanent Impairment: You’ve reached the maximum medical improvement (MMI) and are not expected to recover within a year.
- Temporary Impairment: You haven’t reached the medical improvement, and your temporary injuries or illnesses will heal over time.
If you suffer from a work-related injury or illness, the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) in your state will provide a degree of disability number from the predesigned scale. This percentage indicates the level of injury or illness to determine the amount of workers’ compensation you’re eligible to.
- Temporary Total Disability
- Temporary Partial Disabilities
- Permanent Partial Disability
- Permanent Total Disability
Terms used by doctors:
- Mild (25% Disabled)
- Moderate (50% Disabled)
- Marked (67% Disabled)
- Total (100% Disabled)
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Adjusters
An insurance adjuster will almost certainly want a detailed statement on how the work-related injury or illness occurred in the first place. Later, this recorded statement will then be used to identify inconsistencies and reduce the amount of compensation awarded. Therefore, the best course of action is to seek the opinion of an experienced attorney who can advise you on how to negotiate with the insurance company and get your deserved compensation.
The Final Cut
Every year, thousands of people are adversely affected at their place of employment; however, unfortunately, only a small number of individuals successfully claim worker’s compensation. When it comes to processing compensation disputes, the hurdles are never-ending—and this is where an experienced attorney comes in. From documenting the scene to negotiating with the insurance adjusters, these professionals can take care of anything and everything.
Ready to improve the odds of winning a workers’ comp case? We at Win Injury Network will be more than happy to assist you.
Win Workers’ Compensation with WIN Injury Network
If your injuries are clearly work-related, demand extensive medical treatment, and have resulted in a temporary or permanent disability, search no further. With years of experience in the industry, we understand how complicated it can be to claim workers’ compensation; therefore, our compassionate lawyers have the experience and knowledge to get your life back.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.