Workers’ Comp Granite City, IL

Life is hard after a workplace injury in Granite City or Madison County. Yes, you’re likely in pain, but your life has also gotten much more complicated in a hurry. You have medical bills piling up, you’re missing work, and your injuries may force you to find a new career. Additionally, your employer may be fighting your workers’ comp claim and keeping you from obtaining the financial help you need.

Galanti, Patti, & Winterscheidt, P.C., can protect your rights during this difficult time and help you claim your rightful workers’ compensation benefits. Our workers’ compensation attorneys serving Granite City and Madison County know Illinois law inside out, as these cases are all we do. We’ve tried over 500 workers’ compensation cases since we opened our doors, so we know what it takes to win. We can also investigate to determine whether you qualify for additional compensation through a third-party personal injury claim. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Work-Related Injury in Granite City or Madison County

The Illinois workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already trying to recover from a severe injury. Your employer or the insurance companies might delay or deny your benefits, argue that your injury isn’t work-related, or push you to return to work before you’re ready. You might not even know whether you’re getting your full benefits. If someone other than your employer played a role in your injury—a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, negligent driver, etc.—you could be leaving money on the table by not exploring a personal injury claim.

At Galanti, Patti, & Winterscheidt, P.C., we’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders. We’ll guide you through the workers’ compensation process, collect your medical records, handle all the paperwork, and fight back if your employer denies your claim or tries to reduce your benefits. You deserve the full support the law allows, and we won’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you.

We also look beyond workers’ comp claims to help you recover additional compensation. If another party caused or contributed to your injury, we can pursue a personal injury claim on your behalf. That means seeking compensation for things workers’ comp doesn’t cover, such as your pain and suffering or emotional distress. Let us protect your rights and future while you focus on healing.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Granite City and Madison County?

The Illinois workers’ compensation system covers most employees in Granite City or Madison County, including part-time or seasonal workers. That means if you suffer a work-related injury, you probably have the right to benefits that cover your medical treatments, lost wages, and more. If you’re an eligible employer, you likely qualify for benefits as long as your injury happened either at your job or while you were performing your work-related duties.

Independent contractors generally don’t qualify for workers’ comp benefits. That said, employers sometimes misclassify workers as contractors (whether intentionally or by mistake) to avoid paying benefits. If you’re unsure about your classification, don’t take your employer’s word for it. A workers’ compensation attorney can review your situation and explain your rights.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Granite City and Madison County

Your workers’ comp benefits for an injury in Granite City or Madison County could include:

Medical Benefits – If your employer approves your workers’ comp claim, their insurance must cover all necessary medical treatment for your injury. This includes the cost of doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, prescription medication, physical therapy, and any equipment you need to recover. You won’t pay deductibles or co-pays.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – TTD benefits pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage if your injuries fully prevent you from working. These payments continue until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (meaning further treatments won’t meaningfully improve your condition.) The state limits these benefits, but the maximum amount changes annually to account for inflation.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – If you’re back at work but earning less due to light-duty restrictions, TPD pays two-thirds of the difference between your old wages and what you now make.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Maintenance – Workers’ comp may cover retraining or job placement help if you can’t return to your previous job.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – PPD benefits compensate you for lasting impairments that affect your physical abilities. The benefit amount depends on how severe your injury is and which part of your body was affected.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Finally, PTD benefits pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage for life if your injury prevents you from working ever again.

One last point: Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in Illinois. You don’t need to prove your employer or someone else caused your injury to claim your benefits. Talk to an attorney if your employer tries to deny your claim or reduce your benefits by arguing that you caused your injuries.

Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries

Common causes of workplace injuries in Granite City and Madison County include:

Slips, trips, and falls – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, loose rugs, or cluttered walkways can cause severe falls.
Overexertion – Lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects can strain workers’ muscles and cause back, shoulder, or joint injuries.
Repetitive motion – Doing the same motions every day, like typing or using tools, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or other soft-tissue injuries.
Falling objects – Tools, materials, or merchandise falling from shelves or scaffolding can cause head, neck, or back injuries.
Machinery accidents – Operating heavy equipment can lead to crush injuries, amputations, or lacerations.
Vehicle accidents – Workers who drive as part of their job can suffer injuries in car, truck, or forklift accidents.
Workplace violence – Assaults or altercations between employees or with customers can cause devastating physical injuries and intense emotional distress.
Exposure to harmful substances – Breathing in toxic chemicals or dust or coming into contact with hazardous materials can cause burns, rashes, or long-term health complications.
Electrical accidents – Faulty wiring and exposed cords can result in shocks, burns, or electrocution.
Fires and explosions – Improper storage or handling of flammable materials can lead to severe burns and other trauma if the materials ignite or explode.

Key Deadlines in Illinois Workers’ Compensation Cases

Here are the vital deadlines that apply in Illinois workers’ compensation cases:

Forty-five days – You must report your injury to your employer within 45 days to protect your workers’ comp benefits.
Three years – You must file a claim for workers’ comp benefits with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission within three years of your injury. Note that this is separate from your initial injury report.
Two years – If someone other than your employer caused your injury (a driver, contractor, equipment manufacturer, etc.), you must file a personal injury lawsuit against them within two years.

Compensation in Third-Party Injury Claims

You can file a third-party injury claim to seek compensation from someone who caused your injury, as long as it’s not your employer. You must prove fault to win a third-party injury claim, but these claims can compensate you for losses that workers’ comp benefits don’t cover, such as:

The full amount of your lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Damaged personal property

Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Serving Granite City and Madison County

Trust Galanti, Patti, & Winterscheidt, P.C., to champion your rights after a workplace injury in Granite City or Madison County. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

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To learn more from our lawyers about filing your workers’ compensation claim, contact our office in East Alton, Illinois, by calling 618-258-0420 or sending an email. We look forward to meeting you and advocating for you as you attempt to recover from a work accident injury and return to your job.

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We help injured workers protect their rights. Call us at 618-258-0420. Your email message receives our prompt attention. We offer discounts on our contingency fees to union members and military veterans.