Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County

Mt. Vernon Workers’ Compensation Attorney - Jefferson County

As a worker, you expect your employer to take appropriate measures to create a safe environment. When you are hurt in a workplace accident, you lose not only this essential sense of security but also your financial stability. While you are out of work recovering, your expenses can pile up. You may worry about being able to provide for yourself and your family.

At Galanti, Patti & Winterscheidt, P.C., we understand the challenges injured Illinois workers face when hurt on the job. Our dedicated legal team prides itself on helping injured workers find the resources and benefits they deserve and advocating for them throughout the workers’ compensation process.

You have legal rights as an employee injured on the job. Let us help you understand those rights and fight on your behalf to access the benefits you deserve. Contact our office today to request a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Mt. Vernon and throughout Jefferson County, Illinois.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

At its core, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation system is a no-fault insurance system providing benefits to employees injured at work, regardless of how their injury occurred or who caused it. The program also covers employees diagnosed with occupational illnesses or diseases. The workers’ compensation system benefits both employers and employees. Injured employees can access benefits that cover their medical expenses and a portion of their lost wages, while employers are protected against personal injury lawsuits.

Illinois law requires nearly every employer to carry workers’ comp insurance. Suppose you get hurt at work while on the clock. You may apply for workers’ compensation benefits to help you manage your medical bills and cover some of your lost wages. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may also be eligible to receive other disability benefits while you recover.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Illinois

Most workers hurt on the job can apply for workers’ compensation benefits that cover their work-related medical expenses and a percentage of their lost income. However, the workers’ comp program also provides other benefits depending on the severity of your work-related injury. Benefits you may be entitled to receive can include:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – You may be eligible for temporary total disability benefits if you’re temporarily unable to work or your employee can’t offer you a lighter-duty role. You may receive these benefits until you return to work or achieve maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning a medical professional deems your condition or injury has stabilized and additional functional improvement is unlikely, even with further medical treatment or rehabilitation. The weekly payments are two thirds of your average weekly wages, although state-mandated minimums and maximums apply.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – If you can work during your recovery, but only in a part-time or light-duty role, you may be eligible for temporary partial disability benefits. Payment amounts are two thirds of the difference between your current wages and your pre-injury wages, again accounting for state-mandated limits. You may receive these payments until you reach MMI or return to your full-time work.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Permanent total disability benefits may be issued if you were diagnosed with an injury or illness that prevents you from returning to work in any capacity after a work-related injury. In most cases, PTD benefits can only be awarded when you suffer the permanent and complete loss of both hands, feet, legs, eyes, or a combination of any two parts. You may also be eligible for benefits if you have disabilities that leave you permanently unable to do any work in any industry. Your weekly benefits will amount to two thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to the state’s minimum and maximum limits.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Permanent partial disability payments are more common than permanent total disability benefits. You may be eligible if you have significant injuries that limit your ability to earn an income. Complete or partial amputation of a body part, disfigurement, or loss of range of motion can leave you unable to perform the same work-related activities as you did before the accident. You cannot secure PPD payments until you reach MMI. Illinois calculates PPD benefits based on wage differential, the specific body part impairment, percentage of loss, and degree of disfigurement.
Vocational Rehabilitation – If you can’t return to your pre-injury job, you may be entitled to vocational rehab benefits. This requires your employer to pay for your job search and retraining so you can find a new line of work your injuries allow you to perform.
Death Benefits – If an individual dies following a work-related accident, injury, or illness, their surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits through the Illinois workers’ comp program.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident

Your actions following a work-related accident and the time it takes you to report the incident can dramatically impact your workers’ compensation claim. Understanding the steps you must take after a workplace accident can help put you in the best position to seek the benefits you deserve:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Seek medical attention for your workplace injury as soon as possible. If the injury is catastrophic, go to the emergency room or the nearest hospital for help. For less severe injuries, you may need to check and see if your employer has a Preferred Provider Program (PPP). PPP options allow your employer to select a pre-approved list of physicians from which injured employees can seek treatment. However, most workers injured on the job can choose the medical provider of their choice. Note that there may be some limitations on specific doctors or specialist visits.
Report the Injury as Soon as Possible – Report the injury to your supervisor, manager, or workplace immediately. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act requires employees to report work-related accidents within 45 days of the incident, but doing so right away will help the process go more smoothly.
Document the Scene – If possible, document the scene as thoroughly as you can. Take pictures and videos of your injuries and the accident scene, including pictures of faulty machinery, spills, or tripping hazards. Write down the date, time, and details of the incident and the names of any witnesses to the event.
Speak with an Attorney – Seek help from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can oversee your claim and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Follow Up with Your Employer – You or your attorney may need to follow up with your employer to ensure they submit your workers’ compensation claim paperwork.
Document Your Losses – Keep detailed records of your medical bills and all accident-related expenses.
Avoid Social Media – Avoid posting anything on social media platforms until your attorney resolves your claim.

Contact a Mt. Vernon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Help Today

At Galanti, Patti & Winterscheidt, P.C., our workers’ compensation attorneys dedicate themselves to helping you access the benefits you deserve following a workplace accident. We have an outstanding track record of helping workers in Mt. Vernon and throughout Jefferson County exercise their legal rights. Contact our office today and set up a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options for seeking benefits after a workplace injury.

Directions to Our Office

From the North:

Take IL-3 South towards East Alton
Turn left onto E Airline Dr
Turn right onto S Bellwood Dr
Destination will be on the left

From the South:

Take IL-3 North towards East Alton
Turn right onto E Airline Dr
Turn right onto S Bellwood Dr
Destination will be on the left

From the East:

Take I-270 West
Take exit 7 for IL-3 towards Wood River
Merge onto IL-3 North
Turn right onto E Airline Dr
Turn right onto S Bellwood Dr
Destination will be on the left

From the West:

Take IL-140 East towards East Alton
Turn right onto IL-3 South
Turn left onto E Airline Dr
Turn right onto S Bellwood Dr
Destination will be on the left

Areas Served

Schedule Your Meeting Now

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.

YOUR PREMIER ILLINOIS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FIRM

Schedule A Free Consultation

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.