When Do I Need an Attorney in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

 Posted on April 14, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation insurance exists to ensure that people who are injured on the job do not have to suffer financially during recovery. However, not all cases are black and white, and unfortunately, employers sometimes take advantage of their employees to diminish their responsibility. This is why knowing your rights is key. If you have questions about your ability to receive or continue receiving workers’ comp insurance payments after a workplace injury, an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can explain your rights and help you navigate the legal options available to you.

Does Every Workers’ Compensation Case Require an Attorney?

Not every work injury requires assistance from a legal representative. Sometimes, you can apply for and receive workers’ comp benefits without struggle. That may be true if your injury was minor, your employer is cooperative and admits that the injury occurred at work, or you missed very few work days because of the injury. Even if your situation is seemingly open and shut, it never hurts to reach out to a lawyer for a free consultation.

When Is an Attorney Necessary for a Workers’ Comp Claim?

If anything could potentially complicate your claim, speaking to an attorney as soon as possible is the best course of action. Any of the following would be a clear reason to seek legal advice:

• Your employer offers a settlement that does not cover all your monetary losses, such as medical bills and lost wages

• Your employer unjustifiably denies your claim or does not promptly pay your benefits

• Your injuries resulted from employer misconduct or third-party negligence

• You need to apply for Social Security benefits because of your injuries

• Your injuries limit your ability to return to the job you had before or keep you from working entirely

• Your employer retaliates against you after you file a workers’ comp claim

In general, if your injury could result in a heavy financial burden for you or your employer, you should seek legal counsel to ensure that no one either blatantly or discreetly tries to undermine your right to compensation under Illinois law.

What Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Do for You?

A skilled attorney with experience in workers’ compensation cases will complete all the necessary forms within the mandated deadlines, ensuring there are no mistakes that could delay your compensation. With legal representation, you will receive a proper evaluation by a trusted healthcare professional while your attorney carefully investigates the accident to ensure you know exactly what your case is worth. You do not have to handle negotiations and sometimes combative insurance companies or uncooperative employers alone.

Contact a Joliet, IL Workers’ Comp Attorney for a Free Consultation

Fast action is a key strategy in workers’ compensation cases. With each passing day, evidence can disappear, and testimonies can become less useful. If you suffered an injury on the job and have questions about your right to compensation, our Will County, IL workers’ compensation lawyers at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC have secured millions of dollars in verdicts for our clients. We understand the laws that apply to these cases and are here to help. Call 815-730-1977 today to schedule your free consultation with the most diverse firm in the county.