Naperville Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Lawyers Fighting for Clients in Work Injury Claims in Naperville, Illinois

An injury suffered at work can deprive you of your livelihood, which can be a stressful situation for anyone to go through. Fortunately, you are most likely entitled to benefits through workers' compensation, which can help you avoid financial difficulties as you recover from your injuries. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we recognize the danger that comes with working in certain industries, and we know that there are some cases where employers or their insurers may attempt to avoid paying workers' compensation. Our attorneys are prepared to represent you, providing sound counsel and aggressive advocacy at every stage of your case.

What You Should Know About Workers' Compensation in Illinois

Employers are required to provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees, and this requirement is enforceable under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act. In fact, employers can be fined for every single day they neglect to provide adequate coverage for their employees. Roughly 91% of employees in the state of Illinois are entitled to workers' compensation, with very few exceptions. This coverage comes free with your employment, and the law prohibits employers from punishing those who file workers' compensation claims. Any injury or illness related to the work you have performed will be eligible for workers' compensation, no matter who was responsible.

Workers' compensation covers a wide variety of financial needs after an accident, and it is intended to help you get back on your feet and reach a place of stability. You can be compensated for:

• The cost of medical treatment for your illness or injury, including follow-up care such as physical therapy.
• Lost wages while you were recovering from your injury. Workers' compensation will cover a percentage of your income during the time you are away from work.
• Permanent disability benefits if your injury prevents you from working or otherwise impacts your future income. The specific amount you can receive will depend on the extent of your disabilities, and in cases involving total disability, you may receive workers' compensation disability benefits for the rest of your life.
• Survivor benefits that will be paid to loved ones in the event of a fatal workplace accident.

If you are not sure whether your injury is eligible for workers' compensation, you can consult with a legal professional at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC who can evaluate your case. Keep in mind that most, if not all employers in the state of Illinois must have workers' compensation coverage, and you most likely qualify for benefits even if you had not been informed about your rights.

The Exclusive Remedy Rule

Illinois has very flexible laws surrounding workers' compensation that allow employees to receive benefits without having to prove fault. The flip side of this flexibility means that if you receive workers' compensation, you will not be able to pursue a personal injury claim against your employer. This is known as the exclusive remedy rule.

There are notable exceptions to this rule, however. You might have grounds for a personal injury claim if your employer had no workers' compensation insurance or if they willfully allowed harm to come to you. You may also be able to pursue a third-party claim against other parties who were responsible for a workplace injury, such as outside contractors.

No matter the circumstances of your injury, our attorneys will examine your case to determine your best options for receiving compensation. At Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC, we want you to receive the maximum compensation you are owed. In addition to helping you file a workers' comp claim and addressing any issues that may affect the benefits you receive, we will identify any third parties who may be held responsible for your damages and work with you to pursue personal injury claims where appropriate.

Meet With a Naperville Workers' Compensation Lawyer

You may have concerns about what the future holds for you after a workplace injury or an occupational illness. A lawyer at Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC will make sure your best interests are protected during your workers' comp claim. We have experience handling high-profile workers' compensation cases, including a $2.4 million verdict for a construction worker who had been severely injured on a scissor lift. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Naperville attorneys at 630-364-2188 today.