Most Commonly Disputed Issues in Workers’ Compensation Cases
If you have been injured at work, you have the right to initiate a workers’ compensation claim. Some of the most common disputes to arise while pursuing such a claim are differences over when to return to work, the extent of the injury or disability, and prior injuries. An experienced Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer can help you overcome these disputes and receive the compensation you deserve.
Typical Disputes in Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims
- Returning to Work – While an employer will want you to return to work as soon as possible, it is best to wait until you are healed to do so. You may want to return to work, too — but doing so too early can endanger your health and damage your workers’ compensation claim. It is important to wait until you receive clearance from a doctor to return to work.
- Severity of the Injury – Calling the severity of your injury into question is a tactic that employers or their insurance company may use to try and reduce the amount of your benefits or settlement. This is just one reason why it is crucial to see a doctor immediately after the injury, and to continue to seek medical evaluations until you are fully healed.
- Prior Injuries – If your work-related injury was inflicted on a body part that had sustained an injury in the past, your employer or their insurance company may dispute whether there has been an aggravation of your old injury. Whether or not that is the case, a capable Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help you receive benefits, because you may be eligible for compensation even if your work-related injury is an aggravation of a previous injury.
- Whether the Injury is Work-Related – Your employer or their insurance company may allege that your injury is not related to the performance of your duties at work. There are cases when this may be true and you may still be able to collect Illinois workers’ compensation benefits, such as an injury that takes place a work-sponsored event for which attendance is compulsory or an injury suffered while travelling for work.
Consult an Experienced Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Rubens and Mulholland
Disputes are common in legal proceedings, making it essential to consult an Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer if you have been hurt on the job. Rubens and Mulholland is a Chicago law firm with a record of success in workers’ compensation cases, and we charge no fee unless you collect. For a free consultation, contact us online, call 312-201-9640, or toll-free at 866-890-9640.